Jalapeño Popper Chicken Recipe

Name: Jalapeño Popper Chicken
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, at room temperature1/2 cup grated Mexican cheese blend4 slices cooked and crisped bacon (chopped)1/3 cup minded jalapeños (plus additional sliced jalapeño for garnish, if desired)4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts1/3 cup all-purpose flour1/2 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper1 cup panko breadcrumbs1 teaspoon taco seasoning mix2 eggs

Prep: 20 mins

Cook: 30 mins

Total: 50 mins

Servings: 4 servings

Yield: 4 chicken breasts

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If you love jalapeño poppers, you'll love this recipe. In case you haven't tried them before, jalapeño poppers are peppers stuffed with a mixture of cheese, spices, and sometimes ground meat, and then breaded and deep fried. This recipe for jalapeño popper chicken takes the iconic appetizer and transforms it into a family-friendly weeknight main dish.

You'll cut a pocket into boneless, skinless chicken breasts and then fill them with a flavorful mixture of cream cheese, Mexican cheese, crisp bacon, and minced jalapeño peppers. The chicken breasts are sealed tight with a toothpick and then dredged in flour, an egg wash, and finally a crispy, seasoned panko bread crumb coating. The chicken is baked until it's golden brown on the outside, just like a traditional jalapeño popper. As the chicken cooks, the cheesy inside gets warm and gooey. When you slice into the breaded chicken breast the delicious filling is revealed. Every bite tastes just like your favorite appetizer!

1 8-ounce package cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2 cup grated Mexican cheese blend
4 slices cooked and crisped bacon, chopped
1/3 cup minced jalapeños, plus additional sliced for garnish
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon taco seasoning
2 large eggs

Gather the ingredients. Preheat oven to 375 F and cover a baking sheet with nonstick foil. Set aside.

Kristina Vanni/Eric Kleinberg
In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, Mexican cheese blend, chopped bacon, and minced jalapeño.

Kristina Vanni/Eric Kleinberg
Using a sharp knife, cut chicken breasts horizontally until almost butterflied (creating a pocket in the center), then scoop 1/4 cup cream cheese jalapeño mixture into the center of each chicken breast.

Kristina Vanni/Eric Kleinberg
If necessary, use a toothpick to keep filling in.

Kristina Vanni/Eric Kleinberg
In a shallow bowl combine the flour, salt, and pepper.

Kristina Vanni/Eric Kleinberg
Beat the eggs and place in a second shallow bowl.

Kristina Vanni/Eric Kleinberg
In a third shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the taco seasoning.

Kristina Vanni/Eric Kleinberg
Dredge each stuffed chicken breast in the flour mixture, shaking off the excess.

Kristina Vanni/Eric Kleinberg
Then, dip each chicken breast in the beaten egg.

Kristina Vanni/Eric Kleinberg
Finally, coat the chicken breast with the breadcrumb mixture. Press to adhere.

Kristina Vanni/Eric Kleinberg
Place the coated chicken breasts onto the prepared baking sheet.

Kristina Vanni/Eric Kleinberg
Place baking sheet in oven and bake until chicken is cooked through, about 30 minutes. Enjoy!

Kristina Vanni/Eric Kleinberg

Handling Jalapeños

It is important to use care when cutting and handling jalapeño peppers. Once sliced open, the ribs and seeds are revealed. This is where the pepper holds the heat. Wear gloves when preparing hot peppers such as this and be sure not to touch your eyes at any point. After removing the ribs and seeds and mincing the peppers, carefully remove the gloves and wash your hands thoroughly.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
561	Calories
24g	Fat
30g	Carbs
54g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories	561
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 24g	30%
Saturated Fat 10g	52%
Cholesterol 241mg	80%
Sodium 946mg	41%
Total Carbohydrate 30g	11%
Dietary Fiber 2g	7%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 54g
Vitamin C 9mg	44%
Calcium 199mg	15%
Iron 4mg	21%
Potassium 530mg	11%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.