Jalapeño Popper Chicken Bites
These Jalapeño Popper Chicken Bites combine spicy jalapeños with creamy cheese and tender chicken for a quick, flavorful snack perfect for game day or casual get-togethers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings (about 6 bites per serving) 1x
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground chicken (lean preferred)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2–3 medium jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken and softened cream cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and finely chopped jalapeños.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Scoop out small portions (about 1 ½ tablespoons or 20g each) and roll into balls.
- Pour panko breadcrumbs into a shallow bowl. Roll each chicken ball in the panko, pressing gently to coat.
- Place coated bites evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let the bites rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use small-curd cream cheese for easier mixing. Adjust jalapeño seeds to control heat. For gluten-free, substitute panko with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour. Chill mixture for 15 minutes if too wet to roll. Flip bites halfway through baking for even crispiness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 6 bites
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Protein: 28
Keywords: jalapeño popper, chicken bites, spicy snack, game day food, easy appetizer, 5-ingredient recipe