chicken zucchini poppers or fritters

Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 18 minutes Total Time: 38 minutes Servings: 4 (about 12 poppers) Difficulty: Easy Ingredients 1 pound ground chicken 2 medium zucchini, grated ½ teaspoon salt (for draining the zucchini) 1 large egg ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese ½ cup panko breadcrumbs 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 green onions, finely

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Box grater
• Clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth
• Large skillet
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Plate lined with paper towels

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 2 medium zucchini, grated
• ½ teaspoon salt (for draining the zucchini)
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 green onions, finely sliced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)

Optional Dipping Sauces

• Garlic yogurt sauce
• Ranch dressing
• Tzatziki
• Honey mustard
• Spicy aioli
• Marinara sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini

1. Grate the zucchini using the coarse side of a box grater.
2. Sprinkle with the salt and let it rest for 10 minutes .
3. Transfer the zucchini to a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Removing excess moisture helps the fritters stay firm and develop a crispy exterior.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine:
2. Ground chicken
3. Drained zucchini
4. Egg
5. Parmesan cheese
6. Panko breadcrumbs
7. Garlic
8. Green onions
9. Parsley
10. Italian seasoning
11. Onion powder
12. Smoked paprika
13. Black pepper
14. Mix gently until everything is evenly incorporated. Avoid overmixing, which can make the poppers dense.

Step 3: Shape the Poppers

1. Using your hands or a medium cookie scoop, divide the mixture into approximately 12 equal portions.
2. Shape each portion into a small round patty about 2 inches wide and ½ inch thick.

Step 4: Cook the Poppers

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat .
2. Place the patties in the skillet without overcrowding the pan.
3. Cook for 4–5 minutes per side , or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) .
4. Transfer the cooked poppers to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
5. Cook the remaining batches, adding more oil if needed.

Step 5: Serve

1. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce and garnish with extra parsley or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 285 · Protein: 28g · Fat: 15g · Carbohydrates: 10g · Saturated Fat: 4g · Fiber: 2g · Sugar: 2g · Sodium: 480mg