These High Protein Chicken Zucchini Bites are a tasty way to enjoy healthy eating! Packed with lean chicken and fresh zucchini, they’re perfect for snacks or appetizers.
I love making these bites for a quick meal. They’re easy to whip up, and who doesn’t love food that’s both yummy and good for you? Plus, less mess to clean up! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the star of the dish, offering lean protein. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, turkey can be a good substitute, or even lean beef if you prefer. I like using chicken because it gives a nice, mild flavor.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchinis add moisture and nutrients. If zucchinis are out of season, yellow squash can work too. I always squeeze out excess moisture to keep the bites from being too soggy!
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan adds a rich flavor. If you’re dairy-free, you can try nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy taste. For a budget-friendly option, grated Pecorino Romano is a nice alternative. Just keep in mind it’s saltier!
Almond Flour: I prefer almond flour for its nutty taste and low carbs. If you can’t find it, regular breadcrumbs work just as well, but it will change the texture slightly. I love using almond flour in many recipes!
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Texture in These Bites?
Getting the texture right is key to making crispy and delicious chicken zucchini bites. Here’s how to ensure they come out perfect:
- Drain zucchini: After grating, wrap the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much liquid as you can. This step prevents sogginess.
- Combine ingredients gently: Mix everything with a light hand to avoid overworking the chicken, which can make the bites dense.
- Form evenly: Scoop your mixture into uniform sizes to ensure they bake evenly. You can use an ice cream scoop for perfect portions!
- Tailor cooking time: Keep an eye on them and flip halfway to get that lovely golden color on both sides.
By following these tips, your chicken zucchini bites will be flavorful, moist, and light! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make High Protein Chicken Zucchini Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken breast
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup almond flour (or breadcrumbs)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or oregano/basil mix)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
- Optional: red pepper flakes, fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 20-25 minutes to cook. So, you can whip up these tasty bites in about 40-45 minutes! Perfect for a quick snack or meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Baking Sheet:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup easier, or give it a light spray of cooking oil.
2. Preparing the Zucchini:
Grate the zucchinis and place them in a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze out as much moisture as you can. This step is super important—too much water can make your bites soggy!
3. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, drained grated zucchini, grated Parmesan cheese, almond flour (or breadcrumbs), minced garlic, chopped onion, egg, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until it’s nicely blended and all the ingredients are incorporated.
4. Forming the Bites:
Using a spoon, scoop small amounts of the mixture and shape them into bite-sized patties or balls. Place each one on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space in between each bite to allow for even cooking.
5. Adding a Touch of Olive Oil:
To help the bites crisp up, lightly brush or spray the tops with olive oil. This little step makes a big difference in texture!
6. Baking Time:
Pop the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Remember to flip the bites halfway through to ensure they get golden brown all over. They’re done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Serving:
Once baked, let them cool just a bit. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if you like! They make a fantastic snack, appetizer, or a side dish with a fresh salad.
Enjoy your delicious and healthy High Protein Chicken Zucchini Bites!
FAQ for High Protein Chicken Zucchini Bites
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute if you prefer it or have it on hand. Just be sure to choose lean turkey to keep the protein content high and the fat low.
How Can I Make These Bites Vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, you can replace the ground chicken with a mixture of cooked quinoa or lentils and finely chopped vegetables. Adding some extra spices or nutritional yeast can enhance the flavor!
Can I Freeze Leftover Bites?
Yes! Allow the bites to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake them directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes until warmed through.
What Can I Serve These Bites With?
These bites are versatile! Pair them with a dipping sauce like tzatziki, marinara, or even a spicy yogurt sauce. They also go well with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal!
