Name: Cheesy Jalapeño Ranch Chicken Poppers with Creamy Dip Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
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

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

Step 1: In a bowl, mix the cooked chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, ranch seasoning, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 2: Shape the mixture into bite-sized balls and chill them in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes to firm up.

Step 3: Set up a breading station with three separate bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan if using.

Step 4: Coat each chicken ball first in flour, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture. For extra crunch, double-coat by repeating the egg and breadcrumb step.

Step 5: Heat neutral oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the poppers in batches for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Remove the poppers and drain them on a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil. Let them cool slightly before serving.

Step 7: To make the creamy dip, combine mayo, sour cream, ranch dressing or seasoning, garlic powder, lemon juice or vinegar, chopped parsley, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well and chill until ready to serve.

Step 8: Serve the hot chicken poppers alongside the chilled creamy dip for dipping and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Seed the jalapeños to reduce heat if you prefer milder poppers, or leave some seeds for extra kick.

Mix panko with Parmesan for the breadcrumbs to add a savory depth and extra crunch.

For a baked version, place the breaded poppers on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Use leftover rotisserie chicken to speed up prep time.

Customize the dip by swapping in blue cheese dressing instead of ranch for a different flavor profile.

Storage

Store leftover chicken poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain crispiness. The dip can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 4 days. Avoid microwaving the poppers to keep them crispy.

FAQs

Can I make these poppers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and bread the poppers ahead of time and keep them refrigerated until ready to fry. Alternatively, freeze them before frying and cook straight from frozen, adjusting frying time as needed.

What can I substitute for ranch seasoning?

If you don’t have ranch seasoning, you can use a combination of dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to mimic the flavor.