If you love the spicy, creamy, and cheesy goodness of jalapeño poppers, then get ready—this Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Chicken is about to become your new favorite dinner! Juicy chicken breasts are packed with a rich, cheesy filling, loaded with crispy bacon and just the right amount of heat from fresh jalapeños. It’s a fun twist on a classic appetizer, turned into a satisfying main course. Plus, it’s super easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Why You’ll Love Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Chicken
Packed with Flavor: The combination of creamy cheese, smoky bacon, and spicy jalapeños is downright addictive.
Easy to Make: Despite its fancy appearance, this dish comes together quickly with simple steps.
Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: If you’re watching carbs, this is a perfect high-protein, low-carb meal.
Customizable: Adjust the spice level, swap in different cheeses, or add extra seasonings to make it your own.
Crowd-Pleasing: Even picky eaters will love this cheesy, bacon-packed goodness.
Ingredients in Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Chicken
Here’s what makes this dish so irresistible:
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for stuffing. They cook up juicy and tender.
Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños bring just the right kick—remove the seeds for less heat or leave them in for extra spice.
Cream Cheese: The creamy base of the filling that keeps everything rich and decadent.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds bold, cheesy goodness to every bite.
Bacon: Crispy bacon takes this dish to the next level with smoky, savory flavor.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Essential seasonings to enhance the overall taste.
Paprika: Adds a touch of warmth and color to the chicken.
Olive Oil: Helps the chicken get that beautiful golden-brown crust.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking and a perfectly juicy chicken breast.
Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, chopped jalapeños, and crumbled bacon until well combined.
Stuff the Chicken: Slice a pocket into each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. Spoon the cheese mixture inside each pocket.
Secure with Toothpicks: Use toothpicks to keep the filling inside while cooking. This helps everything stay intact.
Season the Chicken: Rub the outside of the chicken breasts with olive oil, then season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Sear the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
Bake to Perfection: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Rest & Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Serve Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Chicken
With a Side Salad: A crisp green salad balances out the richness of the dish.
With Roasted Veggies: Serve with roasted Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or bell peppers for a delicious side.
Over Rice or Cauliflower Rice: Perfect if you want to soak up all the cheesy goodness.
With a Drizzle of Ranch or Hot Sauce: Take it up a notch with an extra burst of flavor.
Additional Tips
Control the Heat: Remove jalapeño seeds for milder spice, or keep them in for more heat.
Use Thin Chicken Breasts: If your chicken breasts are thick, pound them slightly for even cooking.
Make it Extra Crispy: Add a light sprinkle of breadcrumbs on top before baking for a crunchy texture.
Prep Ahead: You can assemble the stuffed chicken in advance and refrigerate until ready to cook.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use pre-cooked bacon?
A1: Absolutely! Pre-cooked bacon works great and saves time.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can prep the stuffed chicken a day ahead and bake when ready.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q4: Can I freeze stuffed chicken?
A4: Yes! Wrap each stuffed chicken breast individually in plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before baking.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes to keep the chicken juicy.
Q6: Can I grill this instead of baking?
A6: Yes! Grill over medium heat for about 5–7 minutes per side, ensuring the inside cooks through.
Q7: Can I use different cheeses?
A7: Definitely! Try pepper jack, mozzarella, or gouda for a fun twist.
Q8: What if I don’t have toothpicks?
A8: You can use kitchen twine or simply place the chicken seam-side down in the pan.
Q9: How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
A9: Use a meat thermometer—it should read 165°F (75°C) when done.
Q10: Can I add more veggies to the filling?
A10: Yes! Chopped bell peppers, onions, or even spinach would be delicious additions.
Final Thoughts
Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Chicken is the perfect way to bring bold flavors to your dinner table. It’s creamy, cheesy, spicy, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or serving it to impress guests, this dish is a guaranteed winner. Try it out and let me know how you like it—I have a feeling you’ll be making this one again and again!
Print
Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Chicken
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
Description
This jalapeño popper stuffed chicken is the perfect way to upgrade a simple chicken breast! It’s cheesy, slightly spicy, and incredibly juicy. The spiciness of fresh jalapeños mellows out when baked, blending beautifully with cream cheese, mozzarella, and parmesan for a rich, gooey filling. A perfect quick and easy dinner recipe that packs bold flavors!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 chicken breasts (220g/7oz each, skinless, boneless)
- 1/4 tsp cooking/kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
For the Jalapeño Popper Stuffing:
- 60g (2 oz) cream cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, finely shredded
- 2 jalapeños, deseeded and finely diced
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cooking/kosher salt
Instructions
1. Prep & Preheat:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) (or 160°C fan-forced).
- Cut a pocket into each chicken breast (on the folded side to keep the smooth side intact), ensuring you don’t cut all the way through.
2. Make the Filling:
- Microwave cream cheese for 30 seconds to soften.
- Mix together with mozzarella, parmesan, jalapeños, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
3. Stuff the Chicken:
- Stuff the cheese mixture inside each chicken breast, pushing it all the way in.
- Secure the opening with 2–3 toothpicks (some filling oozing out is a bonus—it crisps up beautifully!).
- Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with paprika and salt.
4. Sear the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place chicken smooth-side down and sear for 2 minutes until golden brown.
- Flip and sear the other side for another 2 minutes.
5. Bake & Rest:
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 67°C (155°F).
- Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Jalapeño Heat Level: Baking mellows out the heat, making this mildly spicy.
- Cheese Swaps: Use cheddar, gouda, or Monterey Jack for different flavors.
- Serving Ideas: Pair with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg