Name: Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 19 min
Total time: 34 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 x 220g/7oz chicken breast, skinless and boneless; 1/4 tsp cooking/kosher salt; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (or ordinary paprika); 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil; 60g/2 oz cream cheese; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or other cheese); 1/4 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese; 2 jalapeños, deseeded and finely diced; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp cooking/kosher salt

Ingredients

2 x 220g/7oz chicken breasts, skinless and boneless

1/4 tsp cooking/kosher salt

1/2 tsp smoked paprika (or ordinary paprika)

1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

60g/2 oz cream cheese

1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (or other cheese)

1/4 cup parmesan, finely shredded

2 jalapeños, deseeded and finely diced

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp cooking/kosher salt

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F (160°C fan).

Step 2: Cut pockets into each chicken breast without cutting all the way through. Make the cut on the side with the fold in the meat to keep the smooth side intact.

Step 3: Soften the cream cheese by microwaving for 30 seconds, then mix it with the shredded mozzarella, parmesan, diced jalapeños, garlic powder, black pepper, and 1/2 tsp salt to make the stuffing.

Step 4: Stuff the cheese mixture inside the chicken pockets, filling them completely. Seal each chicken breast with 2 or 3 toothpicks. If some stuffing oozes out, that’s a bonus for extra crispiness! Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with smoked paprika and salt.

Step 5: Heat the olive oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts smooth-side down and sear for 2 minutes until golden, then flip and sear the other side for another 2 minutes.

Step 6: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 67°C/155°F.

Step 7: Remove the chicken from the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes, then serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, keep some jalapeño seeds in the stuffing or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

You can substitute mozzarella with Monterey Jack or cheddar for a different flavor.

Use fresh herbs like cilantro or chives in the filling for a fresh twist.

If you don’t have an oven-proof skillet, sear the chicken in a regular pan and transfer it to a baking dish before placing it in the oven.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and proper stuffing.

How spicy is this dish? Can I reduce the heat?

The dish has a mild to moderate heat depending on the amount of jalapeño used. To reduce the spice, remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapeños, or use a milder pepper like a poblano or bell pepper.