Chicken Zucchini Poppers

Ingredients 

• 1 pound ground chicken

• 1-2 medium zucchini squash (about 1½ cups shredded)

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon fresh black pepper

• 1-2 tablespoons oil for cooking

  
  

For Creamy Cilantro Sauce

• 1 cup fresh cilantro

• 1 small garlic clove

• 1/3 cup mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon cottage cheese

• 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar

---

Instructions

Combine cilantro, garlic clove, mayonnaise, cottage cheese, and vinegar in a food processor and blend till combined. Place in the fridge to thicken and let flavors combine at least 30 min. Add salt and pepper to taste. Using a cheese grater, grate the fresh zucchini squash into small pieces and place on a paper towel. Sprinkle with a tiny bit of kosher salt and squeeze to remove excess moisture. Place into a large bowl with chicken, garlic, chives, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and a sprinkle of fresh black pepper. Form mixture into 3 inch patties. Prepare a large nonstick or cast iron skillet with oil and bring to medium heat. Cook chicken patties on each side for 4 minutes until browned on both sides and cooked through. Serve warm with dipping sauce or top each popper with a little bit of the sauce.