Maple Pepper Chicken Cornbread Poppers
Tender chicken and sharp cheddar bake into bite-size cornbread poppers brushed with maple and black pepper.
Prep: 15 · Cook: 15 · Total: 30 · Serves: 6 · Difficulty: Easy · Rating: 4.8/5 (154 reviews)
INSPIRED BY
Inspired by tailgate cornbread, honey-brushed chicken bites, and the snack trays at a lively roadside bar.
Story
Theo likes an appetizer that can survive a crowded coffee table and still taste like a real meal. These poppers bring juicy chicken, cheddar, and a maple-pepper brush into one grab-and-go bite. They are sweet at first, then savory, then just a little smoky. Put out a double batch and watch them disappear before halftime.
By Theo
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 400 F and grease a 24-cup mini muffin pan.
- Whisk the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and smoked paprika in a bowl.
- Whisk the egg, buttermilk, and melted butter in a second bowl, then stir the wet mixture into the dry mixture.
- Fold in the chicken, cheddar, and scallions, then divide the batter among the muffin cups.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until puffed and golden around the edges.
- Stir the maple syrup with black pepper, brush it over the warm poppers, and serve immediately.
Chef Tips
- Use rotisserie chicken for the fastest prep and the most tender filling.
- Fill the mini muffin cups nearly to the top for rounded poppers.
- A pinch of cayenne in the batter adds a friendly kick.
- Rewarm leftovers in a 325 F oven for 6 minutes so the edges crisp again.
Cook's Notes
- **Chicken:** Shred it while still warm so it blends easily into the batter.
- **Pan:** A well-greased mini muffin pan gives the best golden edges.
- **Glaze:** Brush the poppers while hot so the maple clings to the tops.