Friends, let me introduce you to your new favorite game day appetizer! These Double-Stuffed Buffalo Chicken Jalapeño Poppers are what snack dreams are made of. Imagine this: tender jalapeños loaded with creamy, spicy buffalo chicken filling, topped with a crispy buttery crunch, and then baked until golden and bubbly. They’re the perfect bite-sized explosion of flavor that will have everyone hovering around the appetizer table!
What makes these poppers truly special is how they combine everyone’s favorite flavors, spicy buffalo sauce, creamy cheese, and the fresh kick of jalapeños, into one irresistible bite. Trust me, you’ll want to double this recipe because they disappear FAST!
Why You’ll Love This Double-Stuffed Buffalo Chicken Jalapeño Poppers
- Perfect Party Food: These poppers are ideal for game days, gatherings, or anytime you need an impressive appetizer.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep them earlier in the day and just pop in the oven when guests arrive.
- Customizable Heat Level: Control the spice by adjusting the buffalo sauce or removing jalapeño membranes.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Even people who claim they don’t like spicy food can’t resist these flavor-packed bites!
Ingredients
- Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños create the perfect vessel for our creamy, spicy filling.
- Shredded Chicken: Provides hearty protein and soaks up all that buffalo flavor.
- Buffalo Sauce: The star ingredient that brings that signature tangy heat.
- Cream Cheese: Creates a creamy base that balances the spice perfectly.
- Cheddar & Mozzarella: The cheddar brings sharp flavor while mozzarella adds that perfect melt.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates an irresistible crispy topping when mixed with butter.
- Butter: Helps the breadcrumbs turn golden and adds rich flavor.
- Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: The classic cooling dip that complements the spicy poppers.
How to Make Double-Stuffed Buffalo Chicken Jalapeño Poppers
Step 1: Prep the Jalapeños
Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut each jalapeño in half lengthwise and carefully remove the seeds and membranes. Pro tip: wear gloves for this step if you have sensitive skin, as jalapeño oils can burn!
Step 2: Make the Buffalo Chicken Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, softened cream cheese, and both shredded cheeses. Mix until everything is well incorporated and the mixture is creamy. The warm chicken will help melt the cream cheese, making it easier to mix.
Step 3: Stuff the Jalapeños
Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture generously into each jalapeño half, mounding it slightly above the edges. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re stable and won’t tip over during baking.
Step 4: Add the Crispy Topping
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter until all crumbs are coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over your stuffed jalapeños. This will create that irresistible golden, crispy topping that takes these poppers to the next level.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly. The jalapeños should be tender but still hold their shape.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Let the poppers cool for just a few minutes (trust me, you don’t want to burn your mouth on that hot filling!), then serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. The cool, creamy dressing is the perfect complement to these spicy, cheesy bites.
Double-Stuffed Buffalo Chicken Jalapeño Poppers
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 12 large jalapeños halved and seeds removed
- 1 cup cooked chicken shredded
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, cheddar, and mozzarella cheese until well combined.
- Stuff each jalapeño half generously with the chicken mixture and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, toss panko breadcrumbs with melted butter until evenly coated, then sprinkle on top of the stuffed jalapeños.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes, then serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Notes
Pro Tips for Perfect Poppers
- Heat Control: For milder poppers, make sure to remove all the white membrane inside the jalapeños, as that’s where most of the heat resides.
- Chicken Shortcuts: Use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker prep time.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble these up to a day ahead, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.
- Cheese Selection: Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations, pepper jack adds an extra kick!
Variations to Try
- Bacon Lovers: Add crumbled cooked bacon to the filling or sprinkle on top before baking.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with finely chopped mushrooms sautéed with garlic.
- Extra Cheesy: Top with additional cheese during the last few minutes of baking.
- BBQ Twist: Replace buffalo sauce with your favorite BBQ sauce for a sweeter flavor profile.
FAQ :
Can I make these less spicy?
Absolutely! Remove all the white membrane from inside the jalapeños, use a milder buffalo sauce, and serve with plenty of cooling ranch dressing.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to crisp them back up.
Can I freeze these poppers?
Yes! Freeze them unbaked on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to serve, bake from frozen, adding about 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.
What can I serve with these poppers?
These are perfect alongside other game day favorites like wings, sliders, or a veggie platter with more dipping options
These Double-Stuffed Buffalo Chicken Jalapeño Poppers are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer that brings together the best of buffalo wings and jalapeño poppers in one irresistible bite. The combination of spicy jalapeños, creamy buffalo chicken filling, and crispy topping creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, need an impressive appetizer for a party, or just want to treat yourself to something special, these poppers deliver big flavor in every bite. The best part? They’re easy enough for anyone to make, even if you’re not a kitchen pro.
So go ahead and add these to your appetizer rotation, I guarantee they’ll become a requested favorite! – KEEP THIS RECIPE
