Cheesy Jalapeño Ranch Chicken Poppers Recipe

Introduction

Cheesy Jalapeño Ranch Chicken Poppers are a deliciously spicy and savory snack perfect for gatherings or a tasty appetizer. Crispy on the outside and loaded with a creamy, flavorful filling, these poppers pair wonderfully with a cool ranch dip.

Ingredients

• 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
• 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
• 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

1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix the cooked chicken, shredded cheddar, diced jalapeños, ranch seasoning, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
2. Step 2: Shape the mixture into bite-sized balls and chill them in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes to firm up.
3. Step 3: Prepare a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan if using.
4. Step 4: Coat each ball first in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating.
5. Step 5: Heat neutral oil in a deep fryer or heavy pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the poppers in batches for 3–4 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
6. Step 6: Remove the poppers and drain them on a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil and cool slightly.
7. Step 7: To make the dip, combine mayo, sour cream, ranch dressing or seasoning, garlic powder, lemon juice or vinegar, chopped parsley, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix well and chill until ready to serve.
8. Step 8: Serve the warm chicken poppers alongside the creamy ranch dip for a satisfying snack or appetizer.

Tips & Variations

• For milder poppers, remove the seeds and membranes from jalapeños before dicing.
• Substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter filling.
• Use panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture.
• Try adding finely chopped cilantro or chives into the filling for a fresh twist.
• Bake the poppers at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes instead of frying for a healthier option.

Storage

Store leftover chicken poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness. The ranch dip should be kept chilled and consumed within 3–4 days.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these poppers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and bread the poppers in advance, then refrigerate them for up to a day before frying. Fry just before serving for the best texture.

What can I use instead of jalapeños if I prefer less heat?

You can substitute jalapeños with mild green bell peppers or omit them entirely for a non-spicy version while maintaining texture and flavor.

Cheesy Jalapeño Ranch Chicken Poppers Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 64 reviews

These Cheesy Jalapeño Ranch Chicken Poppers are crispy, flavorful bite-sized appetizers featuring shredded chicken, sharp cheddar, jalapeños, and ranch seasoning, all coated in a crunchy breadcrumb crust and deep-fried to golden perfection. Served with a creamy, tangy homemade ranch dip, they make a perfect snack or party treat.

• Author: Daniel
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 20 poppers 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Poppers

• 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
• 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

Ranch Dip

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 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

1. Mix the Filling: In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, sharp cheddar, diced jalapeños, ranch seasoning, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated to form the popper filling.
2. Shape Poppers: Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into bite-sized balls. Place them on a tray and chill in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes to help them firm up for breading.
3. Set Up Breading Station: Prepare three separate bowls: one with flour, the second with beaten eggs, and the third with breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan if using. This will facilitate the breading process.
4. Bread the Poppers: Roll each chilled ball first in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture. For extra crunch, you can dip them back into the egg and breadcrumbs for a double coat.
5. Fry the Poppers: Heat neutral oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the poppers in batches, cooking each side for 3 to 4 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy all over. Avoid overcrowding the oil to maintain the temperature.
6. Drain: Remove the fried poppers with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.
7. Make the Dip: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch dressing or seasoning, garlic powder, lemon juice or white vinegar, chopped parsley, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and refrigerate until ready to serve.
8. Serve: Serve the warm Cheesy Jalapeño Ranch Chicken Poppers alongside the chilled creamy ranch dip for a delicious and satisfying snack or appetizer.

Notes

• For less heat, remove seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before dicing.
• Using panko breadcrumbs can add extra crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs.
• The dip can be prepared in advance and refrigerated to enhance the flavors.
• Make sure to monitor the frying oil temperature to prevent greasy or undercooked poppers.
• Leftover poppers can be reheated in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
• You can substitute cooked chicken breast with rotisserie chicken for convenience.

Keywords: chicken poppers, jalapeño poppers, cheesy appetizers, fried chicken bites, ranch chicken poppers, party snacks, finger food