Jalapeno popper stuffed chicken
Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Chicken is a flavorful, spicy, and creamy dish that combines the best elements of a jalapeno popper with juicy chicken breasts. Each chicken breast is filled with a cheesy mixture of cream cheese, cheddar, and spicy jalapenos, then baked to golden perfection. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth dish that delivers a kick of heat, balanced by the creaminess of the filling. This dish is great for weeknight dinners or when you want something a little extra but still simple to prepare.
Ingredients:
2 x 220g/7oz chicken breast, skinless, boneless
1/4 tsp cooking/kosher salt
1/2 tsp smoked paprika (or ordinary paprika)
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
Jalapeno Popper Stuffing :
60g/ 2 oz chadder cheese
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese , shredded (or other cheese)
1/4 cup parmesan , finely shredded
2 jalapenos , deseeded and finely diced (Note 1)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp cooking / kosher salt
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F (160°C fan).
Cut pockets into each chicken breast (Note 2), taking care not to cut all the way through. Cut on the side with the fold in the meat, to keep the smooth side intact.
Stuffing – Microwave the cream cheese for 30 seconds to soften. Mix together with remaining jalapeño popper stuffing ingredients.
Stuff & seal – Stuff inside the chicken pockets, stuffing it all the way in! Then seal each chicken with 2 or 3 toothpicks. If some stuffing is oozing out, that’s a bonus – it’s the best part when it crisps in the pan! Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with the paprika and salt.
Sear – Heat the oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Place the breast smooth-side down, sear for 2 minutes until golden (it won’t colour more in the oven). Flip and sear the other side for another 2 minutes.
Bake 15 min – Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 67°C/155°F.
Rest and serve – Remove the chicken to a plate and rest for 5 minutes, then serve!
Recipe Notes:
Jalapeno Heat: Adjust the heat level by controlling how many jalapeño seeds you include in the filling. Removing all the seeds will tone down the spiciness, while leaving some will give it a bigger kick. For milder spice, you can also substitute with milder peppers like Anaheim or Poblano.
Filling Variations: The traditional filling is a blend of cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and jalapeños, but you can experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack for extra heat or mozzarella for added creaminess. You can also mix in crumbled bacon for added flavor and texture.
Chicken Prep: To stuff the chicken, butterfly the chicken breasts (cut them horizontally to open like a book) and carefully spoon in the filling. You can secure the chicken with toothpicks or kitchen twine to prevent the filling from spilling out while baking.
Baking Tips: Make sure to season the outside of the chicken well with salt, pepper, and any additional spices like smoked paprika or garlic powder for added flavor. Bake the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, depending on the thickness, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Alternative Cooking Methods: For a crispy exterior, you can sear the chicken in a hot skillet before transferring it to the oven to finish cooking. Alternatively, you can cook it entirely in a skillet or grill it for a smoky flavor.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with sides like roasted vegetables, a green salad, or mashed cauliflower for a low-carb option. It also pairs well with rice or a hearty grain like quinoa for a more filling meal.
This dish offers a perfect blend of spice, creaminess, and tenderness, making it a crowd-pleaser for fans of jalapeño poppers and chicken lovers alike.