These High Protein Chicken Zucchini Bites are yummy little treats that pack a protein punch! Made with ground chicken and fresh zucchini, they’re perfect for a healthy snack.
Honestly, who knew something so healthy could taste this good? I love serving them with a side of dip for extra fun. They’re great for lunch or even a party! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the star ingredient and gives a great protein boost! If you prefer a different flavor, turkey or lean ground beef can work too.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is surprisingly versatile! If you don’t have zucchini, chopped spinach or grated carrots can be decent substitutes, though they might slightly change the texture.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds great flavor. For a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese substitute. Keep in mind, flavor might vary a bit.
Almond Flour: I love using almond flour for extra protein and a nutty taste. You can also use breadcrumbs or oat flour if you need a more budget-friendly option.
How Do I Make Sure the Zucchini Isn’t Too Watery?
A common struggle is dealing with watery zucchini when cooking. Here’s how to handle it:
- After grating the zucchini, place it in a clean kitchen towel.
- Twist the towel to squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This keeps your bites from becoming soggy.
Getting rid of excess moisture is key to achieving that tasty, tender bite that holds together well!
What’s the Best Way to Form the Bites?
Shaping your zucchini bites might seem tricky, but here’s a simple method:
- Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking.
- Use a scoop or your hands to grab a small amount of the mixture and roll it into balls or small patties.
Making them even in size helps them cook evenly, resulting in perfectly cooked bites. Enjoy cooking!
How to Make High Protein Chicken Zucchini Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Zucchini Bites:
- 1 pound ground chicken breast
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup almond flour (or breadcrumbs)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Olive oil or cooking spray, for greasing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 18-20 minutes to bake, so you’re looking at around 30-35 minutes total. Perfect for a quick, healthy snack or appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps your bites get that lovely golden color. While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light spray with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Grate the zucchinis and then grab a clean kitchen towel. Place the grated zucchini inside and twist the towel to squeeze out as much moisture as you can. This step is super important to keep your bites from getting soggy!
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, squeezed zucchini, Parmesan cheese, almond flour (or breadcrumbs), eggs, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley if you’re using it. Mix everything well until all the ingredients are combined. Feel free to use your hands for this part—it’s the easiest way to ensure everything is mixed together!
4. Shape the Bites:
Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into bite-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
5. Add a Touch of Oil:
To help them brown nicely, lightly spray or brush the tops of the bites with olive oil before baking. It’ll give your chicken zucchini bites a delicious, crispy texture!
6. Bake Them Up:
Now it’s time to bake! Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C) and the bites are golden brown on the outside.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re done, take your baking sheet out of the oven and let the bites cool slightly. They’ll be hot! Serve warm and enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauce, like marinara, tzatziki, or a spicy mayo for a little kick.
Enjoy your protein-packed, tasty chicken zucchini bites! They’re sure to be a hit!
FAQs About High Protein Chicken Zucchini Bites
Can I Use Lean Ground Turkey Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Lean ground turkey is a great substitute for ground chicken. It will still provide a good amount of protein and keep the dish healthy and delicious. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as turkey might take a minute less or more to cook through.
How Do I Prevent the Bites from Falling Apart?
To help your zucchini bites hold together better, make sure to squeeze out as much moisture from the grated zucchini as possible. Additionally, the eggs act as a binder, so ensure you mix them well into the mixture. If the mixture still feels too wet, you can add a bit more almond flour or breadcrumbs to help it firm up!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! You can prepare the mixture ahead of time, shape the bites, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to bake them directly from the fridge, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to keep them crispy, or in the microwave for a quicker option.
