Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicken Bombs are the perfect combination of spicy, savory, creamy, and smoky. They’re stuffed, wrapped, and sauced—what’s not to love? Whether you’re making them for a party, a barbecue, or just a fun dinner, these chicken bombs are always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they’re easy to customize, prep ahead, and cook in the oven or on the grill.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Cream cheese, softened
- Shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese
- Fresh jalapeños, halved and seeded
- Bacon slices
- Barbecue sauce
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika for seasoning
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), or prepare a grill for indirect heat.
- Slice chicken breasts horizontally to create thin cutlets. Pound lightly if needed to flatten.
- In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese and shredded cheese.
- Place a spoonful of cheese mixture and a jalapeño half on each chicken piece.
- Roll the chicken around the filling and wrap each roll with 1–2 slices of bacon to secure.
- Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices.
- Place on a foil-lined baking sheet or grill-safe pan.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or grill over indirect heat with lid closed for 25–30 minutes.
- Brush with barbecue sauce and bake/grill for an additional 5–10 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and chicken is cooked through.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35–40 minutes
Total time: 50–55 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Use spicier peppers like serranos or add hot sauce to the cheese filling.
- Sweet Version: Use a honey barbecue sauce or brush with maple glaze instead.
- Low-Carb/Keto: Use a sugar-free BBQ sauce and low-carb cheese to make this keto-friendly.
- Air Fryer Method: Cook at 375°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Different Cheese: Try mozzarella, gouda, or blue cheese for a unique flavor.
- Add Veggies: Include sautéed mushrooms or spinach in the filling.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
These can also be frozen—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.
FAQs
What kind of chicken works best?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or cutlets work best for easy rolling and stuffing.
Can I use pickled jalapeños?
Yes, but they will be softer and less spicy than fresh jalapeños.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the chicken bombs up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to cook.
Can I grill Chicken Bombs?
Absolutely. Grill over indirect heat and finish with barbecue sauce for charred flavor.
How do I keep the filling from leaking?
Seal the chicken tightly and secure with toothpicks if needed. Use thicker bacon to help contain the filling.
What sides go well with Chicken Bombs?
Serve with corn on the cob, coleslaw, baked potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
Can I bake these without bacon?
Yes, but the bacon adds flavor and helps hold everything together. Brush with oil if omitting.
Are Chicken Bombs spicy?
They have a mild to moderate heat depending on the jalapeños used—remove seeds for less heat.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Can I use thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless thighs also work well and are easier to roll due to their flexibility.
Conclusion
Chicken Bombs are the ultimate fusion of bold flavors and comfort food. With creamy cheese, spicy jalapeños, crispy bacon, and tangy barbecue sauce, each bite is loaded with delicious contrast. Whether you’re making them for game day, dinner, or a backyard cookout, these stuffed chicken bundles are sure to blow everyone away.
PrintChicken Bombs
Chicken Bombs are stuffed chicken breasts filled with creamy cheese and jalapeños, , and finished with a smoky-sweet barbecue glaze. Perfect for grilling or baking, this bold and flavorful dish is always a hit.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese
- 2 fresh jalapeños, halved and seeded
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Optional: 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Optional: 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), or prepare a grill for indirect heat.
- Slice chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Pound lightly to flatten if needed.
- In a small bowl, combine cream cheese and shredded cheese.
- Place a spoonful of cheese mixture and one jalapeño half on each chicken piece.
- Roll the chicken tightly around the filling and wrap with 1–2 slices of to secure.
- Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices (garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika).
- Place chicken bombs seam-side down on a foil-lined baking sheet or grill-safe pan.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or grill over indirect heat with lid closed for the same time.
- Brush with barbecue sauce and bake/grill for an additional 5–10 minutes until is crispy and chicken is cooked through.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use toothpicks to secure the rolls if needed.
- Adjust jalapeño quantity or substitute with milder peppers to control heat.
- Can be cooked in an air fryer at 375°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Freeze before or after cooking for meal prep—wrap tightly and store up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken bomb
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
