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Cheesy Jalapeño Ranch Chicken Poppers with a Creamy Dip

  • Author: Sally Thompson
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 1520 poppers 1x

Description

These Cheesy Jalapeño Ranch Chicken Poppers are the ultimate quick snack or appetizer! Crispy on the outside, gooey and spicy on the inside, they’re packed with melty cheese, tender chicken, and the bold heat of jalapeños, all rounded out with a creamy, tangy ranch dip. Perfect for game night, easy dinners, or party food ideas, this easy recipe hits the spot when you need something comforting, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re exploring new dinner ideas or hunting for your next favorite quick bite, this dish brings the flavor and fun.


Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 jalapeños, finely chopped (deseeded for less heat)
  • 1 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs (for breading)
  • 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Creamy Dip:

  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tsp ranch seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, cheddar cheese, chopped jalapeños, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and 1 egg. Mix until fully combined.
  2. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll into small balls.
  3. Set up a breading station: flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs in a third.
  4. Coat each chicken ball in flour, then dip into egg, then roll in breadcrumbs.
  5. Heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Once hot (350°F/175°C), fry poppers in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
  6. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  7. In a small bowl, mix together sour cream, mayonnaise, ranch seasoning, and garlic powder to make the creamy dip. Chill until ready to serve.
  8. Serve poppers hot with the creamy dip and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.