Smoked Jalapeño Popper Chicken Bombs 🌶🍗🧀🥓
Description
These Smoked Jalapeño Popper Chicken Bombs are the ultimate flavor explosion—juicy ground chicken, creamy cheese filling, spicy jalapeños, and crispy bacon all wrapped in a flaky puff pastry. Smoked to perfection, these delicious bombs will be a hit at your next BBQ, game night, or party!
🔥 Smoky, Spicy, Cheesy, and Crispy!
✅ Perfect for gatherings & meal prep
✅ Keto & low-carb option available
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 pound ground chicken 🍗
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 🧀
- 1/2 cup diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled) 🌶
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder 🧄
- 1 teaspoon onion powder 🧅
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste 🧂
For Assembly:
- 8 slices of bacon 🥓
- 1 package of puff pastry (2 sheets), thawed
- Olive oil, for brushing
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional) 🌿
Instructions
1. Prepare the Filling
- In a bowl, combine ground chicken, cream cheese, shredded cheddar, diced jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well until fully combined.
2. Shape & Wrap
- Take a small handful of the mixture and shape it into a ball.
- Wrap each chicken mixture ball with a slice of bacon, securing it with toothpicks if needed.
- Roll out the puff pastry sheets and cut them into 8 equal squares.
- Wrap each bacon-wrapped chicken ball with puff pastry, sealing the edges tightly.
3. Smoke or Bake
🔥 Smoking Method:
- Preheat your smoker to 250°F (120°C).
- Place the wrapped bombs on the smoker grate.
- Smoke for 90 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) internally.
🔥 Oven-Baking Method:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the bombs on a lined baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with olive oil.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and the internal temp is 165°F (75°C).
4. Serve & Enjoy!
- Let them cool slightly before serving.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with your favorite dipping sauce (ranch, chipotle mayo, or BBQ sauce).
Servings
- Serves: 4-6
- Serving Size: 1-2 bombs
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~320
- Protein: ~18g
- Carbohydrates: ~20g
- Fat: ~22g
- Fiber: ~1g
(For a low-carb/keto option, skip the puff pastry and use a bacon-only wrap.)
Tips for the Best Chicken Bombs
✔ For extra smokiness, add a sprinkle of chipotle powder to the filling.
✔ Want a crispy texture? Air-fry at 375°F for 15 minutes after smoking.
✔ Spice it up! Use habaneros instead of jalapeños for an extra kick.
✔ Make it keto-friendly by omitting the puff pastry and wrapping entirely in bacon.
✔ Make ahead! Prep and freeze them before smoking/baking for a quick meal later.
Health Benefits
✔ High in Protein – Supports muscle growth and energy.
✔ Rich in Healthy Fats – Cream cheese, cheddar, and bacon add good fats for satiety.
✔ Low in Carbs (Without Pastry) – Great for keto or low-carb diets.
✔ Contains Capsaicin from Jalapeños – Boosts metabolism and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Q&A
❓ Can I use a different meat?
✔ Yes! Substitute ground chicken with ground turkey, pork, or beef.
❓ What’s the best way to reheat them?
✔ Use an air fryer (350°F for 5-7 minutes) or oven (375°F for 10 minutes) to keep them crispy.
❓ Can I make these ahead of time?
✔ Absolutely! Assemble them ahead and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
❓ What sauce pairs well with these?
✔ Chipotle mayo, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or garlic aioli all work great!