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Last updated January 6, 2023

Spicy Chicken Zucchini Poppers (Paleo, Whole30, Keto)

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These spicy chicken zucchini poppers are out of this world flavorful and delicious! They are Paleo, Whole30, and Keto and take just 20 minutes to make. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or for meal prep.

Spicy Chicken Zucchini Poppers

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THESE SPICY CHICKEN ZUCCHINI POPPERS

  • An easy weeknight dinner that only takes you 20 minutes!
  • They are perfect for meal prep! Make a batch and store them in the fridge for up to 1 week.
  • Only two main ingredients (ground chicken and zucchini) in these poppers!
  • They are made with whole food ingredients, so they are Paleo, Whole30, Keto, and Gluten free.
  • These chicken zucchini poppers are perfect to serve as appetizers, eat as a quick snack (protein packed), and are kid approved (especially those that are picky eaters!)
Dipping chicken zucchini popper in avocado ranch dip

HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN ZUCCHINI POPPERS

STEP 1:

Shred the zucchini– I use a box grater, but you could also use a food processor. After shredding the zucchini, make sure to remove the water by squeezing it out with your hands, using a french press, or squeezing the zucchini with paper towels.

Shredded zucchini on cutting board with grater

STEP 2:

Form the poppers- Add all the ingredients to a large bowl and mix with your hands until evenly combined. Form the poppers (each about 2 inches), with your hands. The mixture will be sticky, so keep your hands wet with water or olive oil to prevent the mixture from sticking.

Shredded Zucchini, ground chicken, and spices in glass bowl

STEP 3:

Cook the poppers– Cook the poppers in a well oiled skillet for 4-6 minutes on each side, or until the poppers read 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Zucchini Chicken Popper with dip

STEP 4:

Serve the chicken zucchini poppers with avocado ranch, whole30 BBQ sauce, or your favorite hot sauce.

MORE PALEO RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE:

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Spicy Chicken Zucchini Poppers on black plate

Spicy Chicken Zucchini Poppers (Paleo, Whole30)

  • Author: Abbey Blackwell
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 14 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free
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Description

These spicy chicken zucchini poppers are out of this world flavorful and delicious! They are Paleo, Whole30, and Keto and take just 20 minutes to make. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or for meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1 medium-large zucchini, 2 cups grated
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil

Instructions

  1. Shred the zucchini. Trim the ends from both sides of the zucchini and grate on the smallest side of the box grater. Using your hands, squeeze grated zucchini over a bowl to remove excess moisture (you can also use a french press).
  2. Form the poppers. In a large bowl, add the ground chicken, shredded zucchini, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, sea salt, and black pepper. Using your hands, mix the ingredients until evenly combined. Form 12-14 poppers with your hands (the mixture will be sticky, keep your hands wet with water or olive oil to prevent the mixture from sticking).
  3. Cook the poppers. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat and add coconut oil. Place the poppers in the skillet (you may have to work in batches) and cook them for 4-6 minutes on each side, or until poppers read 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  4. Serve. Transfer cooked poppers to a plate and serve with avocado ranch dipping sauce.

Equipment

Notes

  • Don’t skip the step of squeezing out the water from the zucchini, otherwise the poppers will be soggy.
  • If you don’t want to pan fry the poppers the whole time, I recommend browning them on each side for 2-3 minutes, and finishing the poppers in the oven until they reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Use a digital thermometer if you are unsure if the poppers are done cooking. They are done cooking when they reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • These chicken zucchini poppers are a very mild spice to them. If you want to add more spiciness, add 1/2 -1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. You can also add hot sauce to the meat mixture before cooking the poppers.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Oven
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 popper
  • Calories: 43
  • Sugar: 0.1 g
  • Sodium: 197.7 mg
  • Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 0.8 g
  • Protein: 7.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 23.6 mg

Keywords: zucchini chicken poppers, chicken poppers, paleo, whole30

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  1. These are so good! I love the spice mix and the zucchini is a great addition. I made them as directed and they were perfect. Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply