Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Chicken (Printable version)

Tender stuffed chicken wrapped in crispy bacon with creamy jalapeño cheese filling

# What You’ll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Jalapeño Popper Filling

03 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
04 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
05 - 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
06 - 2 medium jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
07 - 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
08 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

→ Bacon

09 - 8 slices thin-cut bacon

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
02 - In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese, cheddar, Monterey Jack, jalapeños, green onions, and garlic powder until well combined.
03 - Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
04 - Using a sharp knife, cut a pocket horizontally into each chicken breast, being careful not to slice all the way through.
05 - Stuff each chicken breast with about 2 tablespoons of the jalapeño cheese mixture. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
06 - Wrap each stuffed chicken breast with 2 slices of bacon, tucking the ends under the chicken or securing with toothpicks.
07 - Place the chicken breasts seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
08 - Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F) and the bacon is crispy. Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end if needed to crisp the bacon further.
09 - Remove toothpicks before serving.

# Expert tips:

01 -
  • Everything you love about jalapeño popers stuffed inside juicy chicken
  • The bacon keeps the chicken impossibly moist while adding that smoky crunch
  • Impressive enough for guests but easy enough for Tuesday
02 -
  • Toothpicks are mandatory unless you want cheese explosions in your oven
  • Broiling at the end is the secret to restaurant quality crispy bacon
03 -
  • Pound the chicken slightly before stuffing to make them all the same thickness
  • Use kitchen twine instead of toothpicks if you want a more professional look

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