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Real Balanced

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Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

Net Carbs:0.8g
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These Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers are a delicious keto savory appetizer that are 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!

keto bacon ranch poppers on a bowl lined with parchment paper recipe post featured image

An easy savory keto chicken appetizer

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!

Be sure to read through this post for answers to frequently asked questions before moving on to the recipe card and making this recipe. You will also find step-by-step photos within the blog post (above the recipe card) that will help you to successfully make this appetizer.

chicken bacon ranch poppers with sauce drizzle and chopped herbs

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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:

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.

raw bacon laid on top of a baking rack with a foil underneath

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).

cooked bacon laid on top of a baking rack with a foil underneath

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.

crumbled bacon, ground chicken, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, egg, and spices in a large mixing bowl

Using hands, mix together until thoroughly combined.

chicken popper ingredients mixed in a large mixing bowl

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.

popper mixture formed into an equal-sized balls and placed on top of a baking sheet

Transfer baking sheet to oven and bake poppers until golden brown and cooked until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees, about 30 minutes.

cooked popper balls placed on top of a baking sheet

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.)

sour cream, mayonnaise, herbs and spices in a mixing bowl

Stir until well combined. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

ranch ingredients mixed in a mixing bowl

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.

keto-chicken-bacon-ranch-poppers

Diets that comply with this recipe

Low-carb chicken poppers comply with a handful of different diets, making them a great choice for parties or gatherings.

  • Keto and Low-Carb: This recipe is low-carb and keto-friendly! One popper contains just 0.8 grams of net carbs.
  • Gluten-Free and Grain-Free: These chicken bacon ranch poppers are made without gluten or grains.
  • Nut-Free and Coconut-Free: This recipe is made without nut or coconut ingredients.
  • Primal: This recipe is compliant with a primal diet.
  • Sugar-Free: This recipe does not include any added sugar or sweeteners.

Looking for more appetizers?

If you’re looking for appetizers for your next party, family gathering, or game day, you will love these other options! All of these recipes are nut-free and keto-friendly.

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keto bacon ranch poppers on a bowl lined with parchment paper recipe post featured image

Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers

★★★★★

5 from 3 reviews
  • Author: Sara Nelson
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 15 poppers 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Bake
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free
Print Recipe

Description

These Chicken Bacon Ranch Poppers are a delicious low-carb and keto-friendly party appetizer! This recipe is keto, low-carb, nut-free, gluten-free, grain-free, sugar-free, and only 0.8g net carbs per serving!

Ingredients

Poppers

Ranch

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

Recipe Notes:

Ground Chicken Substitution: 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.

Where To Purchase Ground Chicken: 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.

Bacon Substitution: 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 Substitution: 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.

Mayonnaise Substitution: 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 Substitution: Lemon juice or white wine vinegar can be used instead of apple cider vinegar.

Heavy Whipping Cream Substitution: Unsweetened coconut milk (from a carton, not a can) can be used here. Note, though, that this will thin the consistency of the ranch.

Net Carbs: Each serving contains 0.8 grams of net carbs. 1 popper is equivalent to 1 serving.

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.

Reheating Instructions: Place poppers in oven at 425 degrees until warmed throughout, or microwave for about 15-20 seconds.

Keywords: chicken bacon ranch, low carb chicken bacon ranch, keto chicken bacon ranch, keto chicken appetizer

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15 Comments

  1. Shirley says

    Does o.8 grams of carbs means its less then one gram per popper? or 8 grams per popper? Sorry not good at math.

    Reply

  3. Lynnie says

    Quadrupled the recipe to feed my crew of men for dinner! Yum and easy peasy! Thanks for a great keto recipe!

    ★★★★★

    Reply

    • realbalanced says

      YAY! So happy to hear that you enjoyed the recipe, Lynnie!!! 🙂 Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment and recipe rating!

      Reply

  5. Stephanie, One Caring Mom says

    These look delicious!! I love ground chicken but find that I don’t have a lot of recipes that utilize it. This one looks perfect and I can’t wait to try them. The flavor combo of chicken, bacon, and ranch is one of my favorites!

    Reply

    • realbalanced says

      The nutrition label below the recipe includes total carbs and fiber. I write the net carbs within the body of the post. Each popper is 0.8g net carbs.

      Reply

  7. Ryan says

    Easily one of my new meals “on-the-go” (read: I’m too lazy to pack anything and these are the perfect meal for the lazy man who’d rather grab-and-go than act like an adult and take care of cooking for himself)! Pair these with ranch and you’ve got the perfect game-time snack, or meal if you’re like me and have no chill.

    ★★★★★

    Reply