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Crispy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers: Easy Game Day Appetizer

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These crispy, spicy, and creamy jalapeño poppers are the ultimate game day appetizer. With a crunchy panko coating and a cool, tangy buffalo chicken filling, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) buffalo sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot Original)
  • 1/2 cup (50g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup (25g) crumbled blue cheese (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 12 large fresh jalapeños
  • 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 1/2 cups (150g) panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Vegetable or canola oil (for frying)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the jalapeños: Wearing gloves, slice each jalapeño in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon to scrape out the white membranes and seeds. Set aside on a paper towel to dry slightly.
  2. Make the filling: In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, shredded cheddar, optional blue cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until completely combined.
  3. Set up breading station: In three shallow bowls, place flour in the first, whisked eggs and milk in the second, and panko breadcrumbs mixed with paprika, garlic powder, optional cayenne, salt, and pepper in the third.
  4. Stuff the poppers: Fill each jalapeño half generously with the chicken mixture. A piping bag or zip-top bag with a corner cut off makes this step easier.
  5. Bread the poppers: Dredge each stuffed jalapeño in flour, shaking off excess. Dip in egg wash, then roll in seasoned panko, pressing gently to adhere. Place on a plate or baking sheet.
  6. Heat the oil: Pour 1-2 inches of vegetable oil into a large skillet. Heat over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
  7. Fry the poppers: Carefully place 4-5 poppers in the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until deep golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip.
  8. Drain and rest: Transfer fried poppers to a paper towel-lined plate. Let drain for 1-2 minutes.
  9. Repeat and serve: Continue frying in batches, allowing oil to return to 350°F between batches. Serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Notes

For best results, chill stuffed poppers for 15-20 minutes before breading to prevent blowouts. Use a thermometer to maintain oil at 350°F. Do not overcrowd the pan. For a lighter version, bake at 400°F for 18-22 minutes or air fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo chicken, jalapeño poppers, game day appetizer, crispy, spicy, fried, party snack

Find it online: https://yumbelle.com/crispy-buffalo-chicken-stuffed-jalape-n-o-poppers-easy-game-day-appetizer/