Cheesy Zucchini Chicken Bites

These golden, crispy bites combine tender zucchini, seasoned chicken, melted cheese, and fresh herbs. Baked until beautifully browned, they are served with a cool creamy herb dip for a delicious appetizer, light lunch, or family-friendly snack.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Zucchini Bites

• 2 medium zucchini, grated
• 1 lb (450 g) ground chicken
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup breadcrumbs, plus more if needed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Creamy Herb Dip

• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Grate the zucchini and place it in a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze firmly to remove as much liquid as possible. This step helps the bites become crisp instead of watery.
2. Add the zucchini to a large bowl along with the ground chicken, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Add the breadcrumbs and mix gently until everything is well combined. If the mixture feels too wet to shape, add another tablespoon or two of breadcrumbs.
4. Shape the mixture into small, thick patties or round bites. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and lightly brush or spray with olive oil.
5. Bake until the chicken is completely cooked through and the outside is golden brown. Turn them halfway through baking for even browning.
6. While the bites cook, combine the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, parsley, dill, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Mix until creamy.
7. Let the cooked bites rest for a few minutes before serving. Arrange them around the creamy herb dip and garnish with fresh parsley or dill.

Q&A

Can I make these without chicken?
Yes. Replace the chicken with additional grated zucchini and a little extra cheese and breadcrumbs. They will become vegetarian zucchini cheese bites.

How do I stop the zucchini bites from falling apart?
The most important step is squeezing out excess moisture from the grated zucchini. Also make sure the mixture is firm enough to hold its shape before baking.

Can I use cheddar instead of mozzarella?
Yes. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan works beautifully.

Can I make them in an air fryer?
Yes. Place the bites in a lightly greased air fryer basket in a single layer and cook until golden and the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), turning halfway through.

What can I serve with them?
The creamy herb dip is excellent, but you can also serve them with tzatziki, garlic yogurt sauce, or a fresh cucumber salad.