Description
Jalapeño Popper Chicken is a delicious, spicy stuffed chicken breast dish featuring a creamy blend of cream cheese, cheddar, and fresh jalapeños, optionally wrapped in crispy bacon, baked to perfection. This recipe delivers a comforting dinner bursting with bold flavors and a hint of heat.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or blend with mozzarella/pepper jack)
- 2–3 fresh jalapeños, seeded and diced
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional
- 6–8 slices of bacon (for wrapping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Chicken: Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally, ensuring not to cut all the way through, creating a pocket for the filling.
- Make Filling: In a bowl, thoroughly mix the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful filling.
- Stuff Chicken: Spoon the cheese and jalapeño mixture into the pocket of each chicken breast. Use toothpicks to secure the opening if necessary.
- Wrap with Bacon (Optional): Wrap each stuffed chicken breast with bacon slices for added flavor and crispiness.
- Bake Covered: Place the stuffed chicken in the greased baking dish, cover it (with foil), and bake for 25 minutes.
- Uncover and Add Cheese: Remove the cover, optionally top chicken with extra cheese if desired, and bake uncovered for an additional 5–7 minutes until cheese is melted and chicken is cooked through.
- Check Temperature: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption before serving.
Notes
- Removing jalapeño seeds reduces heat; adjust according to your spice preference.
- Using bacon is optional but adds smoky flavor and extra crispness.
- Use toothpicks to secure chicken pockets and bacon ends to prevent unraveling during baking.
- Allow chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking to retain juices.
- Serve with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
