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Best Crispy Buffalo Chicken Jalapeño Poppers Recipe

crispy buffalo chicken jalapeño poppers - featured image

These Crispy Buffalo Chicken Jalapeño Poppers are packed with shredded chicken, cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and buffalo sauce, then topped with a crispy panko crust. They’re the perfect spicy, creamy, crunchy appetizer for game days, barbecues, or any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 medium jalapeño peppers
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/3 cup buffalo sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
  • 1 tablespoon ranch dressing mix
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 3 tablespoons green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare the jalapeños: Cut each jalapeño in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon or melon baller to scoop out the seeds and white membranes. You should end up with 24 halves total.
  3. Make the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing mix. Stir until well combined. The mixture should be thick and creamy.
  4. Stuff the peppers: Using a small spoon, fill each jalapeño half with the chicken mixture. Smooth the tops with the back of the spoon.
  5. Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter until all breadcrumbs are coated.
  6. Add the crunch: Sprinkle the buttered panko evenly over each stuffed pepper. Press gently so it sticks to the filling.
  7. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, until the panko is golden brown and the filling is bubbling slightly around the edges.
  8. Garnish and serve: Let the poppers cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and serve warm.

Notes

Wear gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid capsaicin burns. Let cream cheese soften at room temperature for at least 20 minutes for smooth mixing. Don’t overfill the peppers; a generous tablespoon per half is plenty. Space poppers about an inch apart on the baking sheet to avoid steaming. For extra crispiness, you can broil for the last minute, but watch closely. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo chicken, jalapeño poppers, crispy, game day appetizer, spicy, party snack, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, panko