These Healthy High Protein Chicken Zucchini Poppers are fun bites packed with flavor! Made with ground chicken and fresh zucchini, they make a tasty snack or meal.
They’re light yet filling, perfect for any time of the day. I love dipping them in my favorite sauce and watching them disappear in no time—seriously, they’re that delicious! 🥒🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Grated zucchini adds moisture without excess calories. If zucchini isn’t available, you could use yellow squash or even grated carrots for a slightly sweeter flavor.
Ground Chicken: Ground chicken keeps these poppers lean and high in protein. Turkey works as a great substitute if you prefer a different flavor or have leftover turkey on hand.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan enhances the flavor with a bit of saltiness. You can swap it with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option, making these poppers vegan-friendly.
Almond Flour: This helps bind the mixture while keeping it gluten-free. If you don’t have almond flour, whole wheat flour or breadcrumbs can be used, though they might add a bit more carbs.
How Do I Prevent Soggy Poppers?
Soggy poppers can be disappointing. To avoid that, removing excess moisture from the zucchini is crucial. By squeezing it in a kitchen towel, you ensure the mixture stays firm.
- Grate zucchinis, then transfer them to a clean kitchen towel.
- Twist the towel and squeeze, removing as much liquid as possible.
- Combine the dry zucchini with the other ingredients to keep the mixture light and fluffy.
Healthy High Protein Chicken Zucchini Poppers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Poppers:
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken breast
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup almond flour (or whole wheat flour)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil spray or 1-2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to bake, making a total time of about 35 minutes. It’s a quick and easy option for a tasty snack or appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Zucchini:
Start by grating the zucchinis and placing them into a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze out as much excess moisture as you can. This step is important to prevent sogginess in your poppers, helping them stay crispy and light.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated zucchini with ground chicken, grated Parmesan cheese, almond flour, minced garlic, egg, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until it’s well combined.
3. Preheat the Oven:
While mixing, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray or a bit of olive oil.
4. Form the Poppers:
Take small portions of the mixture and form them into bite-sized poppers (about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter). Place them onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave some space between each popper for even cooking.
5. Bake to Perfection:
Lightly spray or brush the tops of the poppers with olive oil to encourage a golden brown color. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. They are done when they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the poppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They’re delicious warm and can be enjoyed on their own or with a tasty dipping sauce!
7. Pairing Suggestions:
Try serving these poppers with a dipping sauce like Greek yogurt mixed with lemon juice and your favorite herbs for added flavor. Enjoy your healthy, high protein chicken zucchini poppers!
FAQ for Healthy High Protein Chicken Zucchini Poppers
Can I Use Yams or Sweet Potatoes Instead of Zucchini?
While zucchini is ideal for this recipe due to its moisture content and mild flavor, you can experiment with grated sweet potatoes. Just note that they will change the texture and sweetness of your poppers. Squeeze out excess moisture as needed!
How Can I Make These Low-Carb or Keto-Friendly?
If you want to adjust the recipe for a low-carb or keto diet, simply replace the almond flour with crushed pork rinds, or another low-carb flour option like coconut flour. Keep in mind that you’ll need to adjust the quantities for best results.
Can I Prepare These in Advance?
Definitely! You can prepare the mixture and form the poppers ahead of time. Just cover them tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. If you want to freeze them, lay them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through for the best texture, or microwave them for a quicker option.
