These High Protein Chicken Zucchini Bites are a tasty way to enjoy a healthier snack! They’re made with ground chicken, fresh zucchini, and a mix of spices, making them both yummy and filling.
Whenever I make these bites, they disappear fast! I love enjoying them with a dipping sauce. They’re a fun way to sneak in some veggies without even noticing. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This recipe shines with ground chicken for its high protein content. You can substitute it with ground turkey or lean ground beef if you prefer. Always choose a lean option to keep the bites healthier.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds moisture and nutrients. If zucchini isn’t available, try using grated carrots or yellow squash. Just make sure to squeeze out excess moisture as you would with zucchini.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan adds a cheesy flavor and binds the mixture. If you want a dairy-free option, use nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without the dairy. Other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano work well, too!
Almond Flour: This keeps the bites gluten-free and gives them a nice texture. You can substitute it with regular breadcrumbs or oat flour if you have those on hand. Just adjust the amount slightly if using breadcrumbs since they are finer.
Egg: The egg acts as a binder. If you’re vegan or allergic, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or mashed banana. This might change the flavor slightly but works well!
How Do I Get the Zucchini Moisture Just Right?
Squeezing out the moisture from zucchini is key to ensuring your chicken bites hold their shape and aren’t soggy. Here’s how:
- Grate the zucchini and place it on a clean kitchen towel or in cheesecloth.
- Gather the edges of the towel, twist it, and squeeze tightly to remove excess water. A good amount of moisture will come out!
- After squeezing, it should be much drier; this extra step makes a big difference in texture.
By taking this step, you’ll get perfectly baked chicken bites that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside with no mushiness to worry about!
High Protein Chicken Zucchini Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Zucchini Bites:
- 1 lb (450g) 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 black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
For Greasing:
- Cooking spray or 1 tablespoon olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 25 minutes to bake, so you’ll need roughly 40 minutes in total to bring these delicious bites to the table. Quick, tasty, and healthy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready to cook the bites evenly when it’s time!
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Grate the zucchini using a box grater or food processor. Then, place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth, and squeeze out as much excess moisture as you can. This step is super important to prevent watery bites!
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, drained zucchini, Parmesan cheese, almond flour, egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley if you’re using it. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until it’s well combined.
4. Form the Bites:
With clean hands or using a small cookie scoop, take portions of the mixture and form them into small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place these on the lined or greased baking sheet.
5. Prepare for Baking:
Lightly spray the tops of the bites with cooking spray or brush them with a bit of olive oil. This will help them get that lovely golden-brown color as they bake.
6. Bake Them Up:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bites are cooked through and have a beautiful golden-brown color on top. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re done, remove the bites from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. They’ll firm up a bit as they cool.
8. Enjoy!
Serve these flavorful chicken zucchini bites warm, with a side of marinara sauce, tzatziki, or your favorite dipping sauce for a delightful snack or appetizer. Enjoy your healthy creation!
FAQ for High Protein Chicken Zucchini Bites
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will work just as well. Just ensure it’s lean to keep the bites healthy and maintain similar cooking times.
What If I Don’t Have Almond Flour?
No problem! You can easily swap almond flour for regular breadcrumbs or oat flour. If you use breadcrumbs, you may need to adjust the amount slightly since they’re finer.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken zucchini bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a single layer and then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving!
Can I Use Other Vegetables?
Yes, you can! Feel free to experiment with grated carrots, yellow squash, or even finely chopped spinach. Just remember to squeeze out excess moisture from any veggies used to keep the bites from becoming soggy.
