Healthy Stuffed Jalapeño Chicken Poppers
These Healthy Stuffed Jalapeño Chicken Poppers are a delicious and easy weeknight meal. Juicy chicken breasts are stuffed with a creamy, spicy, cheesy filling and baked to perfection. Enjoy a healthy, low-carb dinner with a kick!
Equipment
- Oven-safe skillet
- Toothpicks
- Medium Bowl
Ingredients
- 4 lean boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 0.5 tsp salt (adjust to your preference)
- 0.25 tsp black pepper (adjust to your preference)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 fresh jalapeños seeded and finely diced (for a mild kick)
- 4 oz light cream cheese softened
- 0.75 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp lean bacon bits (optional)
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened light cream cheese, shredded cheddar, finely diced jalapeños, optional bacon bits, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly until everything is well blended and creamy.
- Carefully butterfly each chicken breast. To do this, slice horizontally almost all the way through, then open it up like a book. Spoon an even amount of the jalapeño filling into the center of each chicken breast, then fold it closed. Secure each stuffed breast with a few toothpicks to keep the filling in.
- Sprinkle the outside of each stuffed chicken breast generously with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown.
- Transfer the skillet directly to your preheated oven (or move the seared chicken to a baking dish). Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches a safe 165°F (74°C).
- Carefully remove the toothpicks before serving your delicious stuffed chicken hot!
Notes
Feel free to adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your taste. Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Nutrition Information (per serving):
Calories: 368
Total Carbs: 4g
Net Carbs: 3g
Fats: 24g
Protein: 32g
Calories: 368
Total Carbs: 4g
Net Carbs: 3g
Fats: 24g
Protein: 32g
