Spicy Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Chicken 🌶️
Experience a burst of flavor with this Spicy Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Chicken. Tender chicken breasts are stuffed with a creamy, zesty filling of cream cheese, cheddar, and fiery jalapeños, then seasoned, seared, and baked to perfection. A healthy and exciting weeknight meal!
Equipment
- Oven-safe skillet
- Baking dish (optional)
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 6 ounces each
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon salt or to your taste
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper or to your taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Zesty Filling
- 3 fresh jalapeños seeded and finely diced (adjust for heat!)
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened (full-fat for best flavor)
- 0.75 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons bacon bits optional, for a smoky touch
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep Filling: Get your oven ready by preheating it to 375°F (190°C). In a medium bowl, gently mix the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, finely diced jalapeños, optional bacon bits, and garlic powder until everything is nicely combined. This is your delicious popper filling!
- Butterfly the Chicken: Carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally, almost all the way through, so it opens up like a book. Think of it as creating a neat pocket for your yummy filling.
- Stuff & Secure: Spoon your jalapeño cheese mixture evenly into the center of each butterflied chicken breast. Fold the chicken back over to close it, then secure the edges with a couple of toothpicks to keep all that cheesy goodness inside.
- Season & Sear: Sprinkle the outside of each stuffed chicken breast generously with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn a beautiful golden brown.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the skillet directly to your preheated oven (or move the chicken to a baking dish). Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches a safe 165°F (74°C).
- Serve & Enjoy: Carefully remove the toothpicks before serving this flavorful, cheesy chicken hot. It's fantastic on its own or with a side of steamed greens for a complete healthy meal!
Notes
This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a low-carb, flavor-packed meal that's easy to make any night of the week!
Nutrition Information per serving:
Calories: 368 kcal
Total Carbs: 4g
Net Carbs: 3g
Fats: 24g
Protein: 32g
Calories: 368 kcal
Total Carbs: 4g
Net Carbs: 3g
Fats: 24g
Protein: 32g
