Description
Sizzling cheesy jalapeño ranch chicken poppers bring bold Texan flavors to your appetizer game. Crispy, spicy bites with cool ranch dressing create an irresistible snack you won’t stop eating.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or finely chopped
Cheeses:
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
Seasonings and Vegetables:
- 12 jalapenos, diced (seeded for less heat)
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Thoroughly blend shredded chicken with sharp cheddar, minced jalapeños, ranch seasoning, softened cream cheese, and complementary spices in a mixing vessel until uniformly incorporated.
- Meticulously craft compact, uniform spherical portions and refrigerate for approximately 15-20 minutes to solidify structural integrity.
- Arrange three distinct breading vessels: seasoned flour, whisked eggs, and seasoned breadcrumbs (optional: incorporate grated Parmesan for enhanced texture).
- Methodically encase each popper by initially dusting with flour, subsequently immersing in egg wash, then completely coating with seasoned breadcrumbs. Consider executing a secondary coating for heightened crispiness.
- Carefully heat cooking oil to precisely 350°F. Strategically fry poppers in controlled batches, rotating midway, ensuring golden-brown exterior and complete internal cooking (approximately 3-4 minutes per side).
- Transfer freshly fried poppers onto wire cooling rack or absorbent paper towels to eliminate excess oil and maintain optimal crispness.
- Simultaneously prepare accompanying dipping sauce by blending selected ingredients, then chill to enhance flavor melding.
- Present poppers immediately while temperature remains optimal, accompanied by chilled creamy dip for complementary experience.
Notes
- Chill the chicken mixture thoroughly to help poppers hold their shape and prevent falling apart during frying.
- Double-coat the poppers for an extra crispy exterior that locks in the cheesy, spicy filling.
- Adjust jalapeño quantity based on heat preference – remove seeds for milder version or add more for intense spice lovers.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165°F without overcooking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg