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Make bland chicken breast exciting with this Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Chicken. Loaded with a rich, melty filling that's got spicy jalapeños and cheese, this dish brings your favorite party snack flavors to dinner time. It's easy enough for regular weeknights but impressive enough for company too – and totally delicious.
Spicy Comfort Food
This recipe grabbed me from the first try. There's something magical about how the cream cheese blends with those hot jalapeños for that perfect creamy-spicy combo. And I can't get enough of watching friends cut into their chicken and find that gooey surprise inside – makes all the prep time totally worth it.
Ingredients List
- Jalapeños: Finely chopped fresh ones give that heat kick, or switch to green peppers if you want it milder.
- Cream Cheese: Make sure it's soft so it mixes well for a smooth filling.
- Cheeses: Parmesan adds that salty richness while mozzarella brings the melty goodness.
- Garlic Powder: Gives extra flavor, or try freshly minced garlic instead.
- Chicken Breasts: Get the skinless, boneless kind and cut pockets for the filling.
- Seasonings: Some paprika, salt, and a bit of black pepper to taste.
- Olive Oil: Used to brown the chicken until it looks gorgeous.
Step-By-Step Guide
- Mix Your Filling
- Stir together the soft cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder and chopped jalapeños until you get a smooth mix.
- Prep the Chicken
- Cut a pocket in each chicken breast, stuff it full with your jalapeño mix, then secure everything with toothpicks.
- Brown It Up
- Sprinkle with paprika and salt, then cook in an oven-safe pan until the outside turns golden brown.
- Finish Cooking
- Pop the pan into your 180°C/350°F oven for about 15 minutes or until it hits 155°F inside. Let it sit for 5 minutes before you serve it.
Helpful Tips
After making this chicken many times, I've picked up some tricks. You'll definitely need a good meat thermometer to nail the cooking time and keep everything juicy. Don't rush softening your cream cheese or you'll end up with lumps. And don't skip the toothpicks unless you want all that yummy filling oozing out everywhere during cooking.
How To Serve It
This chicken tastes amazing with some fluffy rice that catches any extra filling or a simple green salad on the side for balance. When I'm short on time, I make the filling the night before so dinner comes together super fast. And grab some crusty bread too because you'll want to mop up every last bit of that creamy jalapeño mixture that escapes during cutting. It's way too tasty to leave behind!
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Common Questions
- → Is this dish spicy?
- Not really. Mixing jalapeños with cream cheese tones down the heat. Even those who avoid spicy dishes tend to enjoy it.
- → Why create the pocket on the folded side?
- Using the folded side keeps the smooth part intact for a better look and prevents too much filling from spilling out.
- → Can I tone down the heat?
- Sure, swap out the jalapeños with green bell peppers for a completely mild option.
- → How long does it stay fresh?
- Pop any leftovers in the fridge, and they’ll be good for up to 3 days. Reheat gently so it stays creamy.
- → Does filling spilling out ruin the dish?
- Not at all! Any melted filling that crisps up in the pan just adds more flavor and texture.