Jalapeño Popper Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines all the flavors of jalapeño poppers in an easy main dish.
• Creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy—pure comfort food.
• Uses simple, everyday ingredients.
• Easy to prepare and great for weeknight dinners.
• Keto-friendly and naturally low-carb.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken breasts
• Cream cheese
• Cheddar cheese
• Jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
• Bacon (cooked and crumbled)
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt and pepper
• Green onions (optional for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Place them in a baking dish.
3. In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and diced jalapeños.
4. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
5. Top with crumbled cooked bacon.
6. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the topping is bubbly and golden.
7. Garnish with green onions and serve warm.

Servings and timing

Serves 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: 35–40 minutes

Variations

• Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for extra heat.
• Swap bacon for turkey bacon for a lighter version.
• Add chopped spinach to the cream cheese mixture for added nutrition.
• Use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.
• Add a crispy topping of crushed pork rinds or breadcrumbs before baking.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes or in the microwave until warmed through.
Freezing is possible, but the dairy topping may slightly change in texture.

FAQs

How spicy is jalapeño popper chicken?

It’s mildly spicy, but you can adjust heat by adding or reducing jalapeños.

Can I use pickled jalapeños?

Yes, they add great tang and are less spicy than fresh ones.

Can I make this recipe low-fat?

Use reduced-fat cream cheese and turkey bacon, but note the sauce may be slightly less creamy.

Do I need to pound the chicken breasts?

Not required, but pounding to even thickness helps them cook more evenly.

Can I prepare it ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I grill the chicken instead?

Yes—grill the seasoned chicken first, then add the topping and melt under the broiler.

What cheeses work best?

Cheddar, pepper jack, Monterey jack, or a blend all melt beautifully.

Can I add more vegetables?

Chopped green onions, spinach, or diced bell peppers work well.

What should I serve this with?

Rice, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Can I make this keto?

It’s naturally keto-friendly—just avoid serving it with high-carb sides.

Conclusion

Jalapeño popper chicken is a rich, satisfying, and easy-to-make dish that delivers all the creamy, cheesy, spicy flavors you love in jalapeño poppers. Perfect for weeknights or whenever you’re craving bold comfort food, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.

Jalapeño Popper Chicken

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Jalapeño popper chicken is a rich, creamy, and slightly spicy dish that transforms classic appetizer flavors into a comforting, low-carb main course. It’s loaded with cream cheese, cheddar, jalapeños, and crispy bacon for a satisfying dinner.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 6 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2–3 jalapeños, diced (fresh or pickled)
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Place them in a greased baking dish.
3. In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and diced jalapeños.
4. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast.
5. Sprinkle crumbled bacon over the top of the cheese mixture.
6. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp 165°F/74°C) and the topping is bubbly and golden.
7. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve warm.

Notes

• Use pepper jack for more heat or mix cheeses for extra flavor.
• Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for uniform cooking.
• Pickled jalapeños offer tang with less heat than fresh.
• Can be made ahead and baked when ready to serve.
• Add crushed pork rinds or breadcrumbs for a crispy topping.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 610mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 120mg