Cheesy Jalapeño Ranch Chicken Poppers with a Creamy Dip
These Cheesy Jalapeño Ranch Chicken Poppers with a Creamy Dip are the ultimate party appetizer or snack! Featuring crispy, flavorful chicken poppers stuffed with cheddar cheese and spiced with jalapeños, they’re perfectly complemented by a creamy, zesty dip. Whether you fry or bake them, this recipe is sure to impress at any occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minute
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20 poppers, Serves 4-6)
- Category: appetizer, Snack
- Method: Frying, Baking (optional)
- Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Chicken Poppers:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup chopped jalapeños (from a jar or fresh)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Creamy Dip:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the ground chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, chopped jalapeños, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until fully incorporated.
- Form Poppers: Shape the chicken mixture into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter).
- Bread Poppers: Dip each chicken ball into the beaten egg, then coat them with panko breadcrumbs.
- Fry Poppers: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the poppers in batches for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
- Make the Dip: Mix mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Serve: Serve the crispy poppers hot with the creamy dip on the side.
Notes
- To make the poppers healthier, bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes instead of frying.
- For a spicier kick, add more jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture.
- You can use different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a unique flavor.
