Cheesy Jalapeño Ranch Chicken Poppers with a Creamy Dip
Looking for the perfect appetizer that’s cheesy, spicy, and utterly addictive? The Cheesy Jalapeño Ranch Chicken Poppers are a crowd-pleasing snack that delivers all the flavors you love in one bite.
These golden, crispy chicken bites are filled with melty cheese, fresh jalapeños, and zesty ranch seasoning, baked (or fried) to perfection. Served with a creamy ranch dip, they’re ideal for game day, parties, or casual family dinners. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, these poppers are both fun to eat and incredibly satisfying.
They strike the perfect balance between heat, creaminess, and crunch — every bite leaves you reaching for more.
Why You’ll Love These Poppers
- Crispy on the outside, gooey and cheesy on the inside
- Spicy jalapeños balanced with creamy ranch
- Quick and easy for parties or weeknights
- Perfect finger food for gatherings
- Can be baked or air-fried
These poppers are versatile, bold, and endlessly satisfying.
Ingredients
Chicken Poppers
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2–3 fresh jalapeños, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning
Creamy Dip
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, toss chicken cubes with salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder.
- In a separate bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, and ranch seasoning.
- Stuff each seasoned chicken cube with a small spoonful of the cheese mixture, securing if needed.
- Place stuffed chicken poppers on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle or brush lightly with olive oil.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, turning halfway, until chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
- While baking, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, ranch seasoning, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make the creamy dip.
- Serve warm chicken poppers with the ranch dip on the side.
Tips & Variations
- Extra Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or more diced jalapeños
- Cheese Variety: Swap cheddar for pepper jack or mozzarella
- Air Fryer Option: Cook at 375°F for 12–15 minutes
- Make Ahead: Prep stuffed chicken and refrigerate before cooking
Serving Suggestions
- Perfect with celery or carrot sticks
- Pair with beer or a sparkling lemonade
- Serve as a fun appetizer at parties or game nights
Cheesy Jalapeño Ranch Chicken Poppers with a Creamy Dip
Crispy, cheesy, and spicy chicken bites filled with cream cheese, cheddar, jalapeños, and ranch seasoning, served with a creamy ranch dip.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toss chicken cubes with salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder.
- Mix cream cheese, cheddar, diced jalapeños, and ranch seasoning.
- Stuff each chicken cube with cheese mixture.
- Place on baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil; bake 15–20 minutes, turning halfway.
- Mix sour cream, mayonnaise, ranch, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for dip.
- Serve chicken poppers warm with creamy dip.
Notes
Air fryer option: cook at 375°F for 12–15 minutes. Adjust spice level by adding more jalapeños or cayenne.
