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To make Jalapeño Ranch Chicken Poppers, you need: - 1 pound ground chicken - 4 jalapeños, finely diced (seeds removed for less heat) - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup ranch dressing - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1 tablespoon olive oil These main ingredients come together to create a creamy and spicy treat. Ground chicken gives the poppers their protein base. The cream cheese adds richness, while the ranch dressing makes it extra tasty. You can jazz up your poppers with some optional add-ins: - Cooked bacon bits for a smoky flavor - Chopped green onions for freshness - Diced bell peppers for extra crunch - A splash of hot sauce for more heat These add-ins can change the taste and texture. They let you customize the poppers to fit your preferences. If you don’t have all the ingredients, here are some easy swaps: - Use ground turkey instead of chicken for a leaner option. - Replace cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter version. - Try different cheeses, like pepper jack or mozzarella, for a twist. These substitutions keep the poppers flavorful while making them fit your needs. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering all your ingredients. You will need ground chicken, jalapeños, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, panko breadcrumbs, and olive oil. 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. In a large bowl, mix the ground chicken with the finely diced jalapeños. Make sure to remove the seeds for less heat. 3. Add the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and ranch dressing. 4. Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. 5. Use your hands to mix everything well until combined. 1. Take a tablespoon of the mixture and form small balls or poppers. Place them on the prepared baking sheet. 2. Pour the panko breadcrumbs into a shallow dish. Roll each popper in the breadcrumbs until fully coated. 3. Drizzle olive oil over the poppers or use cooking spray. This helps them brown nicely. 4. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Look for a golden brown color and a firm texture. Always check the internal temperature before serving. Chicken poppers should reach 165°F (74°C) to be safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer in the center of a popper for accuracy. Enjoy your delicious Jalapeño Ranch Chicken Poppers! To make the best Jalapeño Ranch Chicken Poppers, follow these tips: - Use fresh jalapeños for a bright flavor. - Remove seeds for less heat, or keep some for spice. - Mix the ingredients well to blend the flavors. - Form poppers into even sizes for even cooking. - Don't skip the olive oil; it helps with browning. Serve your poppers hot from the oven. Place them on a large platter. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color. You can also drizzle extra ranch dressing over the top for added flavor. These poppers look great and taste even better! These poppers pair well with various dips and sides. Here are some ideas: - Classic ranch dressing for dipping. - Creamy blue cheese dressing for a bold flavor. - Fresh veggies like carrot and celery sticks for crunch. - A side of crispy tortilla chips for extra fun. - Serve with a light salad for balance and freshness. These tips will help you make fantastic Jalapeño Ranch Chicken Poppers that everyone will love! Pro Tips Use Fresh Jalapeños: For the best flavor, use fresh jalapeños instead of canned. This will enhance the overall taste and texture of your poppers. Customize the Heat: To adjust the spiciness, leave some seeds in the jalapeños or substitute with milder peppers like poblano for a less intense heat. Panko for Crunch: Panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter, crunchier coating compared to regular breadcrumbs, giving your poppers the perfect texture. Serve with Dipping Sauce: Enhance the flavor by serving your poppers with extra ranch dressing or your favorite sauce for dipping. It adds an extra layer of deliciousness! {{image_2}} If you love spice, you can amp up the heat in your poppers. Add extra jalapeños, or use spicy varieties like serrano peppers. You can also mix in some crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. This will give your dish a nice kick. Adjust the spice level based on your taste. Remember, the heat can grow during cooking, so start small. Want a meat-free option? You can swap ground chicken for black beans or lentils. Mash the beans and mix with the cream cheese and spices. This adds a hearty texture. You could also use chopped mushrooms for added flavor. Just sauté them first to reduce moisture and enhance the taste. Cheese lovers can experiment with different types of cheese. Try feta for a tangy twist or pepper jack for more spice. Fresh herbs like cilantro or chives can also elevate the flavor. Mix them into the chicken mixture for a fresh taste. You can even add a splash of lime juice for a zesty kick. Be creative and let your taste buds guide you! After you make your jalapeño ranch chicken poppers, let them cool. Store them in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to three days in the fridge. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. To freeze the poppers, place them on a baking sheet first. Let them freeze for about an hour. Once they are solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, you can bake them right from frozen. To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the poppers on a baking sheet. Bake for about 15 minutes or until heated through. This method keeps them crispy. You can also microwave them, but they may lose some crunch. You can prepare these poppers a day in advance. Mix all your ingredients and form the poppers. Place them on a baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap. Store them in the fridge until you're ready to bake. This keeps them fresh and ready for cooking. Just add a few extra minutes to bake time if they are cold from the fridge. Yes, you can bake these poppers without panko. You could use crushed crackers or cornflakes instead. They will give a nice crunch too. If you want, you can skip the breading. The poppers will still taste great without it, but they will not be as crispy. These poppers pair well with many sides. You could serve them with fresh veggies like carrots and celery. A bowl of ranch dressing for dipping adds extra flavor. Chips or crackers can also work well. For a complete meal, serve with a salad or some rice. In this blog post, I covered how to make Jalapeño Ranch Chicken Poppers. We explored the main ingredients, optional add-ins, and substitutions to fit your taste. I provided step-by-step instructions for preparation, cooking, and safety checks. Tips for perfect poppers and serving ideas followed. I also shared variations for spice and vegetarian options. Lastly, we discussed storage and reheating. Now you have all the tools to create delicious poppers. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and serving them at your next gathering!

Jalapeño Ranch Chicken Poppers

Delicious and spicy chicken poppers filled with cream cheese and jalapeños, perfect for a party or snack.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 4 whole jalapeños, finely diced (seeds removed)
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, diced jalapeños, cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and ranch dressing.
  • Add the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper into the mixture. Use your hands to mix everything until well combined.
  • Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the mixture and form them into small balls or poppers. Set these on the prepared baking sheet.
  • In a shallow dish, pour the panko breadcrumbs. Roll each chicken popper in the breadcrumbs until fully coated.
  • Drizzle olive oil over the poppers or lightly spray them with cooking spray to help with browning.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the poppers are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
  • Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. For an added flavor boost, drizzle with extra ranch dressing before serving, if desired.

Notes

Serve with extra ranch dressing for dipping.
Keyword appetizer, chicken, jalapeño, ranch