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These BBQ Chicken Poppers are the perfect summertime meal! Serve them as an easy dinner, or bring it to a fourth of July cookout as an appetizer. They’re paleo, Whole30, and AIP compliant.

BBQ Chicken Poppers (Paleo, Whole30, AIP)

There’s nothing quite like BBQ chicken in the summertime. Heck, any time of year really, but especially the summer! I was always wary of BBQ growing up… maybe because I intuitively knew that traditional BBQ just didn’t jive with my body, or because I was resisting becoming a Texan after growing up in New York, but those days are long gone! BBQ chicken is life.

My only issue with BBQ chicken is that it tends to take a while in my house. My husband always like to slow cook it in the oven which takes up our oven space for longer than I’d like. So, how do make it easier and faster? These BBQ Chicken Poppers are just the thing!

These BBQ chicken poppers are so simple to make, and are easily made Paleo, AIP, and Whole30 compliant. The base of the recipe is just a few simple ingredients, and you’re free to use whatever BBQ sauce that you’d like to jazz it up. No nightshades or sugar required if you don’t want them!

These poppers are crispy, flavorful, and my husband who is ultra picky when it comes to BBQ chicken loved them!

BBQ Chicken Poppers (paleo, whole30, AIP)

How to serve these BBQ Chicken Popper

  • Make them for a simple weeknight dish and serve them with sweet potato fries, tater tots, or this bacon ranch sweet potato salad. The whole family will enjoy!
  • Pack them for lunch to eat at work and make your coworkers jealous.
  • Serve them as an appetizer for fourth of July, Father’s Day, or any cookout! Lay them out on a serving plater next to some celery and carrots with toothpicks for your guests to enjoy.

Paleo BBQ Chicken Poppers

BBQ Chicken Poppers

The Ingredients You’ll Need For the BBQ Chicken Poppers

Chicken breast

You can also use chicken thighs for this recipe.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil coats the chicken to help the arrowroot starch stick so you don’t need to use any eggs! It also helps keep it moist and delicious. Technically, you should be able to use avocado oil as well, though I haven’t tried it and can’t guarantee it will be the same.

Arrowroot starch

This is what helps make the chicken crispy. I would not sub cornstarch or tapioca starch here as it would make the chicken too gummy. You can easily find arrowroot in the flour section at most grocery stores, or online.

BBQ Sauce

These poppers are lightly seasoned so they can take on the flavor of the BBQ sauce of your choice. You can use a variety of different options that are homemade or store bought. Here are some of my recommendations to keep it compliant with your specific diet…

AIP options-

Whole30 options-

Paleo options-

Paleo BBQ Chicken Poppers (Whole30, AIP)

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BBQ Chicken Poppers (Paleo, Whole30, AIP)

★★★★★

5 from 2 reviews
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Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
  • 1/3 cup + 2 tbsp melted coconut oil
  • 1/4 cup arrowroot starch
  • 1 tsp smoked salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper (omit for AIP)
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (see above for recommendations for Paleo, Whole30, and AIP)
  • 1–2 tsp fresh chives

Instructions

  1. Set up a station with the cubed chicken in one bowl, 1/3 cup of coconut oil in another bowl, the arrowroot starch combined with the salt and pepper in another bowl, and a plate.
  2. Start to dip the cubed chicken in coconut oil, then coat in the arrowroot starch mixture, and set on a plate. Repeat the process until all of the chicken is coated.
  3. Using a large, deep skillet, melt 2 tbsp of coconut oil over medium heat.
  4. Use tongs to place the chicken in the skillet. Turn the chicken cubes until evenly crisped and internal temperature reaches 165 F. Add more coconut oil if needed.
  5. Place the chicken into a sterile bowl and lightly pat dry. Allow cooling for 4-5 minutes until mixing with a BBQ sauce of your choice and topping with fresh chives. Mix until well combined.
  6. Serve with more BBQ sauce or a compliant ranch dressing.

Notes

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

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 456
  • Fat: 27.8g
  • Carbohydrates: 23.7g
  • Fiber: 0.7g
  • Protein: 25.9g

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BBQ Chicken Poppers (Paleo, Whole30, AIP)