Chicken Zucchini Poppers are a cozy, family-friendly treat that’s simple to make and utterly delicious. These little bites are packed with tender chicken and fresh zucchini, making them a great way to sneak in some veggies. They’re perfect as a snack, appetizer, or light meal, and kids love their crispy, golden exterior. Warm them up for a comforting after-school snack or serve them at your next family gathering!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This dish is a winner for busy families. The ingredients are straightforward and easy to find, making prep a breeze. You’ll love how quickly these poppers come together. They are not only tasty but also versatile, so you can enjoy them anytime. Plus, kids and adults alike will appreciate how fun they are to eat!
How to Make Chicken Zucchini Poppers
Making these poppers is simple and quite enjoyable! Start by mixing together your ingredients in a bowl, then shape the mixture into small balls or patties. After that, you can cook them until they’re crispy and golden. It’s a straightforward process that yields tasty results every time.
What You Need
Ingredients for Chicken Zucchini Poppers
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 medium zucchini, grated
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Olive oil for frying
Step-by-Step
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated zucchini, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and fresh parsley.
- Mix everything together until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into small balls or patties, about 1 inch in diameter.
- In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook the poppers in batches for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the skillet and place on paper towels to absorb any excess oil before serving.
How to Serve Chicken Zucchini Poppers
These poppers are delicious on their own but can be even better with some dipping sauces. Serve them with marinara or a creamy ranch dip. For a complete meal, pair them with a side salad or steamed veggies. They make for a fun party snack or a light lunch, too!
How to Store Chicken Zucchini Poppers
To keep leftovers fresh, store the poppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them! Just let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven or skillet until warmed through.
Recipe Tips
- Make them smaller for bite-sized snacks, perfect for kids.
- To keep the poppers moist, don’t overcook them.
- Experiment with different cheeses for extra flavor, like mozzarella or feta.
- You can bake them instead of frying. Simply place them on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes.
- Make sure to squeeze moisture out of the grated zucchini to avoid sogginess.
Variations & Swaps
- Use ground turkey instead of chicken for a leaner option.
- Add some shredded carrots to the mixture for added sweetness and color.
- For a spicy kick, mix in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Switch to gluten-free breadcrumbs to cater to dietary needs.
- Consider adding chopped spinach or kale for extra nutrients.
FAQs
Can I make these poppers ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture and shape the poppers a day in advance. Just store them in the fridge and cook them right before serving. This makes it easy to have a delicious snack or appetizer ready when you need it.
Can I freeze Chicken Zucchini Poppers?
Absolutely! Once cooked, let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy them.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
For the best texture, reheat these in the oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use a skillet over medium heat with a little oil for a crispy finish.
What can I substitute for ground chicken?
You can use ground turkey, ground beef, or even shredded rotisserie chicken if you’re in a pinch. Each option will slightly change the flavor and texture but will still yield tasty poppers.
How can I avoid mistakes while making these?
Make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the zucchini before mixing it in to prevent sogginess. Also, don’t skip the breadcrumbs, as they help hold the mixture together. If the mixture feels too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs to achieve the right consistency.
Chicken Zucchini Poppers
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 medium zucchini, grated Squeeze excess moisture out before mixing.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs Can use gluten-free breadcrumbs for dietary needs.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Experiment with different cheeses for variety.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- to taste Olive oil for frying Can bake instead of frying if desired.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated zucchini, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and fresh parsley.
- Mix everything together until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into small balls or patties, about 1 inch in diameter.
Cooking
- In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook the poppers in batches for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the skillet and place on paper towels to absorb any excess oil before serving.
