Irresistible Chicken Poppers for a Perfect Party Starter
When it comes to throwing a great party, feeding your guests is essential. And there’s no better way to get the party started than with a plate of delicious chicken poppers. This recipe is perfect for entertaining, but it’s also a great option for weeknight dinners or game-day snacks.
With a crispy panko breading and a juicy, tender interior, these chicken poppers are simply irresistible. And the jalapeño and cheddar cheese filling gives them just the right amount of kick. Whether you’re a fan of spicy foods or not, I guarantee these poppers will have you reaching for more.
But don’t just take my word for it. Give this recipe a try and see for yourself why it’s quickly become one of my go-to dishes for any occasion. So let’s get cooking and bring some warmth and flavor to your table with this easy-to-make chicken poppers recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a quick and easy recipe that will leave your taste buds dancing with flavor? Look no further than this ultimate jalapeno chicken poppers recipe!
This recipe has a perfect balance of crunch, juiciness, and heat – all in one bite. The combination of cream cheese and cheddar cheese creates a creamy and rich texture that complements the spiciness of the jalapeño peppers. Plus, the panko bread crumbs add a crispy coating that makes every bite absolutely addictive.
But the best part? These chicken poppers are incredibly versatile. You can serve them as an appetizer for your next party or game night, or even as a main dish paired with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables. They’re so delicious, you’ll find yourself making them again and again.
Not only is it incredibly flavorful, but also quick and easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. All you need are some boneless skinless chicken breasts, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, jalapeño peppers, and bread crumbs. Just mix everything together, shape them into bite-sized pieces, then bake them in the oven until they’re golden brown and crispy.
Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for an easy weeknight meal, this jalapeno chicken poppers recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings while impressing your guests. So why not give it a try? Your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredient List
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these deliciously crispy and spicy chicken poppers:
For the chicken poppers:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large chicken breasts)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 jalapeño peppers (cored, seeded, and diced)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cups panko bread crumbs
For the egg wash:
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
For the coating:
- 2 cups panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Note: You can adjust the spice level of the poppers by using more or less jalapeño peppers. If you like it really spicy, you can also add some hot sauce to the egg wash. Panko bread crumbs are used in this recipe for maximum crunchiness, but you can use regular bread crumbs if you prefer.
The Recipe How-To
Here is the ultimate recipe for jalapeño popper chicken that will make your taste buds dance with joy! These chicken poppers are a perfect snack or appetizer for any party. With only a few ingredients, this recipe is super simple to execute.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups panko bread crumbs
Instructions :
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Beat the cream cheese in a mixing bowl until it’s smooth.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and chopped jalapeño pepper into the same bowl.
- Mix until combined.
- Cut the chicken breasts lengthwise into small strips or about 1-inch chunks.
- Season the cutlets with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Place about 1 tablespoon of the jalapeño popper mixture on top of each chicken strip.
- Carefully wrap each popper with seasoned chicken and secure it using a toothpick or bamboo skewer.
- In a shallow dish, beat two eggs and set aside.
- In another shallow dish, add panko breadcrumbs.
- Dip each chicken popper into the beaten egg mixture and then coat with panko breadcrumbs.
- Repeat for remaining pieces.
- Place each coated chicken popper onto prepared baking sheet and bake them for around 20 minutes or they are cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Remove from oven and let them cool for several minutes before serving.
These chicken poppers also go well with different types of dips such as corn syrup or honey mustard sauce or hot sauce such as buffalo sauce or even soy garlic flavoring.
Enjoy your homemade jalapeño popper chicken!
Substitutions and Variations
There are many ways to spice up this Chicken Poppers Recipe and make it your own. Here are some suggestions for substitutions and variations that you can try:
– Jalapeño Poppers: Instead of jalapeño, you can use other types of peppers like poblano or serrano depending on your preference. You can also experiment with adding different spices and herbs to the cheese mixture.
– Chicken Fire Poppers: For a spicier twist, you can add hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture. This will give your poppers a nice kick.
– Popcorn Chicken: If you’re in the mood for something smaller, try making bite-sized popcorn chicken instead. Just cut the chicken into small pieces and follow the same recipe instructions.
– Orange Chicken: For a tangy flavor, try adding orange zest or juice to the sauce mixture. This will give your poppers a refreshing taste.
– Soy Garlic Chicken: If you prefer an Asian-inspired flavor, use soy sauce and garlic instead of cream cheese and jalapeño. This will give your chicken a savory, umami taste.
– Honey Chipotle Chicken: If you want a balance between sweet and spicy, add some honey and chili powder to the chicken mixture. This will give your poppers a nice depth of flavor.
– Buffalo Chicken Poppers: For a classic buffalo-style dish, coat the chicken in buffalo sauce instead of cream cheese mixture. This gives it a tangy and spicy twist that buffalo lovers adore!
Remember, this recipe is highly versatile so feel free to mix and match ingredients based on your personal taste preferences!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing these chicken poppers, the sky is the limit! These little bites of heaven go with pretty much anything you can think of. They are perfect for a quick snack or appetizer, but they also make a great main dish as well.
If you are hosting a party, try serving them with some dipping sauces such as ranch, honey mustard, barbecue sauce or buffalo sauce. You could also put out some celery sticks and carrot sticks to balance out the heat of the jalapeño peppers.
If you are looking to make this dish into a full meal, you could serve it over a bed of salad greens or with some rice pilaf. For something more indulgent, top them with melted cheese, bacon bits or add them to a sub sandwich.
If you’re trying to keep things healthy and low carb, try wrapping the poppers in lettuce leaves for a tasty and refreshing option that’s still full of flavor.
As for beverages, beer is always a classic choice for this kind of food. A cold lager goes perfectly after every bite of spicy chicken popper. But don’t forget to offer some non-alcoholic options like iced tea or lemonade.
So there you have it – so many ways to serve and pair these chicken poppers – whether you’re looking for something fancy or casual, healthy or indulgent – this recipe has got you covered!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to party planning, it is a great idea to make some dishes ahead of time. This means less stress on the day of your event and more time to socialize with your guests. That’s why I recommend making these chicken poppers ahead of time.
To make ahead: after coating the chicken poppers in the panko bread crumbs, instead of baking them immediately, you can freeze them for later use. Simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and pop it in the freezer until the poppers are frozen. Then, transfer them to a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container for up to two months. When you’re ready to serve, take them out from the freezer and bake as instructed.
Storing your leftover chicken poppers is also easy. Just transfer them into an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 5 days. They make for great leftovers for lunch or even as a snack!
Reheating your chicken poppers is also easy! Preheat your oven to 375°F and place your chicken poppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until they are heated through and crispy again.
These Chicken Poppers are perfect for meal prep too! You can use them in wraps, salads or dip them in your favorite sauce for a quick snack or meal throughout the week. So go ahead and make these tasty poppers ahead of time – your future self will thank you!
Tips for Perfect Results
A great chicken poppers recipe can be the highlight of your next party, so you want to make sure they turn out perfectly every time. Here are a few tips to help you achieve the ultimate jalapeño chicken popper every time:
1. Use the Right Chicken
Make sure to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. They will cook quickly and evenly, making it easier to get that crispy coating without overcooking the chicken. Cut them into bite-size pieces for the perfect popper size.
2. Season Liberally
Don’t be shy with your seasoning! A good amount of salt, pepper, and garlic powder in the marinade will ensure maximum flavor. You can also add a dash of soy sauce or hot sauce for an extra kick.
3. Use Cream Cheese for Creamy Texture
The cream cheese in this recipe adds a deliciously creamy texture to your chicken poppers that simply can’t be beat. Make sure it’s softened before mixing so that it incorporates smoothly with the other ingredients.
4. Get Creative with Variations
While this recipe is delicious as is, don’t be afraid to experiment with variations. Add some corn syrup or honey to your marinade for sweetness, or try using cheddar cheese instead of cream cheese for a different flavor profile.
5. Go Light on Panko Bread Crumbs
While it’s important to have enough breading to give your chicken poppers that crispy exterior, it’s easy to go overboard and have too much breading on each piece. Go light on the panko bread crumbs by patting them onto each piece of chicken instead of rolling them in a pile.
Follow these tips and your guests will be raving about your jalapeño chicken poppers long after the party ends!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this chicken poppers recipe is the perfect dish to serve at your next party or gathering. With its delicious flavors and easy preparation, it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The ingredients list is simple and easy to find, and with the substitution and variation options included, you can customize the recipe to your liking. The make-ahead and storing instructions also make this recipe great for meal prep or leftovers.
So why not give this recipe a try? Whether you’re a fan of jalapeno poppers or just love chicken in general, these chicken poppers are sure to satisfy any craving. And with its versatility, you can easily switch up the seasonings and flavors to create new versions of this classic snack. So fire up your oven, grab some friends, and enjoy the ultimate jalapeno chicken poppers recipe!
Chicken Poppers Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken cutlet, cubed
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup corn flake crumbs
- 1 cup oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Frank's red hot sauce
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
Instructions
- 1. Dip chicken into egg and the cornflake crumbs. Heat oil in a pan and fry chicken until golden brown.
- 2. In a separate pot combine honey, red hot sauce, and corn syrup and bring to a boil.
- 3. Bake at 350 degrees F for five minutes uncovered and turn once during baking.
- 4. Serve with fried rice if desired.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!