This Jalapeño Popper Chicken is an easy and flavorful dinner that combines creamy cheese and spicy jalapeños. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
My Jalapeño Popper Chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that’s easier to make than you might think. Made of tender chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy mixture of cream cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, and crispy bacon, it’s a great choice for a comforting dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal. The combination of spices and jalapeños adds a delightful kick that complements the rich, cheesy filling.
This Jalapeño Popper Chicken can be more customized to your taste by adjusting the level of spiciness or swapping out ingredients to suit your preferences. It will make your meals more exciting and satisfying and is perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions.
And finally, serve your Jalapeño Popper Chicken with a side of roasted vegetables and a fresh salad. If you have kids, try pairing it with some crispy potato wedges or a simple fruit salad for a balanced meal they’ll love.
Why this Jalapeno Popper Chicken is great?
This Jalapeño Popper Chicken is great because it combines the rich, creamy flavors of a classic jalapeño popper with juicy, tender chicken. The blend of cream cheese, cheddar, and bacon creates a deliciously cheesy and smoky filling, while the jalapeños add just the right amount of spice.
It’s a versatile dish that can be baked, grilled, or made ahead of time, making it perfect for any occasion. Plus, it’s easy to customize to your taste, whether you prefer it extra spicy or mild.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken, cooked and diced or shredded
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3-4 jalapeños, sliced or diced
- 1 cup mozzarella (or Monterey Jack) cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
How to make Jalapeno Popper Chicken
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2:
In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth. Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, and mix until well combined.
Step 3:
Stir in the cooked and diced (or shredded) chicken into the cream cheese mixture until all pieces are well coated.
Step 4:
Spread the chicken mixture evenly in a baking dish. Top with the sliced or diced jalapeños.
Step 5:
Sprinkle the mozzarella (or Monterey Jack), parmesan, and cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Step 6:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7:
In the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the top of the casserole and let it bake until the bacon is crispy.
Step 8:
Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this creamy, spicy, and cheesy dish!
Tips for Perfect Jalapeno Popper Chicken
- Choose the Right Chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy stuffing and even cooking. If you prefer dark meat, boneless chicken thighs can also be used for a juicier result.
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing it with other ingredients. This ensures a smooth and creamy filling that blends well with the other flavors.
- Adjust the Heat: If you like your dish spicier, leave the seeds in the jalapeños. For a milder version, remove the seeds and use fewer jalapeños, or consider using a mix of jalapeños and milder peppers like poblanos.
- Secure the Filling: When stuffing the chicken, use toothpicks to seal the edges to prevent the filling from oozing out while baking. This keeps the chicken moist and the filling intact.
- Add Crunch: For an extra crunchy topping, consider adding panko breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter or olive oil before baking. This adds a satisfying texture contrast to the creamy filling.
What to pair with Jalapeno Popper Chicken
You can pair Jalapeño Popper Chicken with Mexican rice and roasted vegetables to create a hearty, satisfying meal. The spiciness of the chicken blends beautifully with the tangy flavors of the rice, while the roasted vegetables add a touch of sweetness and color to the plate. This combination offers a well-rounded meal that balances heat, creaminess, and freshness.
If you like to keep things light, try serving the chicken with a cool, crisp Caesar salad or a crunchy coleslaw. The refreshing greens and tangy dressings provide a nice contrast to the rich and cheesy chicken. For a comforting side, garlic mashed potatoes or cornbread would also work well, adding a mild and slightly sweet element to the meal.
Recipe Variations
- Stuffed Chicken Thighs: Use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, richer flavor. The thighs hold the filling well and offer a different taste profile.
- Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole: Transform the dish into a casserole by layering shredded chicken with the jalapeño popper mixture. Top it with extra cheese and bacon, and bake until bubbly and golden.
- Grilled Jalapeño Popper Chicken: Grill the stuffed chicken breasts for a smoky flavor. The charred exterior adds a nice contrast to the creamy, cheesy filling.
- Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken: Increase the heat by adding diced fresh jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the filling. This variation is perfect for those who love extra spice in their meals.
How to store Jalapeno Popper Chicken
To store Jalapeño Popper Chicken, first allow it to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, place the chicken in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to store it for a longer period, you can freeze the chicken by placing it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Frozen Jalapeño Popper Chicken can last for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
FAQ
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese to reduce the calorie content, but the texture might be slightly less creamy.
How spicy is Jalapeño Popper Chicken?
- The level of spiciness depends on the jalapeños. Removing the seeds and membranes will reduce the heat. You can also adjust the number of jalapeños to your taste.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
- Absolutely! You can assemble the chicken and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
What can I use instead of bacon?
- If you prefer not to use bacon, you can omit it or substitute it with turkey bacon for a leaner option. You can also sprinkle the top with crushed pork rinds for a crunchy texture.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
- Yes, you can add vegetables like spinach, diced bell peppers, or onions to the filling for added nutrition and flavor.
Conclusion
This Jalapeño Popper Chicken is a delicious and versatile dish that combines creamy, cheesy filling with a spicy kick. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or prepping it ahead for a busy week, it’s sure to be a hit. Easy to make and customizable, this recipe offers a flavorful twist on classic chicken dishes. Enjoy it as a main course or pair it with your favorite sides for a satisfying meal.
Jalapeno Popper Chicken
Course: MainCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes30
minutes45
minutesThis Jalapeño Popper Chicken is an easy and flavorful dinner that combines creamy cheese and spicy jalapeños. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
2 pounds chicken, cooked and diced or shredded
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
3-4 jalapeños, sliced or diced
1 cup mozzarella (or Monterey Jack) cheese, shredded
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth. Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, and mix until well combined.
- Stir in the cooked and diced (or shredded) chicken into the cream cheese mixture until all pieces are well coated.
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly in a baking dish. Top with the sliced or diced jalapeños.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella (or Monterey Jack), parmesan, and cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- In the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the top of the casserole and let it bake until the bacon is crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this creamy, spicy, and cheesy dish!
Notes
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing it with other ingredients. This ensures a smooth and creamy filling that blends well with the other flavors.
