If you want a fun twist on the classic jalapeño popper, try these Buffalo Chicken Jalapeño Poppers. Spicy, creamy, and crunchy, they combine cream cheese, buffalo-seasoned chicken, and crumbled bacon inside fresh jalapeños for an appetizer that’s perfect for game day, backyard barbecues, or casual gatherings. Each bite balances heat and richness, and they’re easy to prepare with common ingredients.
Buffalo Chicken Jalapeño Poppers
These poppers take the familiar cream cheese-stuffed jalapeño and elevate it with shredded or diced buffalo chicken and crispy bacon on top. The cream cheese cools and smooths the heat from the jalapeño and buffalo sauce, while the bacon adds a smoky crunch. They are crowd-pleasers at parties and make a great finger food option when you want bold flavor without complicated prep.
If you don’t have bottled buffalo sauce on hand, a simple homemade version made with hot sauce, melted butter, and a splash of vinegar works great. You can tailor the heat by adjusting the hot sauce or by removing more or fewer seeds from the jalapeños.
Why You’ll Love This Dish…
- Bold flavors: Hot buffalo sauce, tangy cream cheese, and smoky bacon combine for a satisfying bite.
- Simple to make: Minimal steps and easy ingredients make this dish accessible for cooks of all levels.
- Great party food: Bite-sized and shareable, perfect for entertaining.
- Customizable: Swap in rotisserie chicken, try different cheeses, or adjust spice levels to suit your preferences.
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Recipe Shopping List
Before you start, here are the ingredients you’ll want to have on hand. For exact quantities, refer to the ingredients list in the recipe card below.
- Jalapeño peppers
- Cream cheese
- Boneless skinless chicken breast (or shredded rotisserie chicken)
- Bacon
- Salt
- Onion powder
- Granulated garlic
- Paprika
- Buffalo sauce
Try our Buffalo Chicken Flatbread!
How To Make This Recipe
Below is a quick overview of the process. Follow the complete instructions in the recipe card to get the best result.
- Preheat: Heat the grill or oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season and cook the chicken: Combine the dry spices and season the chicken. Cook in the bacon fat or a skillet until done, then cool and dice.
- Prepare the jalapeños: Halve jalapeños lengthwise and remove seeds if you want less heat.
- Assemble: Fill each jalapeño half with cream cheese, top with buffalo-coated diced chicken, and sprinkle crumbled bacon over the top.
- Cook: Grill or bake until the jalapeños are tender and the filling is hot and slightly browned, about 20–25 minutes.
Smoked Buffalo Cream Cheese
Recipe FAQ
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on the grill at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to preserve texture and flavor.
Can I make these poppers in advance?
Yes. Prepare the jalapeño halves and assemble them up to a day ahead, keeping them refrigerated until you are ready to cook. Cook just before serving to maintain the best texture.
What variations can I try?
Substitute shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking breasts. Try different cheeses (cheddar, pepper jack, or a blend) or add a sprinkle of extra cheese on top before baking. For milder poppers, remove more seeds and membranes from the jalapeños.
Serve This With…
- Blue cheese dressing or ranch for dipping
- Smoked brisket or other grilled meats
- Grilled vegetables or a simple green salad
More Appetizer Recipes
- Lazy Skillet Pork Dumplings
- Spicy Stuffed Hatch Chile Peppers
- Viral Dumpling Lasagna
BUFFALO EVERYTHING
- Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Traeger Grilled Cholula Buffalo Chicken
- Traeger Smoked Buffalo Shrimp
- Traeger Grilled Buffalo Chicken Legs
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Buffalo Chicken Jalapeño Poppers
These spicy jalapeño poppers are stuffed with tender buffalo chicken and finished with crumbled bacon for a flavorful, shareable appetizer that’s ideal for gatherings and cookouts.
Time
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Additional Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
- 12 jalapeño peppers
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 12 ounces boneless skinless chicken breast (or about 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken)
- 4 ounces bacon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon granulated garlic
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ cup buffalo sauce
Instructions
- Preheat grill or oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix salt, onion powder, granulated garlic, and paprika. Season the chicken evenly with the spice mix.
- Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon, leaving some fat in the pan, then reduce heat to medium-low.
- Add the seasoned chicken to the pan and cook 4–5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove and let cool.
- Slice jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes if you prefer less heat.
- Dice the cooled chicken into small pieces (about ¼ inch) and toss with the buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
- Fill each jalapeño half with cream cheese, then top with about 1 tablespoon of the buffalo chicken, pressing slightly into the cream cheese.
- Crumble the cooked bacon and sprinkle over each popper.
- Place the prepared jalapeños on a baking sheet and grill or bake for 20–25 minutes, until heated through and starting to brown.
- Remove from heat and serve warm with blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Yield: 6
Calories: 286
Total Fat: 22g (Saturated Fat: 10g)
Cholesterol: 87mg
Sodium: 811mg
Carbohydrates: 5g (Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 3g)
Protein: 17g