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Get ready for a mouthwatering dish that combines the best of both worlds: spicy jalapeño poppers and juicy, tender chicken.

Each chicken breast is stuffed with a jalapeño filled with creamy cheese, then wrapped in bacon and baked until crispy and golden.

This dish is perfect for a special dinner or when you want to impress your guests with something flavorful and unique!

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 large jalapeños
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 812 slices of bacon (depending on the size of the chicken breasts)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the jalapeño popper filling (5 minutes):
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
    • Slice each jalapeño in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes.
    • In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika until well combined.
    • Fill each jalapeño half with the cream cheese mixture, then press the halves back together to reform the whole jalapeño.
  2. Prepare the chicken breasts (10 minutes):
    • Use a sharp knife to cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
    • Stuff each chicken breast with a filled jalapeño, then season the outside of the chicken with salt and pepper.
  3. Wrap the chicken in bacon (5 minutes):
    • Wrap each stuffed chicken breast with 2-3 slices of bacon, making sure the entire chicken breast is covered. Secure the bacon with toothpicks if needed.
  4. Bake the chicken (30-35 minutes):
    • Place the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a baking dish.
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
  5. Optional: Broil for extra crispiness (2-3 minutes):
    • If you want the bacon to be extra crispy, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
  6. Rest and serve (5 minutes):
    • Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
    • Slice and serve hot!

Notes

For an added layer of flavor, you can marinate the chicken breasts in a bit of olive oil, lime juice, and garlic before stuffing them.

If you prefer a milder dish, use milder peppers like poblano instead of jalapeños. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.

Enjoy making and sharing this delicious and indulgent meal!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition