Sweet Potato Chicken Poppers - Paleo AIP Friendly Baked

Crispy baked chicken poppers packed with sweet potato goodness, perfect for paleo and AIP diets. Ground chicken combines with finely grated sweet potato and coconut flour to create tender, flavorful bites with a satisfying texture. Great as appetizers for gatherings, kid-friendly snacks, or protein-packed meal components. The coconut oil helps achieve golden edges while keeping them moist inside. Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, these poppers offer a healthier alternative to traditional fried options without sacrificing taste or satisfaction.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken, uncooked
- 2 cups sweet potato, uncooked finely grated
- 2 tbsp coconut oil, plus 1 tsp for greasing
- 2 tbsp coconut flour
- 2 sprigs green onion, chopped fine
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp black pepper, omit for AIP(optional)
- 1 tsp paprika or chili powder, not AIP but adds kick(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 400F and line baking sheet with parchment paper lightly greased with oil
- 2
Combine all ingredients in large mixing bowl and thoroughly mix
- 3
Roll mixture into small slightly flattened poppers about one inch in diameter
- 4
Place poppers on baking sheet
- 5
Bake for 25-28 minutes flipping halfway through
- 6
Optional crisp further in pan or under broiler for 1-2 minutes
- 7
Remove when thoroughly cooked through
- 8
Allow to cool and serve with favorite dipping sauce
Tips
Use a wide cheese grater or food processor to finely grate sweet potato for best texture and even cooking throughout the poppers.
Flip poppers halfway through baking to ensure even browning and prevent sticking to the parchment paper.
For extra crispiness place under broiler for 1-2 minutes after baking or quickly sear in a hot pan.
Good to Know
Refrigerate cooked poppers up to 3 days in airtight container
Shape poppers day ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake
Best served warm with dipping sauces like guacamole ketchup or mustard
Common Mistakes
Grate sweet potato finely to avoid uneven cooking
Don't skip flipping to prevent burning on one side
Test doneness by cutting one open to ensure chicken is cooked through
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I make these ahead of time
Yes shape the poppers and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze shaped uncooked poppers for up to 3 months.
What if I don't have coconut flour
Almond flour works as substitute using same amount though texture will be slightly different and adds tree nut allergen.
How long do these keep
Store cooked poppers in refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat in oven at 350F for 5-8 minutes to restore crispiness.