Name: Cheesy Jalapeño Ranch Chicken Poppers with a Creamy Dip Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 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, combine the cooked chicken, shredded cheddar, diced jalapeños, ranch seasoning, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well until evenly incorporated.

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

Step 3: Prepare a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan if desired.

Step 4: Coat each chicken 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.

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

Step 6: Remove poppers with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil. Let cool slightly.

Step 7: 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 pepper to make the creamy dip. Chill until ready to serve.

Step 8: Serve the hot chicken poppers alongside the creamy ranch dip for dipping.

Tips & Variations

For milder poppers, remove the seeds from the jalapeños before dicing.

Try substituting smoked gouda or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile.

Double-coating with egg and breadcrumbs gives extra crunch and a thicker crust.

Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crispier texture.

For a healthier option, bake the poppers at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, turning halfway through.

FAQs

Can I make these poppers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the poppers and store them in the fridge before frying. Just keep them covered and fry when ready.

What can I use instead of ranch seasoning?

If you don’t have ranch seasoning, you can use a mix of dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley as a substitute for similar flavor.