Cheesy Jalapeño Ranch Chicken (Print-Friendly Version)
Golden chicken bites filled with cheddar, jalapeños, and ranch—served hot with a cool, creamy dip.
# What You’ll Need to Make This:
→ Poppers
01 -
400 g cooked chicken breast, shredded or finely chopped
02 -
110 g shredded sharp cheddar cheese
03 -
1–2 jalapeños, deseeded and finely diced
04 -
2 tablespoons ranch seasoning
05 -
60 g cream cheese, softened
06 -
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
07 -
0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Breading
09 -
125 g plain flour
10 -
2 large eggs, beaten
11 -
90 g breadcrumbs or panko
12 -
25 g grated Parmesan cheese
→ Frying
13 -
Neutral oil (canola, vegetable, or peanut), for deep frying
→ Creamy Dip
14 -
120 g mayonnaise
15 -
60 g sour cream
16 -
1 tablespoon ranch dressing or seasoning
17 -
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
18 -
1 teaspoon lemon juice or white vinegar
19 -
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
20 -
Red pepper flakes, to taste
21 -
Salt and black pepper, to taste
# How to Prepare:
01 -
Combine shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, ranch seasoning, cream cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly until the filling is cohesive.
02 -
Form the mixture into small bite-sized balls. Arrange on a tray and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to allow them to firm up.
03 -
Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese if using.
04 -
Coat each chilled ball in flour, dip in egg, then cover with breadcrumbs. Repeat the breading process for extra crunch, if desired.
05 -
Heat neutral oil in a deep pan to 175°C. Fry the poppers in small batches for 3–4 minutes per side, or until evenly golden and crisp.
06 -
Transfer freshly fried poppers to a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to cool slightly and drain excess oil.
07 -
In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch dressing or seasoning, garlic powder, lemon juice or vinegar, chopped parsley, red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate until serving.
08 -
Arrange hot poppers on a platter and present with the creamy dip alongside.
# Extra Tips:
01 -
Chilling the formed poppers before breading helps them hold their shape during frying.
02 -
Adjust jalapeño quantity and remove seeds to control the desired level of heat.