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