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Transform your everyday chicken breast into an irresistible dish with this Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Chicken. Featuring a creamy, cheesy filling packed with spicy jalapeños, this recipe brings the bold flavors of a favorite party appetizer straight to your dinner table. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, it's simple to make and absolutely mouthwatering.
Comfort Food with a Kick
I fell in love with this recipe the first time I made it. The way the cream cheese melts into the jalapeños creating that perfect balance of creamy and spicy is pure magic. Plus watching guests' faces light up when they cut into their chicken and see that gorgeous melty filling makes all the preparation worth it.
What You'll Need
- Jalapeños: Fresh, finely minced for a spicy kick, or substitute with green bell peppers for a milder flavor.
- Cream Cheese: Softened to blend easily and create a creamy filling.
- Cheeses: Mozzarella for gooey texture and Parmesan for a salty, rich flavor.
- Garlic Powder: Adds depth, or substitute with fresh minced garlic.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless, with a pocket cut for stuffing.
- Seasonings: Paprika, salt, and a touch of black pepper for flavor.
- Olive Oil: For searing the chicken to golden perfection.
Let's Make It Together
- Prepare the Filling
- Mix cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, and finely minced jalapeños until smooth and creamy.
- Cut and Stuff Chicken
- Slice a pocket into each chicken breast, fill generously with the jalapeño mixture, and secure with toothpicks.
- Sear the Chicken
- Season with paprika and salt, then sear on each side in an ovenproof skillet until golden brown.
- Bake and Rest
- Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 180°C/350°F and bake for 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 155°F. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Making It Perfect
Through many batches of this chicken I've learned some important tricks. A good meat thermometer is essential for getting that perfect doneness and keeping the chicken juicy. I always make sure my cream cheese is properly softened it makes such a difference in getting a smooth filling. And those toothpicks are crucial they keep all that delicious filling where it belongs.
Serving Your Creation
I love serving this chicken with fluffy rice that soaks up any escaped filling or a simple green salad for contrast. On busy nights I'll prep the filling ahead of time so dinner comes together quickly. And don't forget some crusty bread for scooping up any bits of that amazing jalapeño popper filling that escapes it's too good to waste!
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → How spicy is this dish?
- The dish is surprisingly mild as cooking jalapeños in cream cheese significantly reduces their heat. Reader feedback confirms even those who don't like spicy food enjoy it.
- → Why cut the pocket on the side with the fold?
- Cutting on the folded side keeps the smooth side intact for better presentation and helps contain the filling better during cooking.
- → Can I make this less spicy?
- Yes, you can substitute green bell peppers for jalapeños to keep the flavor profile without any heat.
- → How long do leftovers keep?
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture.
- → Is stuffing oozing out a problem?
- No, some oozing filling is actually a bonus as it crisps in the pan for extra flavor and texture.