Keto Chicken Poppers 🧀

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Get ready to take a delightful trip down memory lane with our keto Chicken Poppers recipe. Remember those cheesy snacks from childhood that brought so much joy? Now you can relive those treasured moments with a healthy twist. These chicken poppers are like little golden treasures, perfect for dunking in ketchup or stacking on a salad. Packed with flavors of chicken, cheese, and a satisfying crunch, they're sure to become a new favorite. Let's head to the kitchen and start cooking some magic with this simple and tasty dish!

Keto Cheesy Chicken Poppers in tray with ketchup

This post is sponsored by Moon Cheese. Thank you for supporting the brands that make delicious Cast Iron Keto recipes EPIC.

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Preparation and cooking overview
Chef's note
🧀 Ingredients for this chicken poppers recipe
Ingredient substitutions
Additional ingredients
Cooking tools required
Tools substitute options
How to make Chicken Poppers: step-by-step guide
Cooking methods
Preparation steps
Cooking instructions
What to serve with keto chicken poppers
How to make it healthier
Time-saving tips
What can I prepare ahead of time?
Storage and reheating instructions
Recipe wrap-up and conclusion
Frequently asked questions
📖 Recipe

Preparation and cooking overview

Making these cheesy chicken poppers is quick and easy! Here's how to do it. First, blend Moon Cheese and coconut flour together to create a tasty coating. Next, dip chicken cubes into beaten egg and cover them well with the cheese mixture. Lastly, fry the chicken for just 3-4 minutes per side until they're golden and fully cooked. In no time at all, you'll be ready to enjoy a delicious, flavor-packed treat that's sure to be a hit!

Chef's note

If you'd rather have a non-fried version, bake the poppers in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes. They'll still turn out delightfully crispy, allowing you to enjoy the dish in a way that suits your taste best.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 Minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
Recipe Makes 6 Servings

🧀 Ingredients for this chicken poppers recipe

To make the keto chicken poppers, you'll only need a handful of ingredients:

1.5 pounds of boneless chicken breast, cut into 2-inch cubes
2 bags of Moon Cheese (one cheddar and one gouda)
¼ cup of coconut flour
1 egg, beaten
½ cup of refined coconut oil

Ingredient substitutions

Feel free to swap some of the ingredients in this recipe:

Coconut oil: If you don't have coconut oil on hand, use other keto-friendly oils for frying, such as avocado oil or ghee. These alternatives have high smoke points, so they'll give your poppers a crispy exterior while ensuring they align with your keto-friendly dietary needs.

Additional ingredients

Elevate the flavors of your keto cheesy chicken poppers with these optional ingredients:

Dried herbs and spices: Enhance the poppers with a richer flavor by adding dried herbs and spices like Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika. These can add a delightful depth to the taste.
Parmesan cheese: To boost the cheesy experience, try incorporating some grated cheese into the coating mixture. This addition creates a rich, savory taste that pairs wonderfully with the Moon Cheese.
Crispy bacon bits: For a touch of smoky flavor and extra texture, sprinkle some crispy bacon bits over the poppers. This combination of savory bacon and cheesy chicken is a delightful twist that adds a special flair to the dish.

Cooking tools required

To make these keto chicken poppers, you'll need the following tools:

Cutting board
Knife
Shallow bowl
Cast Iron skillet (10.5" or similar size)
Mixing spoon or whisk
Tongs or fork

Tools substitute options

Cast-iron skillet: If you don't have a cast-iron skillet, use a non-stick skillet or frying pan instead. Just ensure that it's wide enough to comfortably accommodate the chicken pieces without overcrowding.

Keto Cheesy Chicken Poppers served with ketchup

How to make Chicken Poppers: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

Frying

Preparation steps

Trim any excess fat from the boneless chicken breasts. Cut them into 2-inch cubes and set aside.
Take the two bags of Moon Cheese (one cheddar and one gouda) and blend them together with the coconut flour until you achieve a fine texture. Move this cheese mixture into a shallow bowl.
In another bowl, beat the egg until it's well mixed. You'll use this later, so just set it aside for now.

Cooking instructions

Place a 10.5-inch cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and warm the oil.
Dip each chicken cube into the beaten egg, then dredge it through the cheese mixture, letting any excess fall off.
Carefully place the coated chicken pieces in the hot oil. Fry them on each side for 3-4 minutes until they become golden brown and fully cooked. Repeat this process with the remaining chicken cubes.

Chef's pro tip

For perfect golden chicken cheese poppers, make sure not to crowd them in the skillet. By frying the chicken in batches and leaving enough room between each piece, you'll allow them to brown evenly. This careful spacing helps ensure that each popper turns out crispy and cooked just right.

What to serve with keto chicken poppers

Here are dishes that pair well with the chicken poppers:

Charred veggies: Our low-carb Charred Broccoli recipe is a delightful and nutritious accompaniment to the poppers, adding a satisfying crunch.
Zucchini noodles: Toss zucchini noodles in garlic and olive oil for a light and flavorful dish. This keto-friendly pasta alternative pairs beautifully with the cheesy chicken poppers.
Avocado: Enhance the meal with creamy and rich avocado slices or guacamole. These additions not only add healthy fats but also complement the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Green salads: Consider pairing the poppers with our Keto Kale Salad or Keto Arugula Salad for a fresh and balanced side.
Healthy dips: For an exciting taste adventure, dip the poppers into our delectable Keto Baba Ganoush made from roasted eggplant or our refreshing Keto Tzatziki Sauce. These dips are sure to elevate the poppers to new flavor heights.

How to make it healthier

Use healthier oils: Instead of refined coconut oil, try avocado oil or olive oil. These oils are nutritionally favorable and rich in heart-healthy fats that benefit overall well-being.
Opt for baking: Baking the chicken poppers is a healthier cooking method. Lightly coat them with oil and place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Add more veggies: Serve the chicken poppers with generous portions of fresh vegetables or a side salad.

Time-saving tips

Pre-cut the chicken: To skip the cutting step, buy pre-cut chicken from the store. This simple change can save valuable time during the cooking process.
Make in bulk: If you love these chicken poppers, consider doubling the recipe. Cook an extra batch and freeze it. Having a ready-made meal for another day can be a real time-saver.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breast into 2-inch cubes in advance.
Pre-blend the cheese mixture: Blend the Moon Cheese and coconut flour together ahead of time. Store the mixture in a sealed container or resealable bag.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage tips

Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken poppers in an airtight container or resealable bag. Refrigerate promptly to keep them fresh. Enjoy within 3-4 days for the best taste and texture.

Freezer: You can freeze the chicken poppers, but be aware that the texture may change slightly upon thawing. For the best flavor, consume within 1-2 months of freezing.

Reheating best practices

Microwave: Place the chicken poppers on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
Oven: Preheat to 350°F (180°C). Place the poppers on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until thoroughly heated.
Stovetop: Using a non-stick skillet over medium heat, add the poppers and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until evenly heated.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

And there you have it—our keto Chicken Poppers recipe, a delightful blend of nostalgia and healthy eating! These crispy, cheesy nuggets take you on a trip down memory lane, reminiscent of joyful childhood moments. Each golden bite is a celebration of taste and wholesome nutrition, perfect for a keto diet.

Don't hesitate to start this culinary adventure. Grab your skillet and prepare to be enveloped by the sizzle and aroma of cheesy chicken goodness. Enjoy!

Check out these other delicious recipes using Moon Cheese:

Frequently asked questions

While frying gives the poppers a crispy texture, you can also bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until they are cooked through and golden brown.

To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute Moon Cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative that suits your taste.

You can use frozen chicken, but it needs to be fully thawed before proceeding with the recipe. Fresh chicken is preferable for the best texture and flavor, but properly thawed frozen chicken will also work. Make sure to pat it dry to remove excess moisture before cooking.

Yes, you can cook the chicken poppers in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and place the poppers in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Moon Cheese is a brand of crunchy, dried cheese snacks. It's used in this recipe for its unique texture and flavor. If you can't find Moon Cheese, you can substitute it with another hard, grated cheese like Parmesan or a blend of your favorite keto-friendly cheeses, depending on your taste preferences.

📖 Recipe