Dinner

Chicken Zucchini Poppers with Cilantro Mayonnaise Dipping Sauce Recipe

ByMatteo Rossi February 6, 2026February 6, 2026

Introduction

Chicken Zucchini Poppers are a delicious and healthy appetizer or snack, perfect for gatherings or a light meal. These flavorful patties combine tender ground chicken with fresh zucchini and herbs, served with a creamy cilantro dipping sauce. They cook quickly and are sure to impress your guests.

A close-up of three cooked salmon patties arranged on a white plate with a white marbled texture underneath. Each patty has a rough texture with visible small pieces of green herbs and slightly browned edges from frying. On top of each patty is a dollop of pale green creamy sauce sprinkled with flecks of darker green herbs. The patties are thick and round, sitting flat on the plate with some fresh green herb leaves lightly scattered around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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
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

Step 1: Make the dipping sauce by combining cilantro, garlic clove, mayonnaise, cottage cheese, and distilled white vinegar in a food processor. Blend until smooth. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to thicken and let the flavors meld. Alternatively, finely chop the cilantro and mix all ingredients by hand, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2: Grate the zucchini on a cheese grater into small pieces and place on a paper towel. Sprinkle with a pinch of kosher salt and squeeze to remove excess moisture.
Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the drained zucchini, ground chicken, minced garlic, chopped chives, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and fresh black pepper. Mix well and form the mixture into six 3-inch patties.
Step 4: Heat oil in a large nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken patties for about 4 minutes on each side until nicely browned and cooked through. If needed, finish cooking in a 350°F oven for 2 minutes.
Step 5: Serve the poppers warm with the cilantro dipping sauce on the side or spoon a little sauce on top of each popper.

Tips & Variations

Removing excess moisture from the zucchini is key to prevent soggy poppers and help them hold together well.
For a bit of spice, add finely chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture.
Try swapping cottage cheese in the sauce for Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor.
Serve with extra fresh herbs like parsley or mint for added brightness.

Storage

Store leftover chicken zucchini poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in a 350°F oven until warmed through to retain their crispness. The dipping sauce can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 2 days.

How to Serve

Three lightly browned, round fish cakes with a slightly rough texture sit on a white plate over a white marbled surface. Each fish cake is topped with a dollop of pale green sauce flecked with small herb bits, with the front fish cake also garnished with a small cilantro leaf. The fish cakes show green herb pieces mixed throughout, with a crispy outer edge and a softer, moist center. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other ground meats for this recipe?

Yes, ground turkey or pork can be substituted for chicken, though cooking times may vary slightly. Make sure the meat is not too lean to keep the poppers moist.