Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Chicken

$To make this tasty dish, you need just a few main ingredients: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 4 oz cream cheese, softened - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup finely chopped jalapeños (fresh or pickled) - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs - 1 tablespoon garlic powder - 1 tablespoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil These ingredients mix well to create a creamy, spicy filling that makes the chicken juicy. You can add fresh cilantro as a garnish. It adds a nice touch and brightens the dish. If you like, you can also drizzle a bit of hot sauce on top for extra zing. Always choose fresh chicken and high-quality cheeses. Fresh jalapeños give the best flavor. If you use pickled jalapeños, they add a nice tang. The cream cheese should be soft for easy mixing. Don’t skimp on the spices; they make the dish pop! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, chopped jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until it’s smooth. Next, take your chicken breasts and carefully slice a pocket in each one. Don’t cut all the way through. Stuff each pocket with your jalapeño cheese mix. Press gently to keep the filling inside. Now it’s time to cook! In a shallow dish, add breadcrumbs and season them with salt and pepper. Dip each stuffed chicken breast in olive oil, then coat it with breadcrumbs. Press lightly to make sure they stick. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add some olive oil. Place the stuffed chicken in the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. After searing, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Once the chicken is baked, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juices inside. You can serve it hot, and if you like, garnish with fresh cilantro. It’s a great way to add color and a fresh taste! Enjoy this tasty meal with some sides like rice or a salad. To stuff chicken breasts well, take your time. First, use a sharp knife to slice a pocket. Cut carefully, so you don’t slice all the way through. Make the pocket big enough to hold the filling. Next, press the filling into the pocket gently. This keeps your mixture inside during cooking. Lastly, seal the opening with toothpicks if needed. This helps keep your delicious filling in place. You can boost flavor in your stuffed chicken easily. Try adding some spices, like cumin or chili powder, to the cheese mix. Fresh herbs, like cilantro or parsley, can add a fresh taste. For extra crunch, mix in some crushed tortilla chips with your breadcrumbs. You can also experiment with different types of cheese. Creamy goat cheese or tangy feta can create a unique flavor. One common mistake is overstuffing the chicken. Too much filling can cause it to spill out during cooking. Another mistake is not seasoning the chicken. Adding salt and pepper to the chicken helps enhance the taste. Also, don’t skip searing the chicken before baking. Searing adds a nice color and locks in moisture. Lastly, make sure your chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe eating. Pro Tips Use Fresh Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños will give your filling a vibrant flavor and a nice crunch. If you prefer less heat, remove the seeds and membranes before chopping. Seal the Chicken Properly: Make sure to seal the edges of the chicken pocket well to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking. You can use toothpicks if necessary. Experiment with Cheese: While cheddar is delicious, feel free to mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a different flavor profile. Each will add its unique twist to the dish! Let it Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps redistribute the juices and ensures that your chicken remains juicy and tender when sliced. {{image_2}} You can adjust the heat of your Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Chicken. If you like it spicy, use fresh jalapeños. They pack a punch! For a milder taste, opt for pickled jalapeños. They add flavor without too much heat. You can also remove the seeds from fresh jalapeños. This will lessen the spice while keeping the flavor. The cheese you choose can change the dish. Cream cheese is soft and creamy, but you can experiment with other cheeses. Try pepper jack for extra kick, or mozzarella for a milder option. You can even mix cheeses! A blend of cheddar and cream cheese works well too. You can also add spices to the cheese mix for extra flavor. Consider adding some ranch seasoning for a tasty twist. If you want a low-carb version, skip the breadcrumbs. Coat the chicken with almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead. These options give a nice crunch without the carbs. For gluten-free, always check the labels on your ingredients. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or a suitable alternative. You can still enjoy this dish while sticking to your dietary needs. To keep your Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Chicken fresh, let it cool. After cooling, place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge. It should last for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15 to 20 minutes, until warm throughout. You can also use a microwave. Just heat for 1 to 2 minutes. Make sure it is hot in the center. For meal prep, you can freeze the stuffed chicken. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can prepare Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Chicken ahead of time. After you stuff the chicken, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This lets the flavors blend well. When you are ready, just bake it. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. You have many great options to serve with Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Chicken. Here are a few ideas: - Rice: A fluffy rice dish pairs well. - Salad: A fresh salad adds crunch and balance. - Vegetables: Roasted or steamed veggies make a colorful side. - Potatoes: Mashed or baked potatoes work nicely too. These sides will complement the spicy and creamy chicken. Yes, you can use other meats for Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Chicken. Pork chops or turkey breasts are great substitutes. Just be mindful of adjusting the cooking time. Make sure the meat reaches the safe temperature before serving. This way, you can enjoy the same flavors with different proteins! Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Chicken is a tasty dish that’s simple to make. We covered the key ingredients, prep steps, and even cooking methods. Remember to use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Try different variations to suit your taste, such as spicy or cheese swaps. Store leftovers wisely, and don’t hesitate to explore other meats. With these tips, your meals will impress. Enjoy this fun recipe with friends or family!$

Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Chicken

A delicious chicken dish stuffed with a creamy jalapeño and cheese filling, perfect for a flavorful dinner.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
0.5 cup finely chopped jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
0.25 cup breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
optional fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
Carefully slice a pocket into each chicken breast, making sure not to cut all the way through.
Stuff each chicken breast with the jalapeño cheese mixture, pressing down gently to ensure it stays inside.
In a shallow dish, place the breadcrumbs and season with a bit of salt and pepper.
Dip each stuffed chicken breast in olive oil, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere the crumbs.
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
Once done, remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.

Notes

Garnish with fresh cilantro for added flavor.

Keyword chicken, jalapeño poppers, stuffed chicken