Description
Creamy Jalapeño Popper Chicken is a rich and flavorful one-pan dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy, cheesy jalapeño filling, crispy bacon, and a hint of spice. It’s an easy, comforting meal perfect for weeknights or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 fresh jalapeños, finely chopped
- 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy, then remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add olive oil and sear the chicken breasts for 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove from heat.
- In a bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Spread the creamy mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
- Top with crumbled bacon.
- Transfer the chicken to an oven-safe dish and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and sauce is bubbly.
- Garnish with parsley or green onions before serving.
Notes
- For less heat, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños.
- To add extra crunch, sprinkle crushed pork rinds or breadcrumbs before baking.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
