These tasty chicken zucchini bites are a fun way to enjoy a healthy snack. Packed with protein and loaded with yummy flavors, they’re perfect for any time of day!
They’re simple to make: just mix ground chicken with grated zucchini, season, and bake. I like to dip mine in sauce for an extra kick—who doesn’t love a good dip, right? 😋
These bites are not just tasty, but also great for a quick meal. I love making a big batch to keep in the fridge for easy snacking throughout the week. So good and so easy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the star of the dish, providing the protein boost. If you prefer, you can use turkey for a slightly leaner option or ground beef for a richer flavor. Always check for lean options to keep the bites healthier!
Zucchini: Make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the grated zucchini, as it prevents the bites from becoming soggy. If zucchini isn’t available, try shredded carrots or squash as an alternative.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds great flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can give you a savory touch. Another choice is pecorino for a sharper taste.
Almond Flour: This keeps the bites gluten-free, but regular breadcrumbs work too. If you’re avoiding gluten, crushed rice cakes or ground oats are good substitutes.
Egg: Acts as a binder. If you’re vegan or egg-free, unsweetened applesauce or mashed bananas can be used, though they might alter the flavor slightly.
How Do I Prevent My Zucchini Bites From Being Soggy?
The key to avoiding soggy bites is in how you handle the zucchini. After grating the zucchini, make sure to squeeze it in a clean towel or paper towel to remove as much moisture as you can. This step is crucial!
- Grate the zucchini and place it in a clean cloth or towel.
- Twist the towel to squeeze out the liquid. You want it to be as dry as possible.
- Combine it with the other ingredients as directed in the recipe.
Following these steps will help your bites achieve a perfect texture—crispy on the outside and tender on the inside! Enjoy your cooking!
High Protein Chicken Zucchini Bites
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground chicken breast
- 1 medium zucchini, grated and excess moisture squeezed out
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup almond flour (or breadcrumbs)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15-20 minutes to bake, giving you a total time of around 30-35 minutes. Perfect for a quick and nutritious snack or appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your bites will cook evenly and become nice and crispy. While it heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground chicken, grated zucchini (remember to squeeze out as much liquid as you can!), Parmesan cheese, almond flour or breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Use your hands or a spatula to mix everything together until there are no dry spots.
3. Shape the Bites
Now, it’s time to form the mixture into bites! Scoop about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of the mixture and shape it into small rounds or mini meatballs. Place these on your prepared baking sheet with space between each one so they can cook properly.
4. Prepare for Baking
Using cooking spray or a brush, lightly coat the tops of the bites with oil. This helps them brown nicely while baking, giving them a lovely golden color!
5. Bake
Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake the chicken zucchini bites for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
6. Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the bites from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. This way, they’ll be easier to handle. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve with your favorite dipping sauce, like marinara, tzatziki, or a yogurt-based dip to add even more flavor!
Enjoy these high protein chicken zucchini bites as a healthy snack or appetizer!
FAQ for High Protein Chicken Zucchini Bites
Can I Use Frozen Ground Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen ground chicken! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight or use the microwave’s defrost setting. This will help the mixture bind better and maintain the right texture in your bites.
Can I Make These Bites Without Cheese?
Absolutely! If you want to omit the cheese, you can replace it with a bit more almond flour or breadcrumbs to maintain the texture. Nutritional yeast can also provide a cheesy flavor if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or microwave them for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
Can I Bake These Bites Instead of Frying?
Yes! This recipe is designed for baking, making it a healthier option. Baking helps retain moisture while creating a crispy exterior without the need for excess oil that frying would require.
