These Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers are a delicious appetizer that is simple to make and low in carbs. With less than 1 gram of net carbs per serving, this one-hour recipe is a total winner.
These chicken bacon ranch poppers are cheesy, savory, and packed with flavor! With only straightforward ingredients, you likely have all of these ingredients on-hand right now.
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Chicken bacon ranch poppers recipe FAQs
When it comes to making this recipe, you pretty much can’t go wrong! Here are some helpful tips and substitution options.
Ingredients required to make
For the chicken poppers, you will need:
- Ground chicken,
- Bacon,
- Sharp shredded cheddar cheese,
- Egg,
- Salt, and
For the ranch dipping sauce, you will need:
Ingredient substitution options
For the poppers:
- Ground Chicken: Ground turkey can be used in place of ground chicken. In most cases, ground turkey and ground chicken tend to cook similarly, but to ensure the poppers are cooked properly, use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature is 165 degrees.
- Bacon: Turkey bacon can be used in place of pork bacon here. Turkey bacon tends to be thinner than pork bacon, so consider adding a few extra pieces.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Any shredded cheese should be successful when substituted in at a 1:1 ratio for shredded cheddar here. Some options include: shredded mozzarella, shredded pepper jack, or shredded colby jack.
For the ranch:
- Mayonnaise: Sour cream can be substituted in for mayonnaise at a 1:1 ratio. Greek yogurt will also work here, but note that this will change the nutrition information, specifically the carb content.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Lemon juice or white wine vinegar can be used instead of apple cider vinegar.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Unsweetened coconut milk (from a carton, not a can) can be used here. Note, though, that this will thin the consistency of the ranch.
Where can ground chicken be purchased?
I’ve never personally had any trouble finding ground chicken at my local grocery store; it’s always right next to the ground turkey. If, however, your store doesn’t carry it, I would suggest going to the deli counter or to a local butcher shop to ask if they can grind some chicken for you.
How many net carbs per serving?
Each serving of these ranch chicken poppers contains just 0.8 grams of net carbs. 1 popper is equivalent to 1 serving.
How do I store bacon ranch poppers?
Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezer Storage: Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Unthaw in the refrigerator.
To reheat, place in the oven at 425 degrees until warmed throughout, or microwave for about 15-20 seconds.
What to serve alongside these poppers?
If you are looking to make these poppers for dinner, consider serving them alongside these keto side dishes:
How to make chicken bacon ranch poppers
Preheat oven to 425 degrees and line baking sheet with foil and baking rack. In an even layer, lay bacon strips atop baking rack.
Bake bacon in oven until crispy, about 15-20 minutes, depending on thickness of the bacon. (Alternatively, bacon can be cooked on stovetop over medium heat and drained of excess grease on a paper towel-lined plate).
Crumble cooked bacon into small pieces.
Dispose of foil from baking sheet or use a second baking sheet. Decrease oven heat to 375 degrees and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
To a large mixing bowl, add ground chicken, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, egg, and spices.
Using hands, mix together until thoroughly combined.
Form mixture into equal-sized balls, about 1 1/2 tbsp of mixture per ball, place on prepared baking sheet, and lightly press down to slightly flatten.
Transfer baking sheet to oven and bake poppers until golden brown and cooked until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees, about 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, to a mixing bowl, add all ranch ingredients. (Add 2 tbsp heavy cream for a thicker ranch or, for a thinner consistency, add 3 tbsp.)
Stir until well combined. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Remove poppers from oven and allow to cool slightly before poking individual poppers with a toothpick. Serve with ranch dressing drizzled atop poppers or on the side.
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Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers
Ingredients
Poppers
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 12 slices ~145g bacon
- 1/4 cup 28g shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tsp dried dill
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Ranch
- 1/2 cup 120g mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup 60g sour cream
- 2-3 tbsp 30-45mL heavy whipping cream*
- 1 1/2 tsp ~7g apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp dried dill
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp dried parsley
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/8 tsp pepper
- 1/8 tsp salt
Instructions
- Poppers: Preheat oven to 425 degrees and line baking sheet with foil and baking rack. In an even layer, lay bacon strips atop baking rack. Bake bacon in oven until crispy, about 15-20 minutes, depending on thickness of the bacon. (Alternatively, bacon can be cooked on stovetop over medium heat and drained of excess grease on a paper towel-lined plate). Crumble cooked bacon into small pieces.
- Dispose of foil from baking sheet or use a second baking sheet. Decrease oven heat to 375 degrees and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
- To a large mixing bowl, add ground chicken, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, egg, and spices. Using hands, mix together until thoroughly combined. Form mixture into equal-sized balls, about 1 1/2 tbsp of mixture per ball, place on prepared baking sheet, and lightly press down to slightly flatten. Transfer baking sheet to oven and bake poppers until golden brown and cooked until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees, about 30 minutes.
- Ranch: Meanwhile, to a mixing bowl, add all ranch ingredients and stir until well-combined. (*Add 2 tbsp heavy cream for a thicker ranch or, for a thinner consistency, add 3 tbsp.) Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Final Steps: Remove poppers from oven and allow to cool slightly before poking individual poppers with a toothpick. Serve with ranch dressing drizzled atop poppers or on the side.
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