Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Chicken

If you love the bold, cheesy flavor of jalapeño poppers and crave a satisfying chicken dinner, this Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Chicken is the perfect recipe to try! Juicy chicken breasts are filled with a creamy, spicy jalapeño-cheese mixture, then baked to perfection for a meal that’s flavorful, low-carb, and surprisingly easy to make.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavor Explosion – Spicy jalapeños, creamy cheese, and savory chicken in every bite.
Low-Carb Friendly – Great for keto and low-carb diets.
Easy Yet Impressive – Simple ingredients with a gourmet presentation.
Customizable Heat – Adjust the jalapeño level to suit your spice tolerance.
Meal Prep Favorite – Holds up well for leftovers and reheating.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Toothpicks or kitchen twine for securing

For the Jalapeño Popper Filling:

• 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2–3 fresh jalapeños, finely diced (seeds removed for less heat)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp chopped green onions or chives (optional)

For the Topping (Optional):

• ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley for garnish

Tools You’ll Need

• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon or spatula
• Skillet (oven-safe if searing before baking)
• Baking dish
• Aluminum foil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a baking dish or line it with foil for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Place chicken breasts on a cutting board.
Using a sharp knife, slice a deep pocket into the side of each breast, being careful not to cut through the other side.
Season each chicken breast with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Make the Jalapeño Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, diced jalapeños, garlic, salt, pepper, and green onions.
Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Stuff the Chicken
Spoon the jalapeño filling into each chicken breast pocket.
Secure the opening with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the filling inside.

Step 5: Sear for Extra Flavor (Optional)
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes per side until golden.
Transfer the skillet directly to the oven.
If skipping the sear, place chicken directly in the prepared baking dish.

Step 6: Bake
Bake the chicken for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
If using topping, mix panko with melted butter and sprinkle over the chicken in the last 10 minutes of baking for a crispy crust.

Step 7: Rest and Serve
Remove chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Remove toothpicks or twine before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Tips for Perfect Stuffed Chicken
Don’t Overfill – Leave room to close the chicken pockets fully.
Secure Tightly – Use toothpicks to keep all that delicious filling inside.
Use Gloves – When handling jalapeños to avoid skin irritation.
Let Rest – Resting the chicken helps retain its juices.
Double the Batch – These store well and make a great meal prep option.

Serving Suggestions
Garlic Mashed Cauliflower – A creamy, low-carb side.
Roasted Veggies – Try broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini.
Garden Salad – Light and refreshing to balance the richness.
Sweet Potato Fries – A great contrast to the spicy, cheesy chicken.
Lemon Rice – A zesty twist to complement the flavors.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Wrap tightly in foil and place in freezer bags for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Oven: Reheat at 350°F until warmed through.
Microwave: Use medium heat in 1-minute intervals.
Tip: Slice before reheating to ensure even warming.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes! Assemble and store in the fridge, then bake just before serving.
2. What’s a good cheese substitute?
   Pepper jack or gouda can replace cheddar or mozzarella for different flavor notes.
3. How spicy is this dish?
   It’s moderately spicy—remove jalapeño seeds for less heat, or use more for extra kick.
4. Can I use chicken thighs?
   Yes, but make sure they’re boneless and adjust cooking time as needed.
5. Is this dish gluten-free?
   Yes, just skip the panko topping or use gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Final Thoughts
Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Chicken is a deliciously bold twist on your usual chicken dinner. It’s got all the creamy, cheesy, spicy goodness of a classic jalapeño popper, wrapped inside juicy chicken for an easy-to-make main course that impresses every time. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how your dish turns out.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 410 | Protein: 36g | Carbohydrates: 6g | Fat: 28g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 510mg

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