Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Chicken

If you love the bold, creamy, and slightly spicy flavors of jalapeño poppers, you’ll go crazy for this Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Chicken! Juicy chicken breasts are filled with a luscious mixture of cream cheese, cheddar, and diced jalapeños, then seared and baked to golden perfection. It’s a low-carb, high-protein dinner that’s rich, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to make.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bold Flavor – Creamy, cheesy, and spicy in every bite.
Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly – No breading needed, just real ingredients.
Easy Yet Impressive – Looks fancy, but comes together in under an hour.
Customizable Heat – Adjust the spice to your liking.
Great for Meal Prep – Reheats well and makes tasty leftovers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Toothpicks (for sealing)

For the Stuffing:
4 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup shredded mozzarella (optional for extra melt)
2 jalapeños, finely diced (seeds removed for less heat)
2 tbsp chopped green onions
¼ tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

For Topping (Optional):
2 tbsp cooked turkey bacon, crumbled
Extra shredded cheese
Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro

Tools You’ll Need
Sharp knife
Mixing bowl
Skillet and oven-safe pan or baking dish
Toothpicks or kitchen twine
Meat thermometer (for best results)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Carefully cut a deep pocket in each chicken breast without slicing all the way through.
3. Season both sides of the chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Make the Stuffing
4. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar, mozzarella (if using), diced jalapeños, green onions, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
5. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Stuff the Chicken
6. Spoon the filling into each chicken pocket—about 2–3 tablespoons per breast.
7. Secure each breast with toothpicks to keep the filling inside during cooking.

Step 4: Sear & Bake
8. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
9. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
10. Transfer the skillet to the oven (or move chicken to a baking dish) and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
11. During the last 5 minutes, sprinkle extra cheese or turkey bacon on top if desired.

Step 5: Serve & Garnish
12. Remove toothpicks carefully before serving.
13. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.

Tips for Perfect Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Chicken
Use Evenly Sized Chicken – For uniform cooking.
Secure Well – Use 2–3 toothpicks per breast to keep filling in place.
Go Mild or Spicy – Use more jalapeños or leave some seeds for heat.
Add Crunch – Turkey bacon on top brings texture and salty bite.

Serving Suggestions
With Cauliflower Rice – For a low-carb meal base.
Over Salad – Sliced on a bed of greens with ranch or avocado dressing.
With Roasted Veggies – Broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers complement well.
Stuffed in Wraps – For a hearty lunch the next day.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge before reheating.

Reheating:
Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 10–15 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Heat in 1-minute bursts, covered, until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use canned jalapeños?
   Yes! They’re softer and milder than fresh—drain before using.
2. Is this recipe spicy?
   It can be! Remove seeds for a milder version or leave them in for more heat.
3. Can I make it dairy-free?
   Use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan cheese alternatives.
4. What if I don’t have toothpicks?
   Use kitchen twine or wrap the chicken with a slice of turkey bacon to hold it together.

Final Thoughts

Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Chicken takes all the irresistible flavor of your favorite appetizer and turns it into a rich, creamy, and protein-packed main dish. It’s comforting, easy to prepare, and endlessly adaptable to your spice and cheese preferences. Whether you serve it for a special dinner or make it part of your weekly meal prep, it’s bound to become a household favorite.

Try it and tag your version online—I’d love to see your spicy, cheesy creations!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 of 4):
Calories: 390 | Protein: 36g | Carbohydrates: 4g | Fat: 24g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 480mg

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