Print

Crispy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers: Easy Appetizer

crispy buffalo chicken stuffed jalapeno poppers - featured image

These crispy buffalo chicken stuffed jalapeno poppers are the ultimate game day appetizer. Creamy, spicy buffalo chicken filling is stuffed into fresh jalapeños, coated in a crunchy panko-Parmesan crust, and baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/3 cup buffalo hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
  • 23 green onions, sliced
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten with 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1215 fresh jalapeños, halved and seeded
  • Cooking spray or oil (e.g., avocado oil spray)
  • Ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing for dipping
  • Extra green onions or fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top if available. Spray the rack lightly with cooking spray.
  2. Wear gloves. Cut each jalapeño in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon to scrape out the white membranes and seeds. Rinse the halves under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, shredded cheddar, ranch seasoning, and sliced green onions. Mix until well combined and creamy. Adjust heat to taste.
  4. Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: first with flour, second with beaten eggs and water, third with panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  5. Fill each jalapeño half generously with the chicken mixture using a small spoon or piping bag. Keep the filling level with the cut edge.
  6. Working one at a time, dip the filled side of each jalapeño into the flour, tapping off excess. Then dip into the egg wash, letting excess drip off. Finally, press into the panko mixture, ensuring the filling is completely covered. Place coated poppers on the prepared wire rack, filling-side up.
  7. Lightly spray the tops of the poppers with cooking spray. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until the coating is deep golden brown and the jalapeños are tender but still hold their shape.
  8. Let the poppers cool on the rack for about 5 minutes before serving.
  9. Arrange on a platter, drizzle with extra buffalo sauce if desired, sprinkle with chopped green onions or cilantro, and serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side.

Notes

Wear gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid skin irritation. For extra crunch, double-coat the poppers by repeating the egg wash and panko steps. Assemble up to a day in advance and refrigerate; add 3-5 minutes to baking time if baking from cold. For air fryer version, cook at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo chicken, jalapeno poppers, game day appetizer, crispy, baked, spicy, party food