These chicken poppers are gluten-free, paleo, AIP, and egg-free, while still being delicious enough to fool anyone who regularly eats otherwise!

Sweet Potato Chicken Poppers (Paleo, AIP)

Sweet Potato Chicken Poppers Are the Healthy Comfort Food You’ve Been Looking For…

Are you a chicken nugget fan? Or maybe you have one in the family? I feel you! Chicken nuggets are life, and I was obsessed for the first half of my life. Okay maybe more. Chicken nuggets are one of those foods that seems like you’d never be able to make them with real food… think again! These sweet potato chicken poppers are the real food, adult version of the chicken nuggets that I loved for years!

When I first made these and got a whiff of them cooking in the oven, it seriously smelled like any game day snack that you’d find in a sports bar or at any party. The smell, the texture, and the nostalgic feel that I was eating chicken nuggets make these little poppers the perfect healthy comfort food that are gluten-free, paleo, and whole30!

Here’s why they’re good for you…

  • They’re veggie packed with green onion and sweet potato which provide vitamins, nutrients, and flavor
  • These guys feature coconut flour which is a grain free, healthy flour, and coconut oil which is an amazing healthy fat
  • They’re paleo and Whole 30 friendly, and even strict autoimmune protocol friendly.

The Ingredients for the Sweet Potato Chicken Poppers

  • Ground Chicken. If you can find the ground chicken in the store, you can easily use a food processor to grind chicken breast or thigh into ground chicken.
  • Sweet Potato. You’ll grate the sweet potato for this recipe. You can either use a grater, or you can use a food processor!
  • Coconut flour. The coconut flour helps to bind this recipe and make it crispy. You can also sub other flours.
  • Garlic powder, onion powder, and green onion. These seasonings are mild and more kid-friendly, but you can easily switch up the seasonings with herbs or something spicier if you prefer!

 

Sweet Potato Chicken Poppers (Paleo, AIP)

How to make Sweet Potato Chicken Poppers

  • Preheat the oven to 400 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper lightly greased with oil
  • Combine all of the ingredients in a large mixing bowl and thoroughly mix.
  • Begin rolling the mixture into small, slightly flattened poppers about one inch in diameter (you’ll have about 20-25 poppers) and place them on the baking sheet
  • Place in the oven for 25-28 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
  • Allow to cool and serve with your favorite sauce! Feel free to use a different sauce that is compliant with your own needs, like maybe a clean buffalo sauce, or even a ranch dip. But rest assured that they go great with this guac!

Sweet Potato Chicken Poppers Are Perfect For…

  • Party appetizers
  • Super Bowl or game day snacks
  • Finger food for picky eater kiddos
  • Fun weeknight dinner

Can you use ground turkey instead?

Yes! Ground turkey works just as well.

What if you can’t find ground chicken?

You can easily add chicken breast or thigh to the food processor to make your own.

Can you use something other than coconut flour?

You can also use almond or cassava flour to bind these.

Can you freeze these?

You totally can! They’re perfect for doubling and freezing for later. I prefer to cook them and then freeze them rather than freezing them raw.

 

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Sweet Potato Chicken Poppers (Paleo & AIP)


  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 20-25 poppers (4 servings) 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 lb ground chicken (uncooked)
  • 2 cups uncooked sweet potato, finely grated (I used a wide cheese grater like this or you can use your food processor)
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil + 1 tsp for greasing the baking sheet
  • 2 tbsp coconut flour (I recommend this brand )
  • 23 sprigs green onion, chopped fine
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper (omit for AIP)
  • Optional: 1 tsp paprika or chili powder (not AIP but adds a kick!)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper lightly greased with oil
  2. Combine all of the ingredients in a large mixing bowl and thoroughly mix.
  3. Begin rolling the mixture into small, slightly flattened poppers about one inch in diameter (you’ll have about 20-25 poppers) and place them on the baking sheet
  4. Place in the oven for 25-28 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
  5. Allow to cool and serve with your favorite sauce! These are made for dipping so pair them with guacamole, ketchup, mustard, etc!
  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 30

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 277
  • Fat: 10.2g
  • Carbohydrates: 18.8g
  • Fiber: 3.8g
  • Protein: 27.9g

I also have to shout out a similar recipe, chicken and zucchini poppers from One Lovely Life! These are another great option if you’re looking for something lower in starch.

 

Sweet Potato Chicken Poppers (Paleo, AIP & Whole 30)