Savory Chicken Bacon Ranch Jalapeño Poppers
Elevate your appetizer game with these delicious Savory Chicken Bacon Ranch Jalapeño Poppers! Each spicy jalapeño is generously filled with a flavorful mixture of ground chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh shredded carrots, seasoned to perfection with garlic and onion powder. Topped with a creamy Whole30-approved ranch dressing, these poppers offer a delightful balance of heat and savory goodness. Ideal for parties, game day snacks, or a unique addition to your dinner table, these poppers are not just mouthwatering but also nutritious and Whole30-compliant. Perfect for sharing (or not!) and sure to impress your guests!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
22
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground chicken
1 lb (raw)
sugar-free bacon
6 slices (crisped and crumbled)
shredded carrots
2 cups (fresh)
coconut oil
2 tablespoons (melted)
garlic powder
1 teaspoon (dry)
onion powder
1 teaspoon (dry)
paprika
1 teaspoon (dry)
parsley
2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
scallions
4 tablespoons (chopped, divided)
salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (to taste)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
jalapeño peppers
8 large (halved through the stem and seeds removed)
paleo mayonnaise
1 cup (store-bought or homemade)
lemon
1 (zest and juice added)
parsley
2 tablespoons (finely chopped (for dressing))
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (dry (for dressing))
onion powder
1/2 teaspoon (dry (for dressing))
coconut oil
1 teaspoon (melted (for dressing))
water
2 tablespoons (as needed for dressing)
kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon (plus more to taste (for dressing))
black pepper
1 pinch (ground (for dressing))
cayenne
1 pinch (optional (for added heat))
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this jalapeño popper recipe Whole30 compliant?
Yes, this recipe is designed to be fully Whole30 compliant by using sugar-free bacon, paleo mayonnaise, and other whole-food ingredients.
Are these chicken bacon ranch poppers gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients used in this recipe, including the ground chicken and paleo-friendly ranch, are naturally gluten-free.
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is an excellent 1:1 substitute for ground chicken in this recipe.
What kind of bacon should I use for this recipe?
To keep the recipe Whole30 and Paleo compliant, you should use sugar-free bacon slices that have been crisped and crumbled.
How many jalapeño peppers do I need?
The recipe calls for 8 large jalapeño peppers, which will yield 16 popper halves once they are sliced and seeded.
Do I need to cook the chicken before stuffing the peppers?
The recipe uses 1 lb of raw ground chicken in the mixture, which is then stuffed into the peppers and cooked until the meat is fully done.
How do I prepare the jalapeños for stuffing?
Halve the jalapeño peppers through the stem and carefully remove the seeds and white membranes to control the heat level.
What makes the ranch dressing 'Paleo'?
The ranch is made using paleo-approved mayonnaise, lemon juice, and herbs instead of traditional dairy products like buttermilk or sour cream.
Can I substitute the coconut oil?
Yes, if you prefer not to use coconut oil, you can substitute it with another Paleo-friendly fat like avocado oil or light olive oil.
Why are there carrots in the chicken mixture?
Shredded carrots add extra nutrition, a touch of natural sweetness, and a great texture to the chicken filling.
How do I make the ranch dressing thinner?
You can add water, one tablespoon at a time, to the ranch mixture until you reach your desired drizzling consistency.
Is this recipe spicy?
While jalapeños provide heat, removing the seeds and membranes significantly reduces the spiciness. The ranch dressing also helps balance the heat.
Can I add more spice to the dressing?
Yes, the recipe includes an optional pinch of cayenne pepper in the dressing instructions for those who want an extra kick.
What herbs are used in the seasoning?
The recipe uses finely chopped fresh parsley and scallions, along with dried garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
How many poppers does this recipe make?
Based on 8 large peppers, you will end up with 16 stuffed jalapeño halves.
Is the lemon zest necessary for the dressing?
The lemon zest and juice are highly recommended as they provide the brightness and acidity needed to mimic the tang of traditional ranch.
Can I make these poppers in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and seed the peppers a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge and assemble/cook when ready.
How should I store leftover jalapeño poppers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What is the best way to reheat these?
To maintain the texture, it is best to reheat them in an oven or air fryer at 350°F until warmed through.
Can I use store-bought ranch dressing?
You can use store-bought ranch if it meets your dietary needs, but the homemade version provided is specifically Whole30 and Paleo compliant.
What occasion are these poppers best for?
They are perfect as a party appetizer, game day snack, or even a fun and nutritious side dish for a family dinner.
Are these low-carb?
Yes, this recipe is naturally low-carb as it uses vegetables, proteins, and healthy fats without any added grains or sugars.
Do I need to peel the carrots?
It is best to peel and then finely shred fresh carrots to ensure they blend well into the chicken mixture.
Can I substitute scallions with regular onions?
You can use finely minced red or white onion, but scallions provide a milder flavor that complements the ranch profile better.
Is coconut oil used in the dressing too?
The recipe calls for a small amount (1 teaspoon) of melted coconut oil in the dressing to add richness.
What type of salt is best for the dressing?
Kosher salt is recommended for the dressing to provide a clean salt flavor and better control over seasoning.
Can I freeze these poppers?
While they can be frozen, the texture of the jalapeño may become softer upon thawing. They are best enjoyed fresh.
How do I ensure the bacon stays crispy?
Crisp the bacon thoroughly before crumbling and adding it to the raw chicken mixture so it retains some texture during cooking.
What can I serve these with?
They are a complete snack on their own, but they pair well with a fresh green salad or other Paleo appetizers like chicken wings.
Are these kid-friendly?
They can be! If your children are sensitive to spice, ensure every seed is removed from the jalapeños or use mini sweet peppers instead.