These High Protein Chicken Zucchini Bites are a tasty and healthy way to enjoy chicken and veggies! Packed with flavor, they are perfect as a snack or a light meal.
Who wouldn’t love crispy bites that are good for you? I can’t help but munch on these while I watch my favorite show! Plus, they are super easy to whip up and bake.
I love to serve them with a dip on the side, like ranch or yogurt sauce. They’re fun to eat, and I feel great knowing I’m fuel for the day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken Breast: This is the star of the dish! Ground chicken is lean and high in protein, making it perfect for these bites. If you’re looking for a different option, ground turkey works great too!
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds moisture and nutrition. Make sure to squeeze out excess water to keep the bites from getting soggy. You could also use yellow squash in place of zucchini if you prefer a change.
Parmesan Cheese: This cheese adds a nice flavor and helps bind the mixture. If you’re dairy-free, feel free to substitute nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy!
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs give a light and crispy texture. If you’re gluten-free, just use gluten-free breadcrumbs. I often like to use crushed cornflakes for a crunchier bite!
Parsley: This is optional but adds a fresh flavor. You can swap it with other herbs like basil, or simply leave it out if you prefer. It’s all about what you like!
How Do You Ensure the Bites Hold Together While Baking?
Making sure your chicken zucchini bites hold together is essential for great texture. Here are a few steps to ensure success:
- Make sure to squeeze as much moisture from the grated zucchini as possible. Wet ingredients can lead to a mushy texture!
- Use a good binding agent. The egg helps hold everything together, so it’s important not to skip it.
- Form the mixture compactly when shaping the bites. This helps in keeping their shape during baking.
- Give them space on the baking sheet. This allows for even cooking and browning.
By following these tips, you’ll have perfectly formed and delicious bites every time!
High Protein Chicken Zucchini Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bites:
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken breast
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or whole wheat)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika (optional)
- Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 10 minutes to prep and another 20 minutes to bake, totaling around 30 minutes from start to finish. Just enough time to whip up a delicious and healthy snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light greasing with cooking spray or olive oil.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Next, take your grated zucchini and place it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze out as much moisture as you can—this helps keep your bites from getting soggy!
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine your ground chicken, the grated and well-drained zucchini, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, parsley (if using), oregano, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix it all together until everything is well blended.
4. Form the Bites:
Now comes the fun part! Use your hands or a small cookie scoop to shape the mixture into bite-sized balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect—just try to make them roughly the same size for even cooking.
5. Arrange on the Baking Sheet:
Place your formed bites onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each to allow them to cook evenly.
6. Bake Them Up:
Lightly spray or brush the tops of the bites with cooking spray or a bit of olive oil. Then, pop them in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, and the bites are a lovely golden brown on the outside.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once done, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, like Greek yogurt dip, marinara, or a spicy aioli. Enjoy every bite!
These High Protein Chicken Zucchini Bites are not only delicious but also a nutritious boost to your day. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground chicken in this recipe. It keeps the bites high in protein and adds a slightly different flavor. Just make sure it’s cooked thoroughly!
What if I Don’t Have Fresh Zucchini?
If you don’t have fresh zucchini on hand, you can use frozen grated zucchini. Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess moisture before mixing it into the batter.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken zucchini bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can easily reheat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Can I Freeze These Bites for Later?
Yes! You can freeze the uncooked bites on a baking sheet and then transfer them to a freezer bag once they are firm. When you’re ready to enjoy them, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
