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Hi, I'm Mandi, founder of Damn Good Thyme. I'm so glad to have you here!

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Paleo Maple Bacon Chicken Poppers

Mandi
3 days ago
3 min read

Crispy, sticky, sweet-salty perfection — the clean comfort food no one sees coming.

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Introduction

Game Day comfort food — made for healing.

There is something about Game Day food that just hits different — warm, cozy, bite-sized, a little messy, and meant to be shared.But if you’re gluten-free, dairy-free, low histamine, AIP or just trying to eat cleaner… most classic Game Day recipes feel totally off limits.

Not anymore 🤍These Maple Bacon Chicken Poppers are crispy, salty, sweet, sticky, and shockingly easy — and they’re made entirely with simple, anti-inflammatory ingredients. No gluten. No dairy. No seed oils. No junk.

Just real food that tastes like comfort.

Welcome to the Damn Good Game Day Series.

🧡 Why You’ll Love These

Gluten-free
Dairy-free
Paleo-friendly
Easy AIP / Low Histamine substitutions
Only about 10 minutes of hands-on prep
They disappear before halftime

Ingredients for the Maple Bacon Chicken Poppers

Chicken Breast or Thighs – Cut into bite-sized cubes for quick, even cooking. Thighs stay extra tender; breasts are lighter and leaner.
Bacon – Wraps each piece of chicken to add salty richness and keep the inside juicy. Choose sugar-free and uncured for Paleo.
Sea Salt – Enhances every flavor and balances the sweetness of the glaze.
Garlic Powder – Adds warm savory depth without overpowering the dish.
Black Pepper (optional) – Skip for AIP/low histamine.
Smoked Paprika (optional) – Adds smoky flavor and color; omit for AIP.
Olive Oil or Avocado Oil Spray – Helps the bacon crisp while baking.

Ingredients for the Maple Glaze

Maple Syrup – Creates the sticky, caramelized finish.
Coconut Aminos – Soy-free umami that balances the maple without added sugar.
Apple Cider Vinegar – Brightens the glaze so it doesn’t taste heavy.
Dijon Mustard (optional) – Adds body and tang; omit for AIP.
Sea Salt – Enhances sweetness + savory notes.

Ingredient Substitutions:

Chicken Breast → Chicken Thighs: If you prefer a juicier, more tender bite, thighs are ideal.
Pork Bacon → Turkey Bacon: For low histamine, or if pork feels heavy for you.
Dijon Mustard → Extra Coconut Aminos + Pinch of Ginger : Keeps the glaze tangy without mustard for AIP.
Smoked Paprika / Black Pepper → Omit: The dish stays flavorful even without nightshades.

How to Make the Maple Bacon Chicken Poppers

Instructions:

Preheat Oven:400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment. Add a wire rack on top.
Season Chicken:Toss chicken cubes with sea salt, garlic powder, pepper, and paprika (if using).
Wrap:Wrap each cube with ½ slice bacon. Place seam-side down.
Bake:Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway.
Make Glaze:Simmer maple syrup, coconut aminos, vinegar, and Dijon (optional) over low heat for 3–5 minutes, until glossy.
Finish:Brush glaze over poppers during last 5 minutes of baking.Optional: Toss in extra glaze after baking for sticky shine.
Serve:Sprinkle with flaky salt + chives. Serve warm with AIP ranch or coconut yogurt dip.

AIP + Low Histamine Notes

Omit mustard and black pepper.
Omit smoked paprika.
Add ¼ tsp ground ginger to the glaze for flavor balance.
Use turkey bacon if pork is an issue.
For low histamine: use chicken thighs and serve immediately after cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I air fry these?Yes — 390°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Do they reheat well?Yes — reheat at 375°F for 5–6 minutes in the air fryer.
Can I prep them ahead?Yes — wrap and season the chicken in advance, store refrigerated, then bake when ready.