Name: Ranch Chicken Poppers
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

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Introduction

Ranch Chicken Poppers are a flavorful and crispy snack perfect for parties or a tasty appetizer. These bite-sized treats combine tender chicken, sharp cheddar, and a hint of jalapeño, all coated in a crunchy breadcrumb shell. Serve them with a creamy homemade ranch dip for an irresistible bite.

A white bowl filled with many golden brown, crispy fried cheese bites sprinkled with small pieces of green herbs. In the center, a small metal cup holds a creamy white dipping sauce mixed with finely chopped green herbs and red spices. One cheese bite is being dipped into the sauce, covered halfway in the creamy dip. The cheese bites have a crunchy texture with some white melted cheese visible under the coating. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Step 2: Shape the mixture into bite-sized balls and place them on a plate. Chill in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes to help them firm up.
Step 3: Prepare your breading station with three separate bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan if desired.
Step 4: Coat each chicken ball first in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally roll in the breadcrumb mixture. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating once more.
Step 5: Heat the neutral oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the poppers in batches, cooking each side for 3–4 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Remove the fried poppers and place them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain the excess oil. Let them cool slightly before serving.
Step 7: To prepare the dip, mix together mayo, sour cream, ranch dressing or seasoning, garlic powder, lemon juice or vinegar, chopped parsley, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Chill until ready to serve.
Step 8: Serve the hot Ranch Chicken Poppers with the creamy ranch dip on the side for dipping.

Tips & Variations

For milder poppers, remove the seeds from jalapeños to reduce heat.
Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture.
Add finely chopped green onions or cilantro to the filling for added freshness.
Oven-bake the poppers at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes as a healthier alternative to frying.
Double-coating the poppers with egg and breadcrumbs helps achieve a crunchier exterior.

Storage

Store leftover Ranch Chicken Poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving to maintain their crisp texture.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with golden brown, crispy fried cheese balls arranged in a circle around a creamy dipping sauce in the middle. The sauce is thick with a light beige color, flecked with green herbs and small bits of red pepper. One cheese ball is lifted above the bowl by a woman's hand in a black glove, with melted, stretchy, gooey white cheese dripping down back into the sauce. The cheese balls have a crunchy, slightly rough texture with an inviting, warm orange hue. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Just shred or finely chop it before mixing with the other ingredients.

How spicy are these poppers?

The heat level depends on the amount and type of jalapeños used. Removing the seeds reduces spiciness, but you can adjust to your preference by using more or fewer jalapeños.