Chicken Zucchini Patties with Cilantro Sauce Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a light yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a snack, you’ve got to try my Chicken Zucchini Patties with Cilantro Sauce Recipe. Trust me, these patties are tender, juicy, and perfectly complemented by a creamy, herby cilantro sauce that adds just the right pop of freshness. I’ve made these more times than I can count, and every time they disappear fast – so get ready for some serious love around your kitchen table!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Chicken Zucchini Patties with Cilantro Sauce Recipe complements the others to create a dish that’s fresh, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. Plus, knowing what to look for and how to choose your ingredients makes all the difference, so I always share my favorite tips.

• Ground chicken: I recommend ground chicken thighs because they’re more flavorful and juicy than breast meat; if using breast, pick one with a bit of fat (around 7%) for moist patties.
• Zucchini: Fresh, firm zucchini is best—shredding and squeezing out the moisture keeps the patties from getting soggy.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives a bright punch that lifts the mild chicken and zucchini flavors.
• Fresh chives: They add a subtle oniony sweetness; if you can’t find chives, green onions work well too.
• Kosher salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors.
• Oil: A neutral oil like avocado or light olive oil is perfect for frying without overpowering.
• Cilantro: The star of the sauce—fresh and vibrant, this herb transforms the dish with its citrusy aroma.
• Mayonnaise & cottage cheese: These give the sauce a creamy texture; if you want it dairy-free, I’ll share alternatives below.
• Vinegar: Adds a gentle tang to balance the creaminess of the sauce.

Make It Your Way

I love making recipes my own, and this Chicken Zucchini Patties with Cilantro Sauce Recipe is no exception. Whether you want to lighten it up, add some spice, or cater to dietary needs, there’s lots of room to get creative here.

• Variation: Sometimes I swap chives for fresh dill or mint in the sauce for a different twist—both add a lovely herbal touch.
• For a paleo or Whole30 version: Just omit the cottage cheese and replace it with more mayo; reduce vinegar slightly to keep the sauce smooth.
• Spice it up: If you like heat, mix a pinch of cayenne or some chopped jalapeños right into the patties or sauce.
• Make it vegan-ish: For a plant-based spin, try chickpea or black bean patties with the same zucchini and sauce combo replacing mayo with a vegan option.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chicken Zucchini Patties with Cilantro Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Get your cilantro sauce ready first

To make sure the flavors of the cilantro sauce really develop, I blend together fresh cilantro, a clove of garlic, mayo, cottage cheese, and white vinegar right at the start. Then I pop it in the fridge to thicken and chill while I prepare the patties. If you don’t have a food processor, no worries—just chop the cilantro finely and stir everything together. Remember, a little salt and pepper at the end will help you taste balance before serving.

Step 2: Prep the zucchini like a pro

Shred the zucchini on a medium or small hole of your cheese grater, then sprinkle it lightly with kosher salt. This step is key because zucchini holds a ton of water, and you don’t want soggy patties! After salting, place the shredded zucchini on a clean paper towel and squeeze out as much moisture as you can—don’t be shy here! This little trick dramatically improves the final texture.

Step 3: Combine and shape the patties

In a large bowl, mix the drained zucchini with ground chicken, minced garlic, chopped chives, salt, and pepper. Once everything is evenly combined, gently form the mixture into 3-inch patties; you should get around six. I like using wet hands for shaping – it stops the mixture from sticking and keeps the patties perfectly smooth.

Step 4: Cook to golden perfection

Heat a tablespoon or two of oil in a nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Place the patties carefully in the pan and cook for about 4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Here’s my little secret: if your patties brown quickly but feel undercooked inside, transfer the skillet to a 350°F oven for 2 minutes—it finishes cooking without burning.

Step 5: Serve warm with the cilantro sauce

Serve your chicken zucchini patties warm, either with a side of that creamy cilantro sauce for dipping or spoon a bit of the sauce on top. Either way, this contrast of hot, tender patties and cool, zesty sauce is irresistible!

How to Serve Chicken Zucchini Patties with Cilantro Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro and a few thin slices of fresh jalapeño over the patties—adds a burst of color and a little heat. A wedge of lime on the side is also fantastic for squeezing over, bringing even more brightness.

Side Dishes

These patties go great with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon, some roasted sweet potatoes, or even a creamy avocado mash. When I’m feeling indulgent, I add garlic butter green beans for a lush side.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I like to serve these patties as bite-size sliders on toasted mini buns with a dollop of cilantro sauce and crunchy pickles. They also make cute appetizers on toothpicks, dressed up with a little extra sauce on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which may be rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find wrapping them individually before stacking helps keep them from sticking together.

Freezing

I’ve had great success freezing cooked patties by placing them on a parchment-lined sheet, freezing until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months and thaw quickly overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To maintain crispness, I reheat frozen or refrigerated patties in a skillet over medium heat rather than the microwave. Just a few minutes on each side until warmed through keeps their texture spot on.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Chicken Zucchini Patties with Cilantro Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes I keep returning to because it feels both comforting and fresh at the same time. The combination of juicy chicken, tender zucchini, and that vibrant sauce always hits the spot whether I’m cooking for myself or friends. If you try it, don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes a staple in your kitchen, too. I’m cheering you on from my kitchen to yours—go get cooking and enjoy every delicious bite!

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