Description
Savory chicken zucchini poppers combine lean protein with garden-fresh vegetables for a delightful appetizer. Tangy cilantro sauce provides cool, zesty contrast, ensuring each bite delivers maximum flavor and satisfaction for hungry guests.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) ground chicken
- 1–2 medium zucchini squash
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh chives, chopped
- 0.5 teaspoon (2.5 g) kosher salt
- 0.25 teaspoon (1.25 g) fresh black pepper
- 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 ml) cooking oil
- 1 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 small garlic clove
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon (15 g) cottage cheese
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) distilled white vinegar
Instructions
- Sauce Preparation: Blend cilantro, garlic, mayonnaise, cottage cheese, and vinegar in a food processor until velvety smooth. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to intensify flavors, then season with salt and pepper for a balanced taste profile.
- Zucchini Processing: Grate zucchini using a box grater, spread on paper towels, sprinkle with salt, and gently press to eliminate excess moisture, ensuring a crisp popper texture.
- Mixture Formation: In a large mixing bowl, combine drained zucchini, ground chicken, minced garlic, chopped chives, salt, and black pepper. Knead ingredients thoroughly and shape into 6 uniform patties.
- Cooking Technique: Preheat skillet over medium heat with a light oil coating. Sear patties for 4 minutes per side until golden-brown and cooked through. Transfer to 350°F oven for 2 additional minutes if needed to guarantee complete cooking.
- Serving Presentation: Plate warm poppers alongside cilantro sauce, allowing diners to drizzle or dip as preferred. Serve immediately to maintain optimal crispness and temperature.
Notes
- Moisture Management: Remove excess water from zucchini by salting and pressing gently to prevent soggy poppers.
- Flavor Balancing: Mix ground chicken with herbs and seasonings thoroughly to distribute taste evenly throughout patties.
- Cooking Precision: Use medium heat and monitor patties closely to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning.
- Sauce Preparation Tip: Refrigerate cilantro sauce for 30 minutes to enhance flavor melding and achieve optimal consistency.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg