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Cheesy Jalapeño Ranch Chicken Poppers with a Creamy Dip

Cheesy Jalapeño Ranch Chicken Poppers with Creamy Dip Delights

Delightful Cheesy Jalapeño Ranch Chicken Poppers with a creamy dip are perfect for game days, combining spicy and savory flavors for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chill Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 poppers
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Poppers
  • 2 cups Shredded Chicken Use rotisserie chicken for quicker prep
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Swap for pepper jack for more spice
  • 2 medium Jalapeños Remove seeds for less spice
  • 1 packet Ranch Seasoning
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese Can be replaced with Greek yogurt
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika Optional
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
  • 1 cup Flour Use gluten-free if needed
  • 2 large Eggs Can use ground flaxseed for vegan
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs Use gluten-free if needed
For the Creamy Dip
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise Try light mayo as a substitute
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream Plain yogurt works great too
  • 1 tbsp Ranch Dressing/Seasoning
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley Chives are a substitute
  • to taste Red Pepper Flakes Omit for milder dip

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • Skillet
  • parchment paper
  • Deep fryer
  • Whisk

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, ranch seasoning, cream cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
  2. Scoop about 1 to 1.5 inches of the mixture, roll into balls and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes.
  3. Prepare a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs in separate bowls.
  4. Coat each chilled popper in flour, dip in eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs. Repeat until all are breaded.
  5. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Use thermometer to check temperature.
  6. Fry the breaded poppers in small batches for 3–4 minutes until golden brown.
  7. Remove from oil and drain on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate.
  8. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch dressing, lemon juice, and parsley until smooth. Chill until serving.
  9. Serve the warm poppers on a platter with the creamy dip.

Nutrition

Serving: 2poppersCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 15gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Chill the poppers before frying to maintain their shape. Adjust spice levels to taste.

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