Description
These Cheesy Jalapeño Ranch Chicken Poppers are a spicy, cheesy, and creamy treat that’s perfect as an appetizer, snack, or game-day dish. With a zesty jalapeño kick and a cool, creamy ranch dip on the side, these poppers will be the hit of your next party or family gathering.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Poppers:
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1 pound chicken breasts, diced into small pieces
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1 cup cream cheese, softened
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup Ranch dressing
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1–2 jalapeños, finely diced (remove seeds for less heat)
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1 tablespoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for a smoky flavor)
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1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (for coating)
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Olive oil spray (for greasing the baking tray)
For the Creamy Dip:
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1/4 cup Ranch dressing
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1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
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1 tablespoon lime juice
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A pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions
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Preheat the oven:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil spray.
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Prepare the chicken mixture:
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In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, Ranch dressing, jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Stir until everything is well combined and the chicken is evenly coated with the cheesy mixture.
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Form the poppers:
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Using your hands, form small popper-sized balls (about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter) from the chicken mixture.
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Roll each popper in panko breadcrumbs to coat them lightly and evenly.
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Bake the poppers:
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Arrange the coated chicken poppers on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced out evenly.
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Spray lightly with olive oil spray for extra crispiness.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the poppers are golden brown and the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
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Prepare the creamy dip:
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While the poppers are baking, combine the sour cream, Ranch dressing, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. Stir well to combine.
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Serve:
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Once the poppers are golden and crispy, remove from the oven and let them cool for a minute.
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Serve immediately with the creamy dip on the side for dipping.
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Notes
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You can make the dip spicier by adding a bit of hot sauce or more jalapeños to the dip mixture.
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For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese and shredded mozzarella instead of cheddar.
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These poppers are perfect for meal prep and can be stored in an airtight container for a couple of days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Protein: 22g