Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share something truly special with you. What are some of the best jalapeo poppers? Picture that, but taken to a whole new level, wrapped around juicy chicken, and kissed by the smoky chicken. What is the flavor of the grill? What is a Jalapeo Popper Chicken? What is the love child of Chicken Cordon Bleu and your favorite appetizer? I promise, one bite and you’ll be hooked – my family certainly is!
What is a Jalapeo Popper Chicken?
Think of it as a flavor explosion wrapped in bacon! What’s the best way to stuff Chicken Breasts with cheesy stuffing? What’s the best way to wrap a shebang in bacon? Is the cheese melted into gooey cheese? What are your favorite comfort foods rolled into one? Is jalapeo overly spicy?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Let me tell you why this Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Popper Chicken has become a staple in my house. First and foremost, the flavor is insane. You’ve got the savory bacon, the juicy chicken, the creamy cheese, and that subtle jalapeño heat all working together in perfect harmony. It’s a party in your mouth, I swear! But beyond the taste, it’s surprisingly simple to make. Don’t let the bacon-wrapping intimidate you; it’s actually quite therapeutic. Plus, you likely have most of the ingredients on hand already. I love a recipe that doesn’t require a special trip to the grocery store.
What I love most about this is how budget-friendly it is. Chicken breasts are relatively inexpensive, and a little bacon goes a long way. Speaking of bacon, I find a slightly thicker cut works best for this recipe. It holds up well on the grill and gives you that satisfying crunch.
This is so much more exciting than plain grilled chicken. If you’re looking for something to spice up your weeknight dinners, this is it. Seriously, it’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you’re eating something fancy, but without all the fuss. If you like chicken stuffed with spinach and cheese, you’ll definitely like this too, it’s a similar idea, but with a fun, spicy twist!
How do I make grilled jalapeo popper chicken?
Quick Overview
Okay, here’s the gist: what We’re going to butterfly some Chicken Breasts, whip up a creamy, cheesy jalapeo filling, stuff it, and have it butterfly. I’m not kidding. What are you Is it safe to wrap bacon and grill it until crispy? What are the steps to completing a project? What really makes this recipe shine is the grilling part. What is the best smoky flavor?
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
* 4 boneless, skinless Chicken Breasts: About 6-8 ounces each is a good size. Is it safe to cook a tomato in 1 tablespoon olive oil? Just for brushing the chicken to prevent sticking. * Salt and pepper: To taste, of course!
For the Jalapeo Popper Filling:
* 8 ounces Cream Cheese, softened: This is crucial! If the cheese is not softened, it will be lumpy and hard to mix. * 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: 2 cups. Sharp cheddar is the best flavor, but you can use whatever you have on hand. * 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Adds a little creaminess and helps the filling melt beautifully. * 1/2 cup diced pickled jalapeños: I usually use mild or medium. I can adjust the amount depending on how spicy you like it. * 1/4 cup chopped green onions: Adds a nice fresh flavor. * 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Is it bad for your health? For a little extra oomph.
For the Bacon Wrap:
* 12 slices bacon: I recommend a slightly thicker cut, like I mentioned earlier. Is this a good material to use on the grill?
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Grill
Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350-400°F). Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled. I always give my grill a good scrub before preheating to remove any leftover gunk. How do you prevent chicken from sticking to grates?
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing it horizontally almost all the way through, then opening it. Is it like a book? What is the pocket for the filling? How do you cook chicken evenly? Once butterflied, I like to pound the Chicken Breasts slightly with a meat mallet to even them out. This also tenderizes them.
Step 3: Make the Jalapeño Popper Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the softened Cream Cheese, cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese. Set aside. What are the ingredients for jalapeos, green onions and garlic powder Mix everything until well combined and creamy. I always make sure the cream cheese is soft before starting. If it’s still cold, it will be really hard to mix and you’ll end up with a lumpy filling.
Step 4: Fill the Chicken
What is the best way to serve butterflied chicken? Spoon a generous amount of the jalapeo popper filling into the center of each chicken. Spread it evenly, leaving a little space around the edges so it doesn’t ooze out too much. Then, fold the chicken over the filling and secure it with toothpicks. Don’t be shy with filling! The more the merrier, I say. If you overstuff them, they’ll be hard to close and the filling will spill out.
Step 5: Wrap with Bacon
How do you wrap a chicken breast with bacon? Is it possible to How do you secure bacon with toothpicks? What is the difference between a slightly thicker cut of bacon and smoked bacon? It’s easier to work with and stays put better on the grill. I’ve tried using thinner bacon before, and it just ends up shrinking and falling apart.
Step 6: Grill the Chicken
Brush the outside of the bacon-wrapped chicken with olive oil and season it generously with salt and pepper. Place the chicken on a preheated grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side. The chicken is cooked through and the bacon crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F. I always use a meat thermometer to make sure it’s cooked properly. How do I avoid overcooking chicken? I usually close the grill lid while cooking to help keep the temperature consistent.
Step 7: Let Rest & Serve
How do I remove chicken from grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving? What is the best way to reduce the amount of juices in chicken? Remove toothpicks before serving. What is your favorite grilled chicken with jalapeos? I always let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before cutting into it.
What is the best way to serve it?
What is the best Jalapeo Popper Chicken Recipe? Is it better to have the right sides? What are some of my favorite books?
What is a casual BBQ?Corn on the cob, coleslaw, potato salad, and baked beans are all classic BBQ sides that pair well with a steak. What are some good ways to eat chicken? I also love serving it with a side of grilled vegetables, like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions.
What’s a good weeknight dinner?What are some great side dishes to serve with a green salad? Steamed broccoli or asparagus are also good options.
For a Spicy Fiesta: What areServe with rice and beans, guacamole, and salsa for a south-of-the-border-inspired dish. What are some good ways to make homemade tortillas and turn them into burritos?
What’s your favorite food?I usually serve this with a side of steamed green beans. Is it healthy to eat chicken? What’s a breeze to throw together on weeknights?
What are some of the best ways to prepare a Jalapeo Popper Chicken?
What are some tricks to make the best grilled bacon wrap? What is the best jalapeo popper What are the top tips for a beginner?
Don’t overstuff chicken: What areIs it OK to fill a chicken breast with as much filling as possible? Too much filling will cause the chicken to be difficult to close and cook evenly. I usually aim for about 1/4 cup of filling per chicken breast.
Use Toothpicks GenerouslyHow do you keep the bacon and chicken closed with a toothpick? Don’t be afraid to use them liberally! I usually use at least 4-6 toothpicks per chicken breast.
What is the best way to grill over medium heat?If you grill a chicken over high heat, the bacon will burn before the chicken is cooked through. Medium heat allows the chicken to cook evenly and the bacon to get nice and crispy without burning.
How do you monitor the temperature?If the chicken is cooked to 165°F, the internal temperature should be at least 185°C. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the chicken.
Experiment with different cheeses. Cheddar and Monterey Jack are my go-to cheeses for this recipe, but you can use whatever you like. Pepper jack, gouda, or even a little bit of parmesan would be delicious. I’ve even tried adding a little bit of blue cheese for a bolder flavor.
Add Some Spice: If you really like things spicy, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped serrano peppers to the filling. You could also use a spicier variety of jalapeños, like habaneros.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have any leftover Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Popper Chicken (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat it:
Refrigerator Storage: Store the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I always make sure it’s completely cooled down before storing it.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken. Wrap each chicken breast individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat the chicken, you can either microwave it for a few minutes until heated through, or bake it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. I prefer the oven method because it helps to crisp up the bacon again. I don’t usually add any extra glaze when reheating, but you could if you want to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Popper Chicken recipe! It’s a total crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual barbecues to weeknight dinners. The combination of flavors is just irresistible, and it’s so easy to make. If you love jalapeño poppers and you love grilled chicken, you absolutely have to try this recipe. You will not regret it! If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my bacon wrapped dates or stuffed mushrooms. They’re both equally delicious and easy to make. Let me know in the comments if you try it and what you think! And don’t forget to rate the recipe! Happy grilling!
Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Popper Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces Chicken breasts
- 8 slices Bacon
- 8 ounces Cream cheese softened
- 4 ounces Shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 medium Jalapeños seeded and minced
- 2 tablespoons Chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- In a bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, jalapeños, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Butterfly each chicken breast and spread the cheese mixture evenly over each one.
- Wrap each chicken breast with two slices of bacon.
- Grill chicken for 12-15 minutes per side, or until cooked through and bacon is crispy.
