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Chicken Zucchini Poppers are displayed as a featured image, showcasing their golden-brown and crispy exterior, perfect for an appetizer or snack.

Easy Chicken Zucchini Poppers

These Chicken Zucchini Poppers are a satisfying and secretly healthy snack, perfect for picky eaters. Packed with juicy chicken and tender zucchini, these golden orbs are baked to perfection, offering a delicious and easy-to-make treat.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 2 medium zucchinis, grated and moisture squeezed out
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs panko or regular, gluten-free if needed
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooking oil spray optional
  • Marinara sauce optional
  • Ranch dressing optional

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Large bowl
  • Grater
  • Kitchen towel or cheesecloth
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Mixing Spoon
  • Cookie scoop or tablespoon

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Grate the zucchinis and place them in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated zucchini, chopped onion, parsley, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  4. Gently mix all the ingredients together until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  5. Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into small, even-sized poppers (about 1-inch in diameter).
  6. Place the poppers onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the poppers are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  8. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Notes

For extra crispy poppers, lightly spray them with cooking oil before baking or broil for the last minute or two, watching carefully to prevent burning. If the mixture is too wet, add more breadcrumbs. If it's too dry, add a teaspoon of olive oil or a splash of milk. Leftover poppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave.