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Chicken Zucchini Poppers

Chicken Zucchini Poppers

Crunchy and flavorful Chicken Zucchini Poppers combine lean ground chicken, fresh zucchini, and savory seasonings into bite-sized snacks perfect for parties, kids, or a healthy treat. Ready in under 30 minutes, these poppers have a satisfying crispy exterior and tender interior, offering a balanced and nutritious snack everyone will love.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings (approximately 20 poppers) 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1 medium zucchini, grated and excess moisture squeezed out
  • 1 cup bread crumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 large egg, beaten

For Cooking

  • 2 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Zucchini: Grate the zucchini and place it in a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze firmly to remove excess moisture, which helps prevent soggy poppers and ensures a crispy final texture.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the ground chicken, grated zucchini, bread crumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and beaten egg. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  3. Shape the Poppers: Scoop small portions of the mixture and form bite-sized balls or oval-shaped poppers. Use your hands for best results, keeping the sizes even to ensure uniform cooking.
  4. Cook the Poppers: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat or preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If frying, cook the poppers for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. For baking, place them on a parchment-lined sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway to achieve even crispiness.
  5. Serve Warm: Let the Chicken Zucchini Poppers cool slightly and serve with your favorite dipping sauce or garnishes. They are best enjoyed warm and crunchy!

Notes

  • Dry the zucchini well to prevent sogginess and promote crunchiness.
  • Make poppers roughly the same size for even cooking every time.
  • Don’t overmix the ingredients to keep poppers tender and not compacted.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better flavor and melting.
  • Opt for oven-baking for a healthier, less oily option.
  • Try different dipping sauces like sriracha mayo, ranch, or tzatziki for variety.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5 poppers
  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 290 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg

Keywords: chicken poppers, zucchini snacks, healthy appetizers, gluten-free snack, kid-friendly snack, low-calorie bites