Cheesy Jalapeño Ranch Chicken Poppers with a Dip You’ll Love Recipe

Introduction

Cheesy Jalapeño Ranch Chicken Poppers are the perfect bite-sized appetizer for spice and flavor lovers. Crispy on the outside with a creamy, cheesy filling that packs a hint of heat, they come with a cool, creamy dip that balances every bite. This recipe is easy to make and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 2 cups Shredded Chicken
• 1 cup Cheddar Cheese or pepper jack for extra kick
• 2 tablespoons Jalapeños, diced (remove seeds for less spice)
• 1 packet Ranch Seasoning
• 4 ounces Cream Cheese or Greek yogurt for lighter option
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Pepper
• 1 cup Flour (gluten-free flour works too)
• 1 large Egg, beaten
• 2 cups Breadcrumbs (gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed)
• Oil for frying (neutral oil with high smoke point recommended)

For the Creamy Dip

• 1 cup Mayonnaise
• 1 cup Sour Cream or Greek yogurt for healthier twist
• 1 cup Ranch Dressing
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (adjust according to taste)
• 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice for freshness
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes for added spice

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, jalapeños, ranch seasoning, cream cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully incorporated.
2. Step 2: Form the mixture into bite-sized balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a tray and chill for 15-20 minutes to firm up.
3. Step 3: Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with the beaten egg, and one with breadcrumbs.
4. Step 4: Roll each popper first in flour, then dip in egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs. For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating once more.
5. Step 5: Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the poppers in batches for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
6. Step 6: For the dip, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch dressing, garlic powder, lemon juice, parsley, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Chill for at least 10 minutes before serving.
7. Step 7: Serve the hot chicken poppers with the creamy dip alongside and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Remove jalapeño seeds if you prefer a milder popper to suit all spice tolerances.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese and sour cream for a lighter version of the recipe.
• Double coat with egg and breadcrumbs if you want an extra crispy crust.
• Try pepper jack cheese for a spicier kick in the filling.
• Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free.

Storage

Store any leftover poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness. The creamy dip can be kept refrigerated for up to 4 days. Avoid microwaving the poppers to keep them crispy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake the poppers instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes or until golden and crispy, turning halfway through. However, frying gives the crispiest texture.

How spicy are these poppers?

The heat level depends on how many jalapeño seeds you use. Removing the seeds reduces spice, while keeping them adds more kick. You can also adjust the red pepper flakes in the dip for extra heat.

Cheesy Jalapeño Ranch Chicken Poppers with a Dip You’ll Love Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 72 reviews

Cheesy Jalapeño Ranch Chicken Poppers are crispy, flavorful bites made from shredded chicken, cheese, and spicy jalapeños, coated in breadcrumbs and fried to golden perfection. Served with a creamy, tangy ranch dip, these appetizers are perfect for parties or snacking.

• Author: lea
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 20–24 poppers 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Poppers

• 2 cups Shredded Chicken
• 1 cup Cheddar Cheese or pepper jack for extra kick
• 2 tablespoons Jalapeños diced, remove seeds for less spice
• 1 packet Ranch Seasoning
• 4 ounces Cream Cheese or Greek yogurt for lighter option
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder adjust to taste
• 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Pepper
• 1 cup Flour gluten-free flour works too
• 1 large Egg beaten
• 2 cups Breadcrumbs gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed

For the Creamy Dip

• 1 cup Mayonnaise
• 1 cup Sour Cream or Greek yogurt for healthier twist
• 1 cup Ranch Dressing
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder adjust according to taste
• 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice for freshness
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley chopped
• 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes for added spice

Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, ranch seasoning, cream cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until fully combined and a flavorful filling forms.
2. Shape the Poppers: Form the mixture into bite-sized balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Arrange the formed poppers on a tray and chill them in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to firm up, making them easier to handle.
3. Set up the Breading Station: Prepare three shallow bowls—one with flour, one with the beaten egg, and one with breadcrumbs. This setup will allow for efficient coating of each popper.
4. Bread the Poppers: Roll each popper first in the flour to coat evenly, then dip into the beaten egg, and finally coat well with breadcrumbs. For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps once more.
5. Fry the Poppers: Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the poppers in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
6. Make the Creamy Dip: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch dressing, garlic powder, lemon juice, chopped fresh parsley, and red pepper flakes. Chill the dip for at least 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
7. Serve: Enjoy the Cheesy Jalapeño Ranch Chicken Poppers hot, paired with the creamy ranch dip for a delicious appetizer or snack.

Notes

• Chill the mixture for better handling and shaping.
• Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point (like vegetable or canola oil) for frying to avoid burning.
• Adjust the heat level by removing jalapeño seeds to reduce spiciness or adding more red pepper flakes for extra kick.
• For a lighter dip, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt and mayonnaise with a lighter version.
• Gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs can be used to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Keywords: Cheesy Jalapeño Ranch Chicken Poppers, chicken appetizers, fried chicken bites, jalapeño chicken poppers, ranch dip, party snacks