Jalapeño Popper Chicken

If you’re looking for a flavorful, spicy, and cheesy dinner option, this Jalapeño Popper Chicken recipe is the perfect choice. With the heat of jalapeños, the smokiness of bacon, and the richness of cheddar cheese, this dish brings a pop of flavor to your dinner table. It’s easy to prepare, takes only 35 minutes, and serves up to 3 people, making it perfect for a weeknight meal. Here’s how to make it.

Ingredients:

  • 3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)
  • ¼ cup mayo
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 3 slices bacon, chopped or crumbled
  • 2 jalapeños, seeded and diced

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350° F. Lightly grease a baking dish with non-stick spray.
  2. Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, season with salt and pepper, and set aside.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and diced jalapeños. Mix until well combined.
  4. Spoon the jalapeño mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
  5. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165° F.
  6. Set the oven to broil for a few minutes to allow the tops of the chicken to brown slightly. Remove from the oven once it reaches a golden, crispy finish.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Tips:

  • Serve the Jalapeño Popper Chicken with a side of rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
  • Pair it with a light salad or coleslaw to balance the richness of the cheese and bacon.
  • For added flavor, drizzle a bit of ranch or blue cheese dressing on top before serving.

Storage Tips:

  • Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350° F for about 10 minutes, until heated through.
  • If you’d like to freeze leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350° F until hot.

Variations

  1. Cream Cheese Variation:
    Replace the mayo and sour cream with cream cheese for a richer, thicker topping. This adds an even creamier texture and complements the heat of the jalapeños.
  2. Spicy Chicken Variation:
    For an extra kick, add diced habanero peppers along with the jalapeños or use a spicy hot sauce in the mayo mixture.
  3. Low-Carb Version:
    To make the dish lower in carbs, skip the breadcrumbs (if you add them for a crunchy topping) and focus on a simple cheesy, bacon, and jalapeño topping.
  4. Cheese Variations:
    Swap out the cheddar cheese for other types like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a combination of mozzarella and parmesan for different flavor profiles.
  5. Panko Topping Variation:
    For added crunch, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter on top of the chicken breasts before baking.
  6. Grilled Jalapeño Popper Chicken:
    For a smoky flavor, grill the chicken breasts instead of baking them. Once grilled, top with the creamy jalapeño mixture and broil for a few minutes to brown the topping.
  7. Vegetarian Version:
    Substitute the chicken breasts with thick slices of portobello mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian alternative. Follow the same topping instructions, and bake until the mushrooms are tender.
  8. BBQ Jalapeño Popper Chicken:
    Add a drizzle of barbecue sauce to the chicken breasts before topping them with the jalapeño mixture. This creates a sweet and spicy flavor combo.

FAQs

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
    Yes, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as chicken thighs may take a bit longer to cook.
  2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
    Yes, you can prepare the chicken and the jalapeño mixture in advance. Store the chicken and topping separately in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then assemble and bake when you’re ready.
  3. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
    The best way to ensure the chicken is cooked is by checking its internal temperature. It should reach 165° F to be safe to eat.
  4. Can I make this dish spicier?
    Absolutely! You can add extra jalapeños, or even mix in some chopped spicy peppers like serranos or habaneros. You can also add hot sauce to the mayo mixture.
  5. Can I freeze leftover Jalapeño Popper Chicken?
    Yes, you can freeze leftovers. Wrap the cooked chicken tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven after thawing.
  6. What can I serve with Jalapeño Popper Chicken?
    This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with mashed potatoes or even a side of tortilla chips for crunch.
  7. Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
    You can reduce the fat and calorie content by using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, opting for low-fat mayo, and using turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.
  8. Can I use pre-cooked bacon for this recipe?
    Yes, pre-cooked bacon works well. Just crumble it into pieces and add it to the topping mixture. However, cooking your own bacon will give it a fresher, crispier texture.
  9. How do I store leftovers?
    Store leftover Jalapeño Popper Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
  10. Can I make this dish without jalapeños?
    Yes, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can omit the jalapeños and use a bit of sweet bell pepper or a mild green chili for a touch of flavor without the heat.

This Jalapeño Popper Chicken recipe offers the perfect balance of spicy and savory flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. The creamy topping with bacon and jalapeños complements the tender chicken, creating a meal that everyone will enjoy. With minimal prep time and a quick bake, this recipe is an ideal choice for a busy weeknight dinner. Try it today and enjoy a satisfying, flavorful dish!

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Jalapeño Popper Chicken


  • Author: Lusine Svetlana

Description

 

If you’re looking for a flavorful, spicy, and cheesy dinner option, this Jalapeño Popper Chicken recipe is the perfect choice. With the heat of jalapeños, the smokiness of bacon, and the richness of cheddar cheese, this dish brings a pop of flavor to your dinner table. It’s easy to prepare, takes only 35 minutes, and serves up to 3 people, making it perfect for a weeknight meal. Here’s how to make it.


Ingredients

  • 34 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)
  • ¼ cup mayo
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 3 slices bacon, chopped or crumbled
  • 2 jalapeños, seeded and diced

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350° F. Lightly grease a baking dish with non-stick spray.
  • Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, season with salt and pepper, and set aside.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and diced jalapeños. Mix until well combined.
  • Spoon the jalapeño mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
  • Bake for 25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165° F.
  • Set the oven to broil for a few minutes to allow the tops of the chicken to brown slightly. Remove from the oven once it reaches a golden, crispy finish.

Notes

Serving Tips:

  • Serve the Jalapeño Popper Chicken with a side of rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
  • Pair it with a light salad or coleslaw to balance the richness of the cheese and bacon.
  • For added flavor, drizzle a bit of ranch or blue cheese dressing on top before serving.

Storage Tips:

  • Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350° F for about 10 minutes, until heated through.
  • If you’d like to freeze leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350° F until hot.