Prepare yourself for a culinary experience like no other with this extraordinary recipe for Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Popper Chicken. Indulge in the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy stuffed jalapenos, succulent chicken breasts, and crispy bacon. Slowly smoked to perfection, this dish is elevated to new heights with a basting of homemade BBQ sauce. Get ready to savor a jalapeno popper like never before.
This tantalizing jalapeno popper chicken is a treasure trove of flavors and ingredients. It’s an ideal choice for tailgating, dinner parties, game day gatherings, and so much more. If you’re a fan of jalapeno poppers, this recipe will undoubtedly win your heart.
The Layers of Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Chicken
The beauty of this jalapeno popper stuffed chicken lies in its layers of exquisite flavors. Each component is wrapped in another delightful ingredient, creating a harmonious blend of tastes.
To begin, I prepare a classic jalapeno popper filling using softened cream cheese and cheddar cheese. But here’s my twist: I add a touch of smokiness and sweetness by incorporating my Homemade BBQ Sweet Rub into the filling. This elevates the flavors inside the popper itself. Next, the jalapeno popper is carefully wrapped in chicken breast, and then the entire bundle is enveloped in savory bacon. And if that weren’t enough, the masterpiece is generously smothered in BBQ sauce. Trust me, you don’t want to miss out on this extraordinary creation!
How to Make Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Chicken
Follow these step-by-step instructions to assemble and bake your very own stuffed chicken. Though there are several steps involved, don’t be intimidated. The process is surprisingly straightforward:
Prepare the Jalapenos:
Slice the jalapenos in half and remove the seeds and ribs.
Make the Jalapeno Poppers:
In a separate bowl, combine the cream cheese mixture.
Use the back of a spoon to fill each jalapeno half with the cream cheese mixture.
Place the jalapeno halves back together.
Cut the Chicken Breasts:
Press down on top of the breasts with one hand.
With the other hand, use a knife parallel to the cutting board to slowly slice through the breast.
Ensure you don’t cut all the way through.
Leave one side of the breast intact for easy opening and closing.
Stuff the Chicken:
Place the stuffed popper in the middle of the opened breast.
Fold the top flap of the chicken over to completely envelop the popper.
Wrap in Bacon:
Opt for regular thickness bacon to allow the fat to render and crisp while cooking.
Bake:
Preheat your smoker or oven to 250 degrees F.
Place the stuffed chicken on the smoker or in the oven.
Close the lid and cook until the internal temperature reaches 150 degrees F.
Get Saucy:
Once the chicken reaches 150 degrees F, baste it with BBQ sauce.
I highly recommend using my homemade Kansas City Style BBQ Sauce for this recipe.
Finish Cooking:
Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
Tips for Making Jalapeno Popper Chicken
If you don’t have a smoker, don’t worry! You can still achieve fantastic results using an oven or a regular gas or charcoal grill. Simply follow the time and temperature guidelines outlined in the recipe below. If you’re using an oven, ensure that the bacon fat has a place to drain. I recommend cooking on a roasting rack placed above a baking sheet to prevent the chicken from becoming saturated with bacon fat.
For those using a regular grill, it’s essential to cook the chicken over indirect heat. Turn on only half of your burners and place the chicken on the side where the burners are off. This way, the radiant heat will cook the chicken without the risk of flare-ups or grease fires caused by bacon fat dripping onto open flames or hot coals.
Now, let’s take a look at the list of ingredients you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 large jalapenos
- 12 slices of bacon
- 2 tablespoons of Sweet Rub
- 1/2 cup of BBQ Sauce
Jalapeno Popper Filling:
- 4 ounces of cream cheese (softened)
- 4 ounces of medium cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 tablespoon of Sweet Rub
Instructions:
Preheat your smoker or oven. If using a smoker, preheat it to 250 degrees F for indirect heat using mild wood such as apple or hickory. Alternatively, you can bake the chicken in the oven at the same temperature.
Clean the jalapenos. Slice off the tops of the jalapenos, halve them lengthwise, and scrape out the ribs and seeds from the inside.
Make the jalapeno poppers. In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and 1 tablespoon of sweet rub. Use the back of a spoon to fill each jalapeno half with the mixture, then press the halves back together.
Prep and fill the chicken. Place the chicken breasts on a large cutting board and carefully slice them open without cutting all the way through. Place one filled jalapeno popper inside each chicken breast, then fold the breasts closed.
Wrap in bacon. Take about 3 slices of bacon and wrap them around each chicken breast. Use toothpicks to secure the bacon ends, if necessary. Season the stuffed chicken on all sides with more sweet rub.
Cook the jalapeno popper chicken. Place the chicken breasts on the smoker or in the oven. Close the lid and cook until the internal temperature reaches 150 degrees F. This process usually takes around an hour and a half. Once the temperature is reached, baste the chicken generously with BBQ sauce, close the lid, and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
Rest and serve. Remove the chicken from the smoker or oven and let it rest on a cutting board or serving platter for about 10 minutes before serving. Now it’s time to savor the incredible flavors of your Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Popper Chicken. Enjoy!
With these tips and instructions, you’re well-equipped to create a unique and mouthwatering Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Popper Chicken that will impress your family, friends, and taste buds. Get ready to indulge in a dish that combines the best of flavors, textures, and smoky goodness.
