Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Ingredients:
- Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2-3 jalapeños, seeded and finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions
- 4 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Coating:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 eggs, beaten
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Chicken:
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into each chicken breast by slicing horizontally, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Prepare Filling:
- In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, diced jalapeños, minced garlic, green onions, and crumbled bacon until well combined.
- Stuff Chicken:
- Spoon the filling mixture evenly into each chicken breast pocket. Use toothpicks to seal the edges if necessary to keep the filling inside.
- Coat Chicken:
- In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and paprika.
- Dip each stuffed chicken breast into the beaten eggs, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Sear Chicken:
- Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Bake Chicken:
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Serve:
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional chopped green onions or fresh parsley if desired.
Tips:
- Control Spiciness: Adjust the amount of jalapeños to suit your heat preference. For a milder flavor, remove more seeds and membranes from the jalapeños.
- Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella for a variation in flavor.
- Side Dishes: Pair the stuffed chicken with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Enjoy your delicious and spicy Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Chicken!
