Ingredients
For the BBQ Chicken Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced, preferably grilled or rotisserie chicken)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/4 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 1/4 cup green onions (chopped, optional for added flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Poppers:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for stuffing inside the chicken mixture)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro (optional for garnish)
Ingredient Highlights
- BBQ Sauce: The BBQ sauce is essential for bringing that smoky, tangy flavor to the chicken. Choose your favorite variety, whether you prefer a classic smoky sauce or a sweeter honey BBQ.
- Cream Cheese: Cream cheese adds richness and creaminess to the filling, helping to bind the ingredients together and giving the poppers a smooth, indulgent texture.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese complements the BBQ sauce with its bold flavor, creating a savory contrast to the sweet and smoky sauce.
- Green Onions: Chopped green onions add a fresh, mild onion flavor that balances the richness of the other ingredients and adds a pop of color.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella cheese melts perfectly, making the filling gooey and satisfying in every bite.
Instructions
Prepare the BBQ Chicken Filling:
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Shred the Chicken: Begin by shredding or dicing your cooked chicken into small, bite-sized pieces. Rotisserie chicken works great for this recipe since it’s already tender and full of flavor.
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Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, green onions (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well incorporated and the cream cheese is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Assemble the Poppers:
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
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Stuff the Chicken Mixture: Scoop a generous tablespoon of the BBQ chicken mixture and roll it into a small ball or mound. Place the mound of filling onto your prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining mixture, leaving a little space between each popper.
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Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each popper, ensuring that the cheese is evenly distributed over the filling.
Bake the BBQ Chicken Poppers:
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Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the poppers are golden brown on top. If you prefer a more crispy texture, you can broil the poppers for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.
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Check for Doneness: You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a popper. If it comes out clean and the cheese is fully melted, your poppers are ready.
Serve and Enjoy:
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Cool and Garnish: Once the poppers are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro to add a touch of color and freshness.
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Serve: Serve your BBQ Chicken Poppers hot, with extra BBQ sauce or ranch dressing for dipping. They’re perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main dish when served with a side of veggies or a salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-35 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12-15 pieces
- Calories: 200-250
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 20g