Jalapeno Popper Chicken Recipe

This mouthwatering dish elevates simple chicken breasts into a flavorful experience that perfectly balances spicy jalapenos and creamy cheeses. Wrapped in crispy bacon, every bite is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Perfect for hearty low carb meals and gatherings, this enticing recipe promises a delightful twist on classic comfort food.

I recently made my Jalapeno Popper Chicken and it turned out to be one of the best chicken recipes I’ve ever tried. I started with 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.

I then stuffed them with 4 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup shredded pepper jack cheese for a great protein boost and low carb benefit. I also added 2-3 fresh jalapenos to bring in some heat without overdoing it.

Wrapping each piece with bacon, using 8 slices, made it a delicious bacon wrapped chicken that is packed with nutritional value and flavor. I always love sharing healthy chicken dinner recipes like this one which are perfect for a nutritious meal at the table even if it is a simple idea from Idee Pasto Sano.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because it gives me a great mix of flavors and textures that make every bite interesting. First, the creamy cheese and spicy jalapenos inside the chicken really make the flavor pop and give me that extra kick I crave. Second, the bacon wrapped around it not only adds a crispy, savory touch but also helps keep the juicy chicken from drying out. Third, I dig that its pretty low carb so I can enjoy a filling meal without overloading on carbs. Lastly, I enjoy how simple it is to make even though it looks fancy on the plate. I can prep it on a busy night and still impress myself without too much stress.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: High protein, low fat, builds muscle and fuels your day.
• Cream cheese: Rich and creamy, adds a smooth texture that deepens flavor.
• Cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, contributes extra protein and a tangy punch.
• Pepper jack cheese: Spicy and melty, gives a zesty kick you cant miss.
• Jalapenos: Fresh fiery peppers bursting with vitamins, adds a lively heat.
• Bacon: Smoky slices that add savory fat and an irresistible crunch.
• Parsley: Fresh herb garnish that brings a mild, refreshing finish.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
• 2-3 fresh jalapenos, thinly sliced (seeds removed if you want less heat)
• 8 slices bacon
• Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.

2. Lay each chicken breast on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut a pocket in the thickest side, making sure not to cut all the way through.

3. Season both sides and the insides with salt, pepper and garlic powder.

4. In a small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, shredded pepper jack and sliced jalapenos.

5. Spoon the cheese mixture evenly into each pocket in the chicken breasts.

6. Wrap two slices of bacon around each stuffed chicken breast, securing them with toothpicks if needed so that the filling doesn’t spill out.

7. Place the bacon wrapped chicken in a baking dish ensuring they are not squished together.

8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and the bacon is nice and crispy.

9. Remove from the oven and discard any toothpicks used.

10. If desired, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top and serve hot. Enjoy your meal!

Equipment Needed

1. Preheated oven (set it to 375°F)
2. Cutting board
3. Sharp knife
4. Small bowl for mixing the cheese filling
5. Spoon to evenly fill the chicken pockets
6. Baking dish
7. Toothpicks to secure the bacon if needed

FAQ

Jalapeno Popper Chicken Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you dont have cream cheese, try using Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese. They still give you that creamy texture even if the tang is a bit different.
• Instead of pepper jack cheese, you can use Monterey Jack or even a mix of cheddar with a pinch of cayenne pepper. This way, you can control the heat level to your liking.
• If youre short on bacon, turkey bacon is a good swap. It gives a similar flavor with less fat, though it might not be as crispy.
• For garlic powder, fresh minced garlic could work just as fine. It will change up the flavor a little and add a bit more bite.

Pro Tips

1. Try to get your bacon really crisp before wrapping it around the chicken if you want extra crunch. Sometimes, pre-cooking or even giving it a quick fry in a pan can help avoid a chewy texture.

2. When cutting the pocket in the chicken, be extra careful not to slice all the way through. This can be tricky so go slow and steady even if your knife isn’t the sharpest one.

3. Let the cheese and jalapeno mixture chill a bit before stuffing the chicken. It might seem odd but a colder mix stays put better inside the pocket while cooking and gives you that neat, gooey surprise.

4. If you find your chicken breast blobbing over during baking, try placing it properly in the dish with a bit of space between them. That way, they cook evenly and you don’t end up with one overdone piece while others are still a bit raw.