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Cheesy Jalapeño Ranch Chicken Poppers with a Creamy Dip

Cheesy Jalapeño Ranch Chicken Poppers with Creamy Dip Fun!

These Cheesy Jalapeño Ranch Chicken Poppers with a Creamy Dip are a must-have snack for gatherings, combining cheese and jalapeños for irresistible flavor.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 20 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 poppers
Course: Snacks
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Filling
  • 2 cups Shredded Chicken use rotisserie chicken for convenience
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese substitute with pepper jack for more heat
  • 1/2 cup Diced Jalapeños remove seeds for milder taste or substitute with bell peppers
  • 1 packet Ranch Seasoning use homemade ranch seasoning for fresh flavor
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese can be replaced with Greek yogurt for a lighter option
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder fresh minced garlic can also be used
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika omit if unavailable
  • to taste Salt and Pepper adjust to taste
For Breading and Frying
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour use gluten-free flour for gluten-free version
  • 2 Eggs can use a flaxseed egg as a vegan option
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs panko breadcrumbs offer extra crunch
  • for frying cups Oil use canola or peanut oil for high smoke point
For the Dipping Sauce
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise forms the creamy base of the dip
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream Greek yogurt can also be used for a lighter option
  • 1/4 cup Ranch Dressing extra flavor tying in the ranch theme beautifully
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice freshly squeezed adds more freshness
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley feel free to substitute with chives
  • to taste Red Pepper Flakes adjust to your spice tolerance
  • to taste Salt and Pepper adjust according to your taste

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking Sheet
  • Deep skillet or fryer
  • Shallow bowls

Method
 

Steps for Making
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sharp cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, ranch seasoning, cream cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  2. Form small balls from the filling, about 1 to 1.5 inches wide, and chill in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes.
  3. Prepare your breading station with bowls for flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs.
  4. Roll each chilled popper in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then roll in breadcrumbs. Repeat for extra crunch.
  5. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry the poppers in small batches for 3–4 minutes until golden brown.
  6. For the dipping sauce, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch dressing, lemon juice, parsley, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
  7. Serve the hot poppers with the dip alongside.

Nutrition

Serving: 2poppersCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 15gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Customize your poppers by experimenting with different cheeses and spice levels. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

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