Jalapeno popper stuffed chicken breasts

When you crave a delicious and unique chicken dish, look no further than jalapeno popper stuffed chicken! This mouth-watering entrée combines the spicy kick of jalapenos with the creamy richness of cheese, making it a standout option for any meal.

There are so many reasons why I love jalapeno popper stuffed chicken and I’m sure you will too! First and foremost, it is a delicious combination of flavors. The spiciness of the jalapenos perfectly balances out the creamy cheese, creating a harmonious blend of heat and richness.

Additionally, this dish is easy to prepare and can be customized to suit individual tastes. Plus, who doesn’t love bacon? That’s right, bacon is also a key ingredient in this recipe! Overall, jalapeno popper stuffed chicken is a unique and tasty dish that never fails to impress.

How to make jalapeno popper stuffed chicken

Ingredients you’ll need

To make jalapeno popper chicken breast, you will need the following ingredients:

• Cream cheese, softened: This ingredient is the base for the filling and provides a creamy and tangy flavor. Make sure to use softened cream cheese to ensure it mixes well with the other ingredients.
• Bacon, cooked well: The bacon adds a smoky and salty element to the dish. It should be cooked until crispy before being added to the filling.
• Jalapeños: These are the star of the dish, providing a spicy kick. Be sure to remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapenos if you want to reduce the heat level.
• Shredded cheese: Any type of shredded cheese can be used in this recipe, but I recommend using cheddar or a blend of Mexican cheeses for optimal flavor.
• Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder: These spices add depth and flavor to the filling and chicken breasts.
• Chicken breast: The main protein in this dish, chicken breast is a lean and versatile option that pairs well with the other ingredients.
• Bread crumbs, finely ground: This ingredient provides a crispy coating for the chicken breasts. If you don’t have bread crumbs on hand, you can also use panko or crushed crackers.

Substitutes

If you are unable to find some of the ingredients listed above, there are a few suitable substitutes. Instead of cream cheese, you can use softened goat cheese for a tangier flavor. If you don’t have bacon, you can substitute with cooked and crumbled sausage or diced ham. For those who can’t handle the heat of jalapenos, you can use mild green chilies or bell peppers instead.

Equipment

• Cutting board: This is essential for chopping and prepping the jalapenos, chicken breasts, and bacon.
• Mixing bowl: You will need a large mixing bowl to combine the cream cheese filling ingredients.
• Air fryer: The air fryer is perfect for cooking the stuffed chicken breasts as it ensures an even and crispy cook.
• Shallow dish: This will be used to coat the chicken breasts in bread crumbs.
• Oil spray bottle: To prevent sticking, it is important to lightly spray the air fryer basket and tops of the chicken breasts with oil before cooking.

Instructions to cook the Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Chicken

Preparations

1. Prep the jalapeño peppers by slicing them open and removing the seeds and endocarp (the whitish membrane that seeds are attached to). This will reduce the spiciness of the jalapenos. If you want a spicier dish, you can leave the seeds and membranes intact.
2. Dice the jalapeños into small pieces.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, cooked and crumbled bacon, diced jalapeños, and half of the spices (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder).
4. Mix all ingredients until fully incorporated.

Cooking the chicken

1. Cut along the side of each chicken breast to form a pocket in the middle. Make sure not to cut through completely as you want to create a pocket for stuffing.
2. Season the chicken breasts with the remaining half of spices (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder) and set them aside.
3. Add bread crumbs to a shallow dish and place each breast on top of the crumbs, coating both sides.
4. Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
5. Place stuffed chicken breasts in an air fryer basket that has been lightly sprayed with oil. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken breasts with oil.
6. Cook in the preheated air fryer for 18 minutes or until fully cooked, flipping halfway through.
7. Once fully cooked, remove from air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips

1. For added flavor, you can mix in some chopped green onions or diced bell peppers with the cream cheese filling.
2. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can also bake the stuffed chicken breasts in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 25 minutes.

Recipe variations

There are many variations of this chicken stuffed with jalapeno and cream cheese that you can try to mix up the flavors and spice level. Here are a few ideas:

• Swap out the bacon for diced ham or cooked and crumbled sausage.
• Use a different type of cheese, such as pepper jack or feta, for a unique twist on the dish.
• Add in some chopped green onions or diced bell peppers to the filling mixture for added flavor and texture.
• Instead of using chicken breasts, you can also use boneless chicken thighs for a more flavorful and juicy option.

Serving suggestions

Jalapeno popper stuffed chicken can be served as a main dish with your choice of sides, such as roasted potatoes and mushrooms or a simple salad. It also pairs well with mashed potatoes or rice. Other dishes that go well with this chicken are creamy mac and cheese, corn casserole, or roasted sweet potatoes.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken breasts and stuff them with the cream cheese filling up to a day in advance. Keep them covered in the fridge until ready to cook.

Can I use a regular oven instead of an air fryer?

While the recipe provides instructions for cooking the stuffed chicken breasts in an air fryer, it can easily be adapted for oven cooking. Preheat your oven to 375°F, arrange the prepared chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. The exact baking time may vary, so it’s a good idea to use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F.

Can I use different types of peppers instead of jalapenos?

Yes, you can substitute with milder peppers such as poblano or bell peppers if you prefer less heat. You can also add in some diced hot peppers, like serranos or habaneros, for a spicier kick.

Storing and reheating leftovers

If you have any leftover stuffed chicken breasts, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also cut the chicken into slices and use it to top salads, pizzas, or sandwiches.

For longer storage, you can freeze the uncooked stuffed chicken breasts in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge before cooking according to the instructions provided. Alternatively, you can cook and freeze the stuffed chicken breasts for busy weeknight meals. Just defrost and reheat in the oven or air fryer before serving.

More recipes you’ll enjoy

• Garlic parm wings in the air fryer
• Air fryer stuffed chicken breast
• Lemon chicken drumsticks in the air fryer
• Air fryer chicken fajitas
• Air fryer apple and Muenster chicken breast

Jalapeno popper stuffed chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the flavors of creamy cheese, spicy jalapenos, and crispy bacon. With a few simple ingredients and an air fryer or oven, you can have a flavorful dinner ready in under 30 minutes. This dish is sure to become a family favorite in no time! Happy cooking!

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Jalapeno popper stuffed chicken

Craving something unique? Try jalapeno popper stuffed chicken! This dish blends spicy jalapenos and creamy cheese for a mouth-watering meal.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time18 minutes mins

Total Time33 minutes mins

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: chicken stuffed with jalapeno and cream cheese, jalapeno popper chicken breast, jalapeno popper stuffed chicken

Servings: 4 breasts

Calories: 427kcal

Author: Petro Neagu

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Ingredients

• 1 8oz package of cream cheese softened
• 4 pieces of bacon cooked well
• 3 fresh jalapeños
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt divided
• 1 teaspoon pepper divided
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder divided
• 1 teaspoon onion powder divided
• 4 large chicken breast
• 1 cup bread crumbs seasoned or not, finely ground

Equipment

• mixing bowl
• shallow dish
• cutting board
• air fryer

Instructions

• Prep the jalapeño peppers by slicing them open, removing the seeds and endocarp (the whitish membrane that seeds are attached to.) to remove the heat from the jalapeños. Leave intact if you want the heat.
• Dice the jalapeños in small pieces.
  
• Add cream cheese, shredded cheese, half of the spices, diced jalapeño peppers, and chopped bacon to a mixing bowl and fully incorporate. Set aside.
  
• Cut along the side of the breast to form a pocket in the middle. Don’t cut from end to end and don’t cut through as to butterfly the breast. Fill the pocket of chicken with the cream cheese filling, evenly distributed between the four breasts.
  
• Season the breasts with the remaining spices and set them aside.
• Add the bread crumbs to a shallow dish and pace each breast on top of the crumbs to fully coat the breast.
  
• Place the breast in an oil-sprayed air fryer basket. Then spray the top of the breast with oil. Filling pocket facing up. Press down slightly to form a flat bottom.
  
• Cook at 350° for 18 minutes or until fully cooked.
• Once cooked, remove and let rest for 5 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 427kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 55g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 158mg | Sodium: 1155mg | Potassium: 951mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 309IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 141mg | Iron: 2mg

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