Cheesy Jalapeño Ranch Chicken Poppers Recipe
Cheesy Jalapeño Ranch Chicken Poppers are crispy, flavorful bite-sized appetizers featuring shredded chicken mixed with cheddar cheese, jalapeños, and ranch seasoning. Coated in a crispy breadcrumb crust and fried to golden perfection, they are served with a creamy, zesty ranch dipping sauce for a spicy, cheesy kick that’s perfect for parties and snacks.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20-24 poppers 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken 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)
- Oil for frying (enough to heat to 350°F / 175°C)
Dipping Sauce
- 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 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 the ingredients are well incorporated to form a flavorful filling.
- Form Poppers: Shape the mixture into bite-sized balls approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Arrange them on a tray and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to firm up, making them easier to coat.
- Set Up Breading Station: Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with the beaten egg, and one with breadcrumbs. These will be used to bread the poppers for a crispy exterior.
- Bread the Poppers: Roll each popper first in the flour, then dip into the beaten egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps once more.
- Heat Oil: In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat enough oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain the temperature for perfect frying results.
- Fry the Poppers: Fry the breaded poppers in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, turning occasionally until they turn golden brown and achieve a crisp crust. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Prepare Dipping Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch dressing, garlic powder, lemon juice, chopped fresh parsley, and red pepper flakes. Mix until smooth and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve: Serve the Cheesy Jalapeño Ranch Chicken Poppers hot alongside the chilled creamy ranch dipping sauce. Enjoy these spicy, cheesy snacks fresh for the best taste and crunch.
Notes
- For less spice, remove seeds from jalapeños before dicing.
- You can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter filling.
- Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Ensure the oil temperature remains steady during frying to avoid greasy poppers.
- Double breading the poppers helps achieve extra crispiness.
- Leftover poppers can be reheated in an oven or air fryer for best texture retention.
Keywords: Cheesy Jalapeño Ranch Chicken Poppers, fried chicken appetizers, spicy chicken poppers, ranch chicken bites, party snacks, crispy chicken balls
