Buffalo Chicken Jalapeño Poppers are the spicy, cheesy, crispy bites you didn’t know you were missing in your life. Combining the bold flavors of buffalo chicken with the fiery kick of jalapeños, these appetizers are made for parties, game nights, or anytime you’re craving something seriously flavorful.
These aren’t your average jalapeño poppers. We’ve taken the classic recipe up a notch by filling them with shredded chicken tossed in tangy buffalo sauce and creamy cheese. Then they’re baked or air-fried until golden and bubbly.
What makes them even better? They’re wrapped in beef bacon or turkey bacon, giving every bite a smoky, savory crunch that pairs perfectly with the spicy filling.
You’ll love how the cool cream cheese tempers the heat from the jalapeños, while the buffalo sauce brings that signature zing. A little bit of cheddar gives it all the melty goodness you expect from a comfort food snack.
They’re low-carb and gluten-free friendly (just check your sauce and bacon), and perfect for meal prep—you can assemble them ahead of time and bake just before serving.
They look fancy, but the recipe is really simple. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing tray of poppers ready in no time.
Hosting friends for a big game? These poppers will steal the spotlight. Need a spicy snack to bring to a potluck? They travel well and reheat beautifully.
Even people who claim they don’t like spicy foods often fall for these. The combo of cheesy chicken and smoky bacon makes it irresistible.
You can make them as spicy or mild as you like. Remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapeños for a milder version, or leave a few in if you like heat.
Want to lighten them up? Use light cream cheese and swap in grilled chicken breast for rotisserie. You’ll still get all the flavor with fewer calories.
Or make them in the air fryer for a crispy finish without the extra oil. They turn out beautifully browned and bubbly in minutes.
Add a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing to take them over the top—or serve with dipping sauce on the side.
However you serve them, these Buffalo Chicken Jalapeño Poppers are guaranteed to be the first thing to disappear from your appetizer spread.
Servings: 6–8
Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients:
- 10 fresh jalapeño peppers, halved lengthwise and seeds removed
- 1 1/2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/3 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 10 slices beef bacon or turkey bacon, cut in half
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (or preheat air fryer to 375°F).
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and cheddar until well combined.
- Fill each jalapeño half with the buffalo chicken mixture.
- Wrap each filled jalapeño with a half slice of bacon.
- Place poppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment or in air fryer basket.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes (or air fry for 10–12 minutes) until bacon is crispy and filling is bubbly.
- Let cool slightly and serve warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Tips:
- Wear gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid skin irritation.
- Use rotisserie chicken for quick prep.
- Secure bacon with toothpicks if needed.
- Make ahead and refrigerate before baking.
- Serve with fresh celery sticks for a cool crunch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Spicy, cheesy, smoky, and crunchy all in one bite
- Great for parties, potlucks, and game days
- Easy to customize heat and prep ahead
- Bacon-wrapped for extra flavor
- Low-carb and gluten-free option
Summary: Buffalo Chicken Jalapeño Poppers combine creamy buffalo chicken filling with spicy jalapeños and crispy bacon for the ultimate appetizer. Easy to make and always a hit, they’re the perfect balance of heat and flavor.
