Description
Sizzling Mexican-inspired Grilled Jalapeño Popper Chicken combines creamy cheese, spicy peppers, and tender grilled meat for a mouthwatering culinary adventure. Zesty flavors and smoky notes create an irresistible dish you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 23 fresh jalapenos, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Ingredient:
- Olive oil for grilling
Instructions
- Prepare a medium-heat grill for cooking. Carefully create a deep pocket in each chicken breast using a sharp knife, ensuring not to slice completely through the meat.
- Combine cream cheese, cheddar, jalapenos, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Blend thoroughly until the filling reaches a uniform consistency.
- Generously fill each chicken breast pocket with the prepared cheese mixture, pressing the filling gently to ensure it’s compact and secure. Use toothpicks to seal the opening if necessary.
- Lightly coat the stuffed chicken with olive oil and season with additional salt and pepper. Transfer chicken to the preheated grill, cooking approximately 6-8 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C).
- After grilling, transfer chicken to a resting surface and allow to sit for 5 minutes. Remove toothpicks before plating. Optional: Garnish with extra chopped jalapenos or fresh cilantro for added flavor and visual appeal.
Notes
- Choose fresh, firm jalapenos for the best flavor and texture, ensuring they provide just the right amount of heat without overwhelming the dish.
- Create an even pocket in chicken breasts by carefully slicing horizontally, keeping the edges intact to prevent filling from leaking during grilling.
- Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother mixing and easier stuffing, helping the filling blend more evenly and distribute better throughout the chicken.
- Lower the spice level by removing jalapeno seeds and membranes, making the recipe more family-friendly and adaptable for sensitive palates.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 366
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg