If you’re craving a bite-sized sensation that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and tropical vibes, you’ll absolutely love this Pineapple Chicken Poppers with Coconut Sweet Potato and Teriyaki Sauce Recipe. These poppers are juicy little bursts of flavor, combining tender ground chicken with naturally sweet pineapple and coconut-infused sweet potatoes, all tied together with a luscious homemade teriyaki sauce. Whether for a family gathering or a tasty weeknight treat, this recipe brings a beautiful harmony of tastes and textures that will have you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect combo of flavor and texture. From the creamy softness of the coconut sweet potato to the tropical punch of pineapple and the savory depth from the chicken, these components come together simply yet spectacularly.
- Sweet potato (1.5 cups): Packed with natural sweetness and vibrant color that makes every popper delightfully moist and tender.
- Ground chicken (1 lb): Lean and juicy, it forms the hearty base of the poppers while keeping them light and easy to enjoy.
- Red onion (0.5, diced): Adds a subtle sweetness and a wonderful depth to balance the tropical flavors.
- Pineapple (0.5 cups, diced): The star ingredient that bursts with juicy, bright notes bursting through every bite.
- Cilantro (2 tbsp, chopped): Brings fresh herbal brightness to elevate the overall flavor profile.
- Sea salt (1 tsp): Enhances all the natural flavors, making sure nothing gets lost on the palate.
- Black pepper (0.5 tsp, optional): Adds a gentle warmth—skip it if following an AIP diet.
- Coconut flour (2 tbsp): A gluten-free binder that helps hold these poppers together with a light texture.
- Avocado oil (2 tbsp): Perfect for baking because of its high smoke point and subtle, buttery flavor.
- Coconut aminos (2 tsp): A delicious soy sauce alternative that brings umami richness without any gluten.
- Lime juice (2 tsp): Adds a zesty acidity that wakes up every other ingredient perfectly.
How to Make Pineapple Chicken Poppers with Coconut Sweet Potato and Teriyaki Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Sweet Potato
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Then, process the sweet potato until it’s finely riced for a smoother texture, or grate it coarsely if you prefer a bit more bite in your poppers. This step is key for creating that tender, yet substantial, bite in every nugget.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Sweet Potato
In a large mixing bowl, mix the riced sweet potato with coconut flour, sea salt, black pepper, ground chicken, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and diced pineapple. Combining the dry elements first ensures even distribution before adding the flavorful liquids, guaranteeing that every popper is packed with balanced flavors.
Step 3: Add Oils and Flavors
Now is the time to blend in the avocado oil, lime juice, and coconut aminos. These ingredients not only add moisture but also intensify the tropical and savory notes. The lime juice especially brightens the overall taste, highlighting the pineapple’s sweetness and the chicken’s savoriness.
Step 4: Shape and Bake the Poppers
Using your hands, form the mixture into small, slightly flattened poppers or nuggets, making each roughly the size of a walnut. Arranged neatly on the baking sheet, these poppers will bake evenly. Slide them into the oven for 25 to 28 minutes, flipping once halfway through so both sides get beautifully golden and crisp.
Step 5: Make the Teriyaki Sauce
While the poppers bake, whisk together your teriyaki sauce ingredients in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir gently until the sauce thickens into a luscious glaze that’s just the right consistency for dipping or drizzling. This homemade sauce is the perfect finishing touch, marrying the sweet and savory layers of the dish beautifully.
How to Serve Pineapple Chicken Poppers with Coconut Sweet Potato and Teriyaki Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or green onions over the poppers just before serving for a fresh, fragrant touch that’s as pretty as it is flavorful. A squeeze of extra lime juice can also elevate the brightness, making each bite pop with zing and vibrancy.
Side Dishes
Pair these poppers with a crisp side salad of mixed greens and a light vinaigrette or some steamed jasmine rice to soak up any extra teriyaki sauce. The simplicity of sides lets your poppers shine as the star of the meal while providing balance and satisfying contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party appetizer, serve the poppers on a bamboo skewer with pineapple chunks alternated between each bite. Or turn this into a playful finger food by placing poppers on a platter with little dipping bowls of teriyaki sauce, extra lime wedges, and fresh herbs on the side. Presentation can be as exciting and tropical as the flavors themselves!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping them chilled preserves the freshness of the ingredients, especially the pineapple and cilantro, ensuring they stay tasty and ready for a quick snack or lunch.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these poppers freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to two months without losing their scrumptious flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the frozen or refrigerated poppers into a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 to 15 minutes or until warmed through and crisp again. You can also quickly warm them in a skillet over medium heat, but be gentle to keep them from drying out. Serve again with that delectable teriyaki sauce for instant deliciousness.
FAQs
What can I substitute for coconut flour if I can’t find it?
If coconut flour isn’t available, almond flour is a great substitute, although the texture will be slightly different. Just keep in mind almond flour tends to be moister, so you may need to adjust the amount slightly to keep the poppers firm.
Can I make these poppers vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the ground chicken with mashed chickpeas or crumbled tempeh and replace any egg or coconut aminos with soy sauce alternatives like tamari for a vegan twist. The sweet potato and pineapple still bring plenty of flavor and texture.
How spicy are these poppers?
This Pineapple Chicken Poppers with Coconut Sweet Potato and Teriyaki Sauce Recipe is naturally mild, focusing on sweetness and savory notes. You can add chili flakes or finely chopped jalapeño if you crave a hint of heat.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it’s completely gluten-free thanks to the use of coconut flour and coconut aminos instead of traditional wheat-based ingredients, making it suitable for gluten intolerance or celiac diets.
Can I prepare the poppers mixture ahead of time?
You sure can! Prepare the popper mixture up to a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. This makes assembling and baking a breeze when you’re ready to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the way sweet pineapple, tender chicken, and the rich coconut sweet potato come together in the Pineapple Chicken Poppers with Coconut Sweet Potato and Teriyaki Sauce Recipe. It’s a dish bursting with tropical charm yet grounded by cozy comfort. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe promises a memorable, delicious experience that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Give it a try and watch how those poppers disappear fast!
Print
Pineapple Chicken Poppers with Coconut Sweet Potato and Teriyaki Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Pineapple Chicken Poppers are delightful bite-sized snacks that perfectly balance sweet and savory flavors. Made with lean ground chicken, naturally sweet riced sweet potato, and juicy pineapple chunks, these gluten-free poppers are baked to a golden perfection and served with a homemade teriyaki-style dipping sauce. They’re nutritious, tender, and bursting with tropical flair and fresh herbs, making them perfect as an appetizer or a fun, healthy snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Sweet potato (finely riced or grated)
- 1 lb Ground chicken (lean)
- 0.5 Red onion (diced)
- 0.5 cups Pineapple (diced)
- 2 tbsp Cilantro (chopped)
- 1 tsp Sea salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper (omit for AIP)
- 2 tbsp Coconut flour
- 2 tbsp Avocado oil
- 2 tsp Coconut aminos
- 2 tsp Lime juice
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the poppers don’t stick and bake evenly.
- Prepare the Sweet Potato: Process the sweet potato until finely riced for a smooth texture or grate it coarsely if you prefer a bit more bite and texture in the poppers.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix the riced sweet potato together with the ground chicken, diced red onion, diced pineapple, chopped cilantro, sea salt, black pepper, and coconut flour until well incorporated.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the avocado oil, lime juice, and coconut aminos into the mixture, ensuring an even distribution that will keep the poppers moist and flavorful.
- Form the Poppers: Shape the mixture into small, slightly flattened bite-sized nuggets or poppers and place them evenly spaced on the lined baking sheet.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 28 minutes, turning the poppers over halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and crispness on both sides.
- Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce: While the poppers bake, whisk together all teriyaki sauce ingredients in a small saucepan, then set to low heat and cook until the sauce thickens to a glaze-like consistency.
- Serve: Remove the poppers from the oven and serve them hot with the warm teriyaki dipping sauce for a sweet and savory finish.
Notes
- For an AIP-compliant version, omit the black pepper and coconut aminos, or substitute the latter with a compliant alternative like diluted bone broth.
- You can prepare the mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
- These poppers can be reheated in the oven to retain crispness or in an air fryer.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding finely chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture.
