Enjoy a delicious and nutritious appetizer with these Zucchini Poppers paired with a refreshing Creamy Cilantro Sauce. These bite-sized treats combine ground chicken and shredded zucchini for a light, flavorful bite, while the cilantro sauce adds a tangy, herby finish. Perfect for parties or as a tasty snack, these poppers are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
Zucchini Poppers:
- 1 pound ground chicken (at least 7% fat recommended)
- 1-2 medium zucchini squash (about 1½ cups shredded)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh black pepper
- 1-2 tablespoons oil for cooking
Creamy Cilantro Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 small garlic clove (or more depending on preference)
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon cottage cheese
- 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
Instructions
Zucchini Poppers:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Shred the zucchini squash using a grater and place it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Remove as much extra moisture as you can by squeezing.
- Mince the garlic cloves and chop the fresh chives.
- Mix the Poppers:
- In a spacious bowl, mix together the ground chicken, shredded zucchini, minced garlic, chopped chives, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Stir until all the ingredients are evenly blended.
- Form the Poppers:
- Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into small balls or patties, about 1-2 inches in diameter.
- Cook the Poppers:
- Warm 1-2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the zucchini poppers to the skillet in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- Cook for approximately 4-5 minutes per side, or until the food is golden brown and fully cooked.
- Transfer the cooked poppers to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Creamy Cilantro Sauce:
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a food processor or blender, combine the fresh cilantro, small garlic clove, mayonnaise, cottage cheese, and distilled white vinegar.
- Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve:
- Transfer the sauce to a small bowl and serve alongside the warm zucchini poppers.
Conclusion
These Zucchini Poppers with Creamy Cilantro Sauce are a delightful and healthy appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of ground chicken and zucchini creates a light and flavorful bite, while the creamy cilantro sauce adds a refreshing touch. Enjoy these poppers as a delicious snack or a crowd-pleasing party treat!