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If you’re someone who loves bold flavors and creamy textures, you’ll find Jalapeno Popper Cream Cheese Chicken is the perfect dish for your dinner table. This recipe combines tender chicken, smoky bacon, creamy cheese, and the spicy heat of jalapenos to create a mouthwatering experience that’s both comforting and exciting. Imagine sinking your fork into juicy chicken layered with a luscious layer of cream cheese and the irresistible bite of jalapenos it’s a dish that satisfies cravings and lifts spirits.
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Easy Cheesy Jalapeno Popper Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Jalapeno Popper Cream Cheese Chicken is a flavorful dish combining tender chicken, creamy cheese, smoky bacon, and spicy jalapenos for a deliciously comforting meal.
Ingredients
1.5 – 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (slice breasts if thick)
salt and pepper to taste
8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
2 tablespoons milk or cream
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2–3 jalapeno peppers, seeded and diced (about 1/2 cup)
1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 6 slices)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
2. Layer chicken in a single layer in baking dish; season with salt and pepper.
3. In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, milk or cream, and garlic powder until smooth.
4. Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over chicken.
5. Sprinkle jalapenos, bacon, and cheddar cheese evenly on top.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes (10 extra minutes if using thighs).
7. Remove foil for last 5 minutes to melt and brown cheese.
8. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
Adjust jalapeno amount to control spiciness.
Use chicken thighs for juicier results.
Make sure cream cheese is room temperature for easy mixing.
Add panko breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.
Great for meal prep and reheats well.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs | 1.5 – 2 lbs (slice breasts if thick) |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Cream cheese (room temperature) | 8 ounces (1 package) |
| Milk or cream | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Jalapeno peppers (seeded and diced) | 2-3 peppers (about 1/2 cup) |
| Cooked and crumbled bacon | 1/2 cup (about 6 slices) |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1 cup |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the baking dish and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese, milk or cream, and garlic powder until smooth. If the cream cheese isn’t soft enough, microwave it briefly to make it easier to combine.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chicken pieces.
- Sprinkle the diced jalapenos, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked. If using thighs, allow about 10 additional minutes of baking time.
- Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking to let the cheese melt and brown slightly.
- Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, spicy, and savory creation.
Helpful Tips For Perfect Jalapeno Popper Chicken
- Control the heat: Adjust the number of jalapenos or leave in some seeds if you prefer extra spice, or remove all seeds to keep it mild.
- Chicken cut choice: Thighs stay juicier and more tender than breasts, but breasts work just fine if sliced thinly.
- Room temperature cream cheese: This step ensures easy mixing and smooth spreading over the chicken.
- Make it crispier: For a crunchier topping, add a handful of panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter on top before baking.
- Meal prep friendly: This dish reheats wonderfully and can be prepped a day ahead just add the cheese topping right before baking.
This Jalapeno Popper Cream Cheese Chicken will quickly become a go-to recipe when you want something flavorful, easy to prepare, and packed with the creamy, spicy goodness you crave.