These Asian chicken poppers are a simple and delicious alternative to chicken nuggets with Asian-inspired flavors. They’re gluten-free, soy-free, and paleo.

 Asian Chicken Poppers (Paleo, Whole 30, AIP)

Asian Chicken Poppers

Chicken poppers have quickly become one of my favorite weeknight meals. These Asian chicken poppers made with ground chicken, hidden veggies, and paired with a fun sauce to add Asian inspired flavors!

These chicken poppers are paleo, gluten-free, AIP, and can easily be made whole30. They’re the perfect family-friendly dish to serve with a simple side.

The Ingredients

  • Ground Chicken. I have little issues finding pre-ground chicken in my area, however, you can also use a food processor to grind chicken on your own. Don’t want to use chicken? Ground turkey works just the same!
  • Shredded Carrots. You can buy shredded carrots from the store, or you can easily shred them at home with a food processor. Though I haven’t tested it, you can also try to sub sweet potato, though the flavor will be sweeter.
  • Red & Green Onion. The red and green onion really helps gives these poppers tons of flavor! I wouldn’t be quick to sub them out, and would lean on another recipe if you’re low-FODMAP.
  • Coconut Aminos. Coconut aminos is essentially a soy-free soy sauce substitute. It adds tons of flavor to these poppers and is the base to the dipping sauce. It’s sold at most stores these days, and you can also get it on Thrive Market.
  • Coconut Flour. Coconut flour helps bind these, make them crispy, and absorbs some of the moisture that the veggies release.

Asian Chicken Poppers (Paleo, Whole 30, AIP)

How to make Asian Chicken Poppers

  1. Combine the ingredients: Using a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken (or turkey), carrots, red onion, and green onion and mix well. Add in the coconut oil, coconut flour, ginger, garlic, salt, pepper, and coconut aminos. Mix well to thoroughly combine.
  2. Form the poppers: Roll the mixture into small, slightly flattened poppers about one inch in diameter (you’ll have about 20-25 poppers) and place them on the cooking sheet.
  3. Bake: Place in the oven for 28 minutes, flipping halfway through. Crisp further in a pan or place under the broiler if desired for 1-2 minutes to crisp further. Remove from the oven when thoroughly cooked through. Serve with sauce if desired and top with extra green onion.

 

Can you make this coconut free?

You can use other flours such as almond flour or cassava flour to bind the poppers. If you tolerate other soy sauce alternatives, you can use that instead of the coconut aminos.

Can you make these with ground turkey? 

Yes! Ground turkey works just as well.

Can you make these with ground chicken thigh?

Yes! Either use ground chicken thigh from the butcher counter or use a food processor to make your own at home.

What do you serve these poppers with?

 

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Asian Chicken Poppers (Paleo, Whole 30, AIP)

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 8 reviews
  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 30
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 20-25 poppers 1x

Description

These Asian chicken poppers are a simple and delicious alternative to chicken nuggets with Asian-inspired flavors. They’re gluten-free, soy-free, and paleo.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground chicken (uncooked)
  • 1 cup grated carrots
  • 1/4 medium red onion, chopped finely
  • 2 springs green onion, chopped (plus more for garnish)
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil
  • 2 tbsp coconut flour
  • 1/2 tsp ginger powder
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper (omit for AIP)
  • 2 tbsp coconut aminos
  • FOR THE SAUCE – Optional
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil
  • 3 tbsp coconut aminos
  • 1 tsp honey (omit for Whole 30)
  • Juice of 1/4 lime
  • 1/2 tsp ginger powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 F and lightly grease a lined baking sheet with coconut oil.
  2. Using a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken (or turkey), carrots, red onion, and green onion and mix well.
  3. Add in the coconut oil, coconut flour, ginger, garlic, salt, pepper, and coconut aminos. Mix well to thoroughly combine.
  4. Roll the mixture into small, slightly flattened poppers about one inch in diameter (you’ll have about 20-25 poppers) and place them on the cooking sheet.
  5. Place in the oven for 28 minutes, flipping halfway through. Crisp further in a pan or place under the broiler if desired for 1-2 minutes to crisp further
  6. Remove from the oven when thoroughly cooked through. Serve with sauce if desired and top with extra green onion.

For the sauce (optional)

  1. Add the avocado oil, coconut aminos, honey, lime juice, and ginger powder to a small bowl and whisk

Notes

All nutritional information are estimations and will vary. Estimations do not include optional ingredients or sauce.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 popper
  • Calories: 39
  • Fat: 1.6g
  • Carbohydrates: 1.6g
  • Fiber: 0.4g
  • Protein: 4.3g

Asian Chicken Poppers (Paleo, Whole 30, AIP)