Name: Cheesy Jalapeño Ranch Chicken Poppers Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
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 (enough to heat to 350°F / 175°C); 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)

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Introduction

Cheesy Jalapeño Ranch Chicken Poppers are a flavorful and crispy snack perfect for any occasion. Packed with tender chicken, spicy jalapeños, and creamy cheese, these bite-sized treats are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Serve them hot with a zesty ranch dip for an irresistible appetizer.

A white bowl filled with round, golden-brown fried cheese bites, each with a crispy textured crust and melted cheese visible inside. The cheese bites are sprinkled with small green herb pieces. In the middle of the bowl is a small metal cup filled with a creamy white dipping sauce that has red pepper flakes and green herbs mixed in. One cheese bite is held by a woman's hand above the bowl, half dipped in the sauce, showing gooey melted cheese inside. The whole scene sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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)
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

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, ranch seasoning, cream cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated to create the flavorful filling.
Step 2: Form the mixture into bite-sized balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a tray and chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to firm up, making them easier to handle.
Step 3: Prepare three shallow bowls—one with flour, one with the beaten egg, and one with breadcrumbs.
Step 4: Roll each popper first in flour, then dip it into the beaten egg, and coat it evenly with breadcrumbs. For an extra crispy texture, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating once more.
Step 5: 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 crisp. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Step 6: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch dressing, garlic powder, lemon juice, chopped parsley, and red pepper flakes. Chill the dip for at least 10 minutes before serving to blend the flavors.
Step 7: Serve the hot Cheesy Jalapeño Ranch Chicken Poppers alongside the creamy ranch dip for a delicious and satisfying appetizer.

Tips & Variations

Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for an extra spicy kick.
Remove jalapeño seeds to reduce heat if you prefer a milder flavor.
For a lighter option, substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt and sour cream with additional ranch dressing or Greek yogurt.
Try baking the poppers at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes for a healthier alternative, flipping halfway through.
Gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs can be used to accommodate dietary needs without compromising texture.

Storage

Store leftover chicken poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes until crispy and warmed through. The ranch dip should be kept refrigerated and consumed within 3-4 days.

How to Serve

A white round dish holds seven golden brown fried cheese bites, each with a crispy textured surface and sprinkled with small green parsley leaves. In the center, a small clear glass bowl contains a creamy white dip with visible green herbs and small red bits. One cheese bite is half-dipped in the sauce, showing its soft and gooey white interior with bits of herbs. The whole setup sits on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and bright background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these poppers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the poppers and chill them before frying. You can also fully assemble and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Can I bake the chicken poppers instead of frying?

Absolutely. Baking is a great healthier alternative. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway, until they are golden and crispy.