Cheesy Jalapeño Ranch Chicken Poppers with a Creamy Dip Recipe

Introduction

These Cheesy Jalapeño Ranch Chicken Poppers are a flavorful, crispy snack perfect for game day or casual get-togethers. Packed with tender chicken, sharp cheddar, and a hint of jalapeño heat, they come with a creamy tangy dip that complements every bite.

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

Tips & Variations

• To reduce heat, remove seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before dicing.
• For a smoky flavor, don’t skip the smoked paprika in the filling.
• Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier coating.
• Try baking the poppers at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes for a healthier alternative, flipping halfway through.
• Add a splash of hot sauce to the dip for an extra kick.

Storage

Store leftover poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes to maintain crispiness. The dip can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 4 days.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of cooked shredded chicken?

Yes, ground chicken works well. Cook and drain it before mixing with the other filling ingredients to avoid excess moisture.

What can I use if I don’t have ranch seasoning?

You can substitute with a combination of dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, salt, and pepper to create a similar flavor.

Cheesy Jalapeño Ranch Chicken Poppers with a Creamy Dip Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 105 reviews

• Author: Andria
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 20–24 poppers 1x

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Description

These Cheesy Jalapeño Ranch Chicken Poppers are crispy, spicy bite-sized appetizers filled with shredded chicken, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh jalapeños, seasoned with ranch spices and garlic. They are breaded and deep-fried to golden perfection, served with a creamy, tangy ranch dip that complements the poppers perfectly, making them an irresistible snack or party starter.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Popper Filling

• 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

Breading Station

• 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

Creamy Dip

• 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

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Instructions

1. Mix the Filling: In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, ranch seasoning, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well mixed and evenly incorporated.
2. Shape Poppers: Form the mixture into bite-sized balls. Place them on a plate or tray and chill in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes to firm up, making breading easier.
3. Set Up Breading Station: Prepare three separate shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with the grated Parmesan if using.
4. Bread the Poppers: Coat each chilled popper first in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps to double-coat.
5. Fry the Poppers: Heat a deep pot or deep fryer with neutral oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the poppers in batches without crowding for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crisp.
6. Drain: Remove the fried poppers with a slotted spoon and transfer to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil and cool slightly.
7. Make the Dip: In a separate bowl, mix together mayo, sour cream, ranch dressing or seasoning, garlic powder, lemon juice or vinegar, chopped parsley, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Chill the dip until serving.
8. Serve: Serve the hot chicken poppers alongside the creamy ranch dip for dipping. Enjoy while warm.

Notes

• For less heat, remove seeds from jalapeños before dicing.
• Double-coating the poppers in breadcrumbs yields extra crunch.
• Adjust the spiciness of the dip by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
• If you prefer baking over frying, bake poppers at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden, but frying provides best crispiness.
• Make sure oil is at correct temperature (350°F) before frying to prevent greasy poppers.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

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