These High Protein Chicken Zucchini Bites are a tasty way to get your protein fix! Packed with juicy chicken and fresh zucchini, they make a great snack or appetizer.
Honestly, these little bites are perfect for parties or a fun movie night at home. Just pop them in your mouth and enjoy—no fork necessary! I love dipping mine in ranch for extra yum! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: This veggie adds moisture and nutrients. If you can’t find zucchini, squash or even finely chopped eggplant can be good substitutes, but zucchini works best due to its mild flavor and texture.
Ground Chicken: Lean and high in protein, chicken is great for these bites. If you want an alternative, ground turkey or lean beef also works well, but may change the taste slightly.
Parmesan Cheese: This cheese adds a nice flavor. If you’re vegan or lactose intolerant, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or skip it altogether for a lighter version.
Almond Flour: This is a great low-carb choice for binding. If it’s not available, regular breadcrumbs or oat flour can be used instead. Just keep in mind that breadcrumbs will add some carbs.
Herbs & Spices: Fresh parsley is wonderful here, but feel free to experiment with basil, cilantro, or even green onions for a different twist. Just keep the flavors in mind!
What’s the Best Way to Squeeze Out Moisture from Zucchini?
Getting the excess water out of zucchini is essential to prevent soggy bites. Follow these simple steps:
- After grating, place the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or use a fine sieve.
- Gather the towel’s corners or use a spoon to press against the sieve, squeezing out the water. You want the mixture to be as dry as possible.
- Keep squeezing until no more water comes out. This ensures your bites hold their shape and texture!
Don’t skip this step; it makes a big difference!
How to Cook the Chicken Zucchini Bites for Maximum Crispiness?
To achieve perfectly crispy zucchini bites, follow these tips:
- Use a non-stick skillet and allow the oil to heat properly before adding the bites.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the temperature of the oil and result in steaming rather than frying.
- Cook them in batches, keeping the first ones warm in a low oven while you finish cooking the rest.
- Flip the bites gently to maintain their shape and let them get a nice golden crust!
These methods help ensure your bites are crispy on the outside and cooked perfectly on the inside.
High Protein Chicken Zucchini Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Zucchini Bites:
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken breast
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup almond flour (or breadcrumbs if not keto)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
- Optional: dipping sauce such as a cilantro or parsley yogurt sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for prep and another 15-20 minutes for cooking. In total, you’re looking at around 30-35 minutes to create these delicious bites!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Grate and Squeeze Out Zucchini:
Start by grating the zucchinis using a coarse grater. Then, place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or a fine sieve. Squeeze it as hard as you can to remove as much moisture as possible. This is a key step to avoid soggy bites!
2. Mix All Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, squeezed zucchini, grated Parmesan cheese, almond flour, minced garlic, egg, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything well until all ingredients are fully combined.
3. Form the Bites:
Now it’s time to shape the mixture! Take a scoop of the mixture and form it into small patties, roughly 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Make sure they are compact so they hold their shape while cooking.
4. Heat the Oil and Cook:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering (but not smoking), carefully add the zucchini chicken bites in batches. Avoid overcrowding the pan; this ensures they fry properly and get crispy.
5. Cook Until Golden Brown:
Cook the bites for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Make sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
6. Drain and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the bites from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. This will keep them nice and crispy!
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
Serve the chicken zucchini bites warm, garnished with extra chopped parsley. Don’t forget your favorite dipping sauce, like a cilantro-yogurt dip or a creamy herb sauce!
Enjoy these high protein, flavorful chicken zucchini bites as a snack, appetizer, or light meal!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh zucchini for optimal texture and moisture control. If you only have frozen zucchini, make sure to thaw it and squeeze out as much water as possible. However, expect a slightly different texture in the final product.
What Can I Substitute for Ground Chicken?
If you prefer, you can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey, lean beef, or even plant-based ground meat alternatives for a vegetarian option. Just keep in mind that flavors and cooking times may vary slightly with different meats.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave them for a quick option. They taste great reheated!
Can I Bake These Instead of Frying?
Yes, you can bake them! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method will yield a healthier version with less oil!
