Sweet Potato Chicken Poppers are bite-sized, juicy, and packed with flavor, combining tender ground chicken with naturally sweet and creamy mashed sweet potatoes. Lightly seasoned with garlic, onion, and a touch of spice, these poppers are baked or pan-fried to crispy perfection, making them a delicious and nutritious snack, appetizer, or protein-packed meal.
I first made Sweet Potato Chicken Poppers when I was looking for a fun and healthy way to switch up dinner, and they quickly became a favorite. The combination of juicy chicken and soft sweet potatoes created the perfect texture, while the simple seasoning blend made them flavorful without being overpowering. What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to make and how well it pairs with different dipping sauces—honey mustard, ranch, or a spicy sriracha aioli take them to the next level!
What’s great about Sweet Potato Chicken Poppers is their versatility. You can bake them for a lighter option, pan-fry them for extra crispiness, or even air-fry them for a quick and easy meal. Whether served as a kid-friendly snack, meal-prep protein, or party appetizer, these poppers are a wholesome, delicious, and satisfying bite every time!
Perfect for:
- Healthy meal prep
- Quick and easy snacks
- Kid-friendly meals
- Game day appetizers
- High-protein, low-carb diets
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why these Sweet Potato Chicken Poppers will become a household favorite:
- Nutrient-Dense: Packed with protein from chicken and fiber from sweet potatoes.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and fresh, whole foods.
- Naturally Sweet & Savory: The combination of sweet potato and savory chicken is irresistible.
- Gluten-Free & Paleo-Friendly: No breadcrumbs or fillers—just wholesome ingredients.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a batch in advance for easy grab-and-go meals.
- Great for Kids: A fun and tasty way to sneak in veggies for picky eaters.
- Customizable Seasonings: Adjust the spices to suit your taste.
- Baked or Pan-Fried: Choose your preferred cooking method for convenience.
- Perfect for Dipping: Pairs well with your favorite sauces and condiments.
- Low-Calorie & Satisfying: A guilt-free snack that keeps you full longer.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 180-220 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 18g, Carbs: 14g, Fat: 6g
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 cup grated sweet potato
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for pan-frying, optional)
Ingredient Highlights
- Ground Chicken: Lean and packed with protein.
- Sweet Potato: Adds natural sweetness and nutrients.
- Smoked Paprika: Brings a hint of smoky depth.
- Fresh Parsley: Enhances freshness and flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Mixture:
- Grate Sweet Potato: Use a box grater or food processor to grate the sweet potato finely.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, grated sweet potato, garlic, and seasonings.
- Form into Poppers: Using your hands or a scoop, shape the mixture into small, bite-sized balls or patties.
Cooking Options:
Baking Method:
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange Poppers: Place the poppers evenly on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Cook for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Pan-Frying Method:
- Heat Oil: Warm olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Cook in Batches: Add poppers to the pan, cooking for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Serve:
- Cool Slightly: Let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy with Dips: Serve with avocado dip, yogurt sauce, or your favorite condiment.
How to Serve
Here are 10 delicious ways to enjoy Sweet Potato Chicken Poppers:
- As a Protein-Packed Snack: Grab a few for a quick, healthy bite.
- With Dipping Sauces: Serve with honey mustard, guacamole, or sriracha mayo.
- Over Salad: Add to a fresh salad for extra protein.
- In a Wrap: Stuff into a whole-wheat tortilla with lettuce and sauce.
- With Roasted Veggies: Serve alongside roasted Brussels sprouts or carrots.
- In a Lunchbox: A kid-friendly option for school lunches.
- For Breakfast: Pair with eggs for a balanced morning meal.
- With Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb meal idea.
- As a Burger Patty: Use larger poppers as a healthy burger alternative.
- On Skewers: Thread onto skewers for a fun party appetizer.
Additional Tips
- Use Fresh Sweet Potatoes – Freshly grated sweet potatoes provide the best texture and moisture, ensuring your poppers stay tender and juicy.
- Drain Excess Moisture – After grating the sweet potatoes, squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel to prevent sogginess.
- Season Generously – Add garlic powder, paprika, or even a pinch of cayenne for an extra flavor boost. A well-seasoned mix makes all the difference!
- Chill Before Cooking – Let the mixture sit in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before shaping. This helps the poppers hold their form better.
- Use a Cookie Scoop – For evenly sized poppers, use a small cookie scoop to portion out the mixture before rolling them into balls.
- Bake or Air-Fry for Crispiness – If you prefer a lighter option, bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes or air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes.
- Pan-Fry for Extra Crunch – For a crispy exterior, lightly pan-fry in a bit of avocado or olive oil after baking.
- Pair with a Tasty Dip – Serve with a creamy garlic aioli, spicy sriracha mayo, or a refreshing avocado lime sauce for extra flavor.
- Make Ahead & Freeze – Shape the poppers and freeze them raw. When ready to cook, bake or air-fry straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes!
- Add Hidden Veggies – Mix in finely chopped spinach, zucchini, or carrots for a nutritious boost without altering the taste.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Buffalo Poppers – Toss cooked poppers in buffalo sauce and serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- Cheesy Herb Poppers – Mix shredded cheddar or Parmesan into the mixture before baking for a cheesy, savory twist.
- BBQ Ranch Poppers – Stir in a tablespoon of BBQ sauce and ranch seasoning for a smoky, tangy flavor.
- Asian-Inspired Poppers – Add a teaspoon of soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil to the mix, and serve with a sweet chili dipping sauce.
- Mediterranean Poppers – Mix in crumbled feta, chopped spinach, and a sprinkle of oregano for a Greek-inspired variation.
- Curry-Spiced Poppers – Add a teaspoon of curry powder and a pinch of turmeric for a warm, aromatic kick.
- Taco Poppers – Season with taco seasoning and serve with guacamole or salsa for a fun Tex-Mex twist.
- Beef Bacon-Wrapped Poppers – Wrap each popper in a slice of thin beef bacon before baking for extra crispy, smoky goodness.
- Garlic Parmesan Poppers – Coat the poppers in a garlic butter and Parmesan cheese mixture after baking for a bold, garlicky finish.
- Breakfast Poppers – Mix in crumbled breakfast sausage and serve with a maple syrup drizzle for a sweet-and-savory combo.
Special Equipment
- Food Processor – To finely chop the chicken and sweet potatoes for a smooth, well-mixed texture.
- Box Grater – If you prefer to grate the sweet potatoes instead of using a food processor.
- Mixing Bowls – For combining all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Baking Sheet – To bake the poppers evenly in the oven.
- Parchment Paper – To prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Cookie Scoop – For portioning uniform poppers quickly and easily.
- Non-Stick Skillet – If you’re pan-frying instead of baking.
- Air Fryer – For a crispy texture with less oil.
- Meat Thermometer – To ensure the chicken is fully cooked (165°F/75°C internal temperature).
- Silicone Spatula – For mixing and scooping without sticking.
FAQ Section
- Can I use pre-cooked sweet potato?
It’s best to use raw grated sweet potato to help bind the mixture. - How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. - Can I freeze them?
Yes! Freeze raw or cooked poppers for up to 2 months. - Can I use ground beef instead of chicken?
Yes, but the flavor will be richer, and cooking time may vary. - What’s the best dip for these poppers?
Avocado dip, ranch, or spicy mayo are great choices. - Can I bake them in an air fryer?
Yes! Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes. - Do I need to peel the sweet potato?
Peeling is optional, but it helps create a smoother texture. - How can I make them extra crispy?
Lightly coat with almond flour before cooking. - Can I add eggs to the mixture?
Eggs aren’t necessary, but they can help with binding. - What can I serve with these for a full meal?
Serve with quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Conclusion
Sweet Potato Chicken Poppers are the perfect bite-sized blend of savory and sweet, made with tender ground chicken and naturally sweet, nutrient-packed sweet potatoes. These poppers are lightly seasoned with garlic, onion, and a touch of spice, then baked or pan-seared to golden perfection. They’re juicy, flavorful, and irresistibly delicious!
These poppers are great for meal prep, snacking, or serving as a fun appetizer. You can customize them by adding fresh herbs, dipping them in your favorite sauce (like honey mustard or ranch), or even tossing them in buffalo sauce for a spicy kick.
I can’t wait to see how your Sweet Potato Chicken Poppers turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations! And don’t forget to leave a comment letting me know how you made this dish your own!