Description
These Cheesy Jalapeño Ranch Chicken Poppers are crispy, flavorful bite-sized appetizers perfect for game day, parties, or any casual gathering. Filled with shredded chicken, sharp cheddar, spicy jalapeños, and a tangy ranch seasoning, these poppers are coated in a crunchy breadcrumb crust and served with a creamy, zesty dip. The combination of spicy, cheesy, and savory flavors makes them irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1–2 jalapeños, diced (seeded for less heat)
- 2 tbsp ranch seasoning
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Breading
- 1 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1.5 cups breadcrumbs or panko
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (optional)
- Neutral oil (canola, vegetable, or peanut), for deep frying
Dip
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp ranch dressing or seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp lemon juice or white vinegar
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sharp cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, ranch seasoning, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika (if using), and season with salt and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly mixed into a cohesive filling.
- Shape Poppers: Using your hands, form the chicken mixture into bite-sized balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the formed balls onto a plate or tray and chill them in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes to help them firm up.
- Set Up Breading Station: Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan if desired. This setup will allow easy and organized breading of the poppers.
- Bread the Poppers: Take each chilled popper and coat it first thoroughly in flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally roll it in the breadcrumbs until evenly covered. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coating.
- Fry the Poppers: Heat neutral oil in a deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the poppers in batches, avoiding overcrowding, for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy all over.
- Drain: Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried poppers and transfer them to a wire rack or paper towels to drain any excess oil. Let them cool slightly before serving to prevent burns.
- Make the Dip: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch dressing or seasoning, garlic powder, lemon juice or vinegar, chopped parsley, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Serve: Arrange the warm poppers on a serving platter and serve alongside the creamy ranch dip for dipping. Enjoy them hot for the best crispy texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a milder popper, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños to reduce heat.
- Double-coating the poppers in breadcrumbs adds extra crunch and helps keep the filling inside while frying.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crispier crust.
- If you prefer baked poppers, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake them on a greased baking sheet for 15–20 minutes, turning halfway through.
- The creamy dip can be made a day ahead to save preparation time.
- Adjust red pepper flakes in the dip to control the spiciness to your preference.
- Neutral oils with high smoke points such as canola or peanut oil are best for frying.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 poppers with 2 tbsp dip
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: chicken poppers, jalapeño poppers, cheesy appetizers, ranch chicken poppers, party snacks, chicken bites, deep fried poppers
