Follow these simple steps to bake your way to popper perfection:

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
   • Grate the zucchini using the fine side of a box grater. Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible. This step is crucial to prevent the poppers from becoming too wet or soggy.
   • Finely grate the carrot.
   • Finely dice the red bell pepper and finely mince the yellow onion and garlic. Chop the fresh parsley.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, lightly beat the egg.
4. Add Vegetables and Seasonings: To the beaten egg, add the squeezed zucchini, grated carrot, diced bell pepper, minced onion, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Stir to combine these ingredients well.
5. Introduce the Chicken and Breadcrumbs: Add the ground chicken to the bowl with the vegetable mixture. Sprinkle the Panko breadcrumbs, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper over the top.
6. Mix Gently but Thoroughly: Using your hands or a sturdy spoon, gently mix all the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tougher poppers. The mixture should be uniform, with the vegetables and seasonings evenly distributed throughout the chicken.
7. Form the Poppers: Using a small cookie scoop (about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons) or your hands, roll the mixture into small, uniform-sized balls. Aim for poppers that are about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Uniformity ensures even cooking. Place the formed poppers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching. This allows hot air to circulate around each popper for even browning.
8. Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the poppers are golden brown on the outside and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. You can flip them halfway through the baking time if you desire more even browning, though it’s not strictly necessary.
9. Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the poppers rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful bites. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.