These High Protein Chicken Zucchini Poppers are a fun and tasty treat! They’re made with ground chicken and fresh zucchini, making them both healthy and delicious.
I love how easy they are to make; just mix, shape, and bake! They’re perfect for a snack or a light meal, and you can dip them in your favorite sauce. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: Using ground chicken breast keeps the poppers lean and high in protein. If you prefer darker meat, ground chicken thighs can add a richer flavor. Turkey is a good alternative as well!
Zucchini: The zucchini adds moisture and healthy nutrients. If you’re in a pinch, shredded carrots could work instead, but they’ll change the taste slightly. Just make sure to squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan gives a nice salty kick. If you need a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the cheese.
Almond Flour: This keeps the poppers gluten-free. You can swap it out for whole wheat flour if you don’t have dietary restrictions. You could also use breadcrumbs or oats for a different texture.
Egg: The egg binds everything together. If you’re looking for a vegan alternative, you can use flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) for binding instead.
How Do I Keep My Poppers from Being Soggy?
One common challenge is keeping zucchini poppers from getting soggy. The key step is to remove excess moisture. Here’s how to do it:
- Grate the zucchini and place it in a clean towel or cheesecloth.
- Twist and squeeze to extract as much liquid as you can. This will prevent your poppers from becoming mushy.
Also, make sure your mixture isn’t too wet by not overdoing the egg or any liquid ingredients. Form your poppers tightly to keep them from falling apart.
How to Make High Protein Chicken Zucchini Poppers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Poppers:
- 1 pound ground chicken breast (lean)
- 1 medium zucchini, finely grated
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup almond flour (or whole wheat flour)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for baking or pan-frying)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Chopped fresh parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15-20 minutes to bake. So, you can have delicious and healthy chicken zucchini poppers ready to serve in just about 30 minutes. Quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps ensure your poppers bake evenly and get that perfect golden brown color. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Grate the zucchini and place it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Gather the towel’s edges and twist to squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This step is super important to keep your poppers from getting soggy!
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, put together the ground chicken, grated zucchini, Parmesan cheese, almond flour, egg, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until combined; it should be a sticky but manageable mixture.
4. Form the Poppers:
Using your hands or a spoon, form the mixture into small balls or oval-shaped poppers. Aim for about 1 to 1.5 inches in size, and place them on the prepared baking sheet. This step can be a little messy but is also a ton of fun!
5. Add Olive Oil:
Lightly brush or drizzle the poppers with olive oil. This will help them get a nice, crispy exterior while baking.
6. Bake:
Now it’s time to bake! Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Be sure to turn them halfway through cooking for even browning. When done, the poppers should be golden brown and cooked through (you can check that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
7. Serve and Garnish:
Once out of the oven, you can optional garnish with fresh parsley for a nice pop of color. Serve your tasty chicken zucchini poppers with your favorite dipping sauce like Greek yogurt dip, marinara, or a spicy aioli for an added flavor boost.
8. Enjoy!
Dig in and enjoy your high-protein, low-carb chicken zucchini poppers! Perfect for a snack, appetizer, or light meal.
FAQ for High Protein Chicken Zucchini Poppers
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will work just as well in this recipe, giving you similar high-protein benefits with a slightly different flavor.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness or microwave them if you’re short on time.
Can I Freeze the Poppers?
Yes! You can freeze the uncooked poppers. Form them and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time!
What Dipping Sauces Pair Well With These Poppers?
These poppers taste fantastic with a variety of dips! Try Greek yogurt dip, marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or a spicy aioli to complement their flavor. Feel free to get creative with your favorite sauces!
