Description
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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Ingredients
For the Chicken:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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½ tsp smoked paprika
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Toothpicks or kitchen twine for securing
For the Jalapeño Popper Filling:
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1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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2–3 fresh jalapeños, finely diced (seeds removed for less heat)
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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¼ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
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2 tbsp chopped green onions or chives (optional)
For the Topping (Optional):
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¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
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2 tbsp melted butter
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1 tbsp chopped parsley for garnish
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.
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: American