Jalapeño Popper-Stuffed Chicken brings together the spicy, creamy, and crispy goodness of jalapeño poppers with juicy, tender chicken breasts. Each piece of chicken is stuffed with a cheesy, smoky filling of cream cheese, jalapeños, and crispy bacon, then baked or pan-seared to perfection. It’s a hearty dish that feels indulgent but comes together easily — perfect for dinner when you want bold flavor with minimal fuss.
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 jalapeños, finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
Toothpicks (for securing the chicken)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Filling
In a bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, chopped jalapeños, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined. -
Stuff the Chicken
Use a sharp knife to cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast. Be careful not to slice all the way through. Spoon the jalapeño-cheese mixture into each pocket, then use toothpicks to close the opening. -
Season the Chicken
Rub each stuffed chicken breast with olive oil and sprinkle lightly with salt, pepper, and a bit of paprika for color. -
Cook the Chicken
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Oven Method: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
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Stovetop Method: Cover the skillet after searing and cook on low heat for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until fully cooked.
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Rest and Serve
Remove toothpicks, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve warm.
Nutrition (per serving):
Calories: 420
Protein: 45g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fat: 24g
Fiber: 0g
Sodium: 690mg
Tips:
For extra crunch, coat the chicken in seasoned breadcrumbs before baking.
Add a touch of hot sauce or cayenne to the filling if you like more heat.
Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a green salad for a balanced meal.
If you prefer a smoky flavor, cook the chicken on a grill instead of the oven.
Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently to keep the filling creamy.
