Smoked Jalapeño Popper Chicken Bombs
Description
These Smoked Jalapeño Popper Chicken Bombs are an innovative twist on the classic popper. Imagine tender, boneless chicken breasts stuffed with a zesty blend of cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and sliced jalapeños. Wrapped in smoky bacon and optionally brushed with BBQ sauce, each bite delivers a satisfying burst of spice, creaminess, and savory flavor. Perfect as an appetizer for your next gathering or as a main dish served with your favorite sides, these bombs pack plenty of personality and heat.
Ingredients
- Chicken & Fillings:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 large jalapeños, halved and seeded
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Wrapping & Garnish:
- 8 slices of bacon (cut in half if desired for smaller portions)
- Toothpicks (to secure the bacon wrap)
- BBQ sauce (optional, for glazing)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased wire rack over a baking tray. - Pound the Chicken:
Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a ziplock bag. Gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin until each piece is an even thickness (about 1/2 inch) to ensure even cooking. - Mix the Filling:
In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Mix until the ingredients are well incorporated. - Stuff the Chicken:
Lay the pounded chicken breasts flat. Place a few halves of jalapeño (cut side up) down the center of each breast. Spoon an even layer of the cheese mixture over the jalapeños. Optionally, you can spread the filling across the width for extra cheesy flavor. - Roll & Secure:
Starting at one end, tightly roll up the chicken breast, encasing the filling inside. Secure the roll with toothpicks if needed, to keep it intact during cooking. - Wrap with Bacon:
Wrap each chicken roll with 2 slices of bacon, ensuring the bacon overlaps slightly. The bacon not only adds a smoky flavor but also helps seal in the juices of the chicken. - Optional Glaze:
For an additional layer of smoky-sweet flavor, brush a light coating of BBQ sauce on the bacon-wrapped chicken bombs before baking. - Bake:
Place the chicken bombs on your prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and the bacon is crisp. If desired, you can broil the bombs for 2–3 minutes at the end to further crisp the bacon. - Rest & Serve:
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Remove toothpicks before serving. Enjoy warm!
Notes & Tips
- Cheese Consistency: Ensure the cream cheese is well softened for easy mixing and stuffing. Allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes if needed.
- Jalapeño Prep: Removing the seeds reduces the heat, but if you prefer extra spice, feel free to retain a few seeds.
- Even Cooking: Pounding the chicken uniformly will help avoid undercooked edges.
- Bacon Alternatives: Use turkey bacon for a leaner option or try a flavored variety to complement the spicy filling.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken bombs and refrigerate them (covered) for a few hours before baking. Just add extra baking time if they are coming directly from the fridge.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with a crisp salad, grilled vegetables, or a light dipping sauce like a cool ranch or avocado crema.
Servings
- This recipe makes approximately 4 servings (1 stuffed chicken bomb per serving, or cut into smaller slices for appetizer-style servings).
Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 350–450 (varies with bacon type and glaze usage)
- Protein: ~30g
- Fat: 22g–28g
- Carbs: 3g–5g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Sodium: 500–700mg
Note: These values are estimates and depend on the specific brands and cuts used.
Health Benefits
- High Protein: Chicken and cheese provide ample protein to support muscle growth and repair.
- Healthy Fats: Bacon and cheese contribute fat which, when balanced within a nutritious diet, can help maintain energy levels. Choosing leaner bacon or turkey bacon can reduce saturated fats.
- Capsaicin Kick: Jalapeños contain capsaicin, which may help boost metabolism and support cardiovascular health.
- Customizable: With controlled ingredients, you can adjust spice and salt levels to meet your dietary preferences while still enjoying a flavor-packed dish.
Q & A
Q: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the chicken bombs up to a few hours ahead of baking. Cover and refrigerate, then let sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking.
Q: How do I ensure the bacon stays crispy?
A: For crisper bacon, bake the bombs on a wire rack placed over the baking tray, allowing the fat to drip away. Alternatively, finish under the broiler for a minute or two.
Q: Is this recipe adaptable for a lower-fat option?
A: Certainly. Use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon and opt for a reduced-fat cream cheese. You might also reduce the amount of cheese if desired.
Q: Can I use a different cheese?
A: Yes, feel free to experiment with pepper jack for extra heat or mozzarella for a milder flavor. Cheddar works well for its sharp flavor and meltability.
Q: What dipping sauce pairs well with these chicken bombs?
A: A tangy ranch dip, avocado crema, or even an extra drizzle of BBQ sauce complements the flavors perfectly.
Enjoy your Spicy, smoky, and creamy Smoked Jalapeño Popper Chicken Bombs! If you’d like further customization ideas or need a printable recipe card, just let me know.