Introduction

These high protein chicken zucchini poppers are a delicious and healthy snack or meal option. Packed with lean ground chicken and fresh zucchini, they are easy to prepare and bake to golden perfection. Enjoy a flavorful and satisfying bite that’s both nutritious and convenient.

A white plate holds nine golden brown patties with a slightly crispy texture, speckled with green bits of herbs or vegetables, arranged in a circle around a small white bowl of pale green sauce with visible herb flecks, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb (450g) ground chicken breast
1 medium zucchini, grated and excess moisture squeezed out
1/2 cup low-fat shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup almond flour or whole wheat breadcrumbs (for binding)
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning or mixed herbs
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Olive oil spray or 1-2 tbsp olive oil for cooking

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated zucchini (make sure to squeeze out the moisture), shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, almond flour or breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until well combined.
Step 3: Shape the mixture into small balls or patties, about the size of a popper, and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Lightly spray or brush the poppers with olive oil to help them brown and develop a golden crust.
Step 5: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the poppers are golden brown with melted cheese.
Step 6: Optional: For extra crispiness, switch to the broiler and cook the poppers for 1-2 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
Step 7: Let the poppers cool for a minute before serving. Enjoy them warm with your favorite dip like marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or spicy aioli.

Tips & Variations

Squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the zucchini to prevent sogginess in the poppers.
Substitute ground turkey for chicken if preferred; it works just as well.
Use nutritional yeast or plant-based cheese alternatives for a dairy-free version.
Whole wheat breadcrumbs or gluten-free breadcrumbs work as alternatives to almond flour.
Use a cookie scoop to form uniform poppers for even cooking.

Storage

Store leftover poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. You can also freeze uncooked poppers by arranging them on a baking sheet, freezing until firm, then transferring to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How to Serve

A white plate shows nine golden-brown patties with green herb pieces mixed inside, arranged in a circle around a small white bowl filled with a light green, creamy sauce that has small herb bits. The patties have a slightly crispy texture on top and a moist, chunky inside. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey makes a great substitute for ground chicken, offering a similar texture and flavor for a lean and tasty option.

What Can I Do if My Mixture is Too Wet?

If the mixture feels too wet, add more almond flour or breadcrumbs to help bind it better. Make sure to thoroughly squeeze out moisture from the zucchini before mixing to avoid excess liquid.