Description

Juicy chicken bites with creamy ranch flavor and a kick of jalapeño heat, perfect for game day or any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb chicken breast, boneless and skinless, diced into small chunks
2 fresh jalapeños, finely diced
1 packet ranch seasoning or homemade ranch mix
1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Oil for frying or spraying (if baking)

Instructions

Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and finely chop the jalapeños. Shred the cheddar cheese and set aside.
In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken, jalapeños, ranch seasoning, shredded cheddar cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until evenly coated.
Set up a breading station with beaten eggs in one bowl and breadcrumbs in another. Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in breadcrumbs.
Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the poppers in batches, cooking for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. For an air fryer, spray the poppers with oil and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes.
If frying, place the cooked poppers on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or spicy mayo.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, swap breadcrumbs for crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour. Adjust spice level by adding or reducing jalapeños. Use a thermometer to ensure oil temperature is around 350°F (175°C) for frying.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: Approximately 6-8 poppers per serving
Calories: 220
Fat: 12
Carbohydrates: 10
Protein: 15

Keywords: jalapeño, ranch, chicken poppers, game day snack, appetizer, crispy chicken, spicy chicken