Jalapeño Popper Baked Chicken Breasts
🌶️ Jalapeño Popper Baked Chicken Breasts
Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: ~50 minutes
Description:
This dish takes the spicy, creamy, cheesy essence of a jalapeño popper and stuffs it into juicy baked chicken breasts. It’s a perfect balance of bold flavor and hearty protein—ideal for weeknights, special dinners, or low-carb meal prep.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6–8 oz each)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
For the Filling:
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2–3 jalapeños, finely diced (adjust to taste; remove seeds for less heat)
- 3 tbsp cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
For the Topping:
- ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs (or crushed pork rinds for keto)
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp melted butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease or spray a baking dish.
2. Prepare the Chicken
- Place chicken breasts on a cutting board.
- Use a sharp knife to cut a deep pocket in each breast (don’t cut through).
- Pat dry and season both sides and inside the pocket with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. Make the Filling
- In a medium bowl, mix:
- Cream cheese
- Cheddar and mozzarella
- Diced jalapeños
- Bacon (if using)
- Green onion
- Stir until fully combined and smooth.
4. Stuff the Chicken
- Spoon 2–3 tbsp of filling into each pocket.
- Secure with toothpicks if needed.
- Place breasts seam-side up in the prepared baking dish.
5. Add the Topping
- In a small bowl, combine:
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Parmesan
- Melted butter
- Mix well and sprinkle evenly over stuffed chicken.
6. Bake
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
- Optional: Broil for the last 1–2 minutes for a golden, crispy topping.
Tips & Variations:
🌡 Spice Level:
- For mild: Remove all seeds and membranes from jalapeños.
- For medium: Leave some seeds.
- For hot: Use pickled jalapeños or add hot sauce to the filling.
🥓 Bacon Swaps:
- Use diced ham, sausage, or leave it out for a vegetarian-friendly filling.
🥑 Low-Carb/Keto Option:
- Use crushed pork rinds instead of panko.
- Serve with sautéed greens or cauliflower mash.
🧀 Cheese Variations:
- Swap in pepper jack, goat cheese, or smoked gouda for different flavor profiles.
🌮 Tex-Mex Style:
- Add taco seasoning to the filling.
- Serve with Mexican rice or elote corn salad.
Serving Suggestions:
- With roasted veggies or a crisp green salad
- Alongside cauliflower mash or garlic green beans
- Topped with chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime