Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure! This Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Popper Chicken isn't just a meal—it's a mouthwatering masterpiece that combines the creamy indulgence of jalapeno poppers with the classic appeal of perfectly cooked chicken. Imagine tender chicken breasts stuffed with a spicy, cheesy filling and wrapped in crispy bacon, creating a dish that's guaranteed to become your new obsession. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe promises to deliver explosive flavors in every single bite.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 jalapenos, sliced
- 8 slices bacon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet with olive oil and set aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and finely chopped jalapeno slices. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully butterfly each chicken breast by cutting horizontally through the center, creating a pocket without cutting completely through.
- Season the chicken breasts inside and outside with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Generously stuff each chicken breast with the cream cheese and jalapeno mixture, ensuring the filling is evenly distributed.
- Carefully wrap each stuffed chicken breast with 2 slices of bacon, ensuring the bacon covers the entire chicken and slightly overlaps to secure the filling.
- Place the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, seam side down to prevent unraveling.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the bacon is crispy and golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to set and juices to redistribute.
- Slice and serve hot, optionally garnishing with additional fresh sliced jalapenos or chopped herbs.
Tips
- For the most even cooking, ensure your chicken breasts are similar in size and thickness before butterflying.
- Remove seeds from jalapenos if you prefer less heat, or keep them for an extra spicy kick.
- Use toothpicks to secure bacon if it doesn't stay in place during cooking.
- Let chicken rest after cooking to ensure juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist and tender.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken is fully cooked at 165°F.
- For extra crispy bacon, you can briefly broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking.
- Choose thick-cut bacon for better coverage and crispier texture.
- If possible, use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing and more even stuffing.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 55g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 19g
Cholesterol: 180mg
