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Crispy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers

Crispy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers - featured image

These crispy jalapeño poppers are stuffed with a creamy buffalo chicken filling, combining a spicy kick with a crunchy exterior for a perfect appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Medium-sized jalapeños, halved and seeded
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken recommended)
  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs (Japanese-style preferred)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • Vegetable oil for frying or oil spray for baking
  • Optional: 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
  • Optional: Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Wear gloves and slice each jalapeño in half lengthwise; scoop out seeds and membranes. Set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, buffalo sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, blue cheese crumbles (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy and well combined.
  3. Spoon the filling into each jalapeño half, pressing lightly to keep filling in place without overfilling.
  4. Set up breading stations: place flour in one shallow bowl, beaten eggs in another, and panko breadcrumbs in a third.
  5. Lightly dust each stuffed jalapeño with flour, dip into beaten eggs, then coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
  6. For frying: Heat 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry poppers in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
  7. For baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place poppers on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until crispy and golden.
  8. Serve immediately with extra buffalo sauce or ranch dressing.

Notes

Wear gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid irritation. Keep oil temperature steady at 350°F when frying to avoid greasy or burnt poppers. For baking, spray poppers with oil and flip halfway for even crispiness. Chill filling if too loose before stuffing. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeño poppers, buffalo chicken, appetizer, crispy, spicy, game day snack, easy recipe