Description
Spicy “smoked jalapeño popper chicken bombs” deliver an explosive culinary experience that blends creamy cheese, tender chicken, and smoky heat. Grill masters and spice enthusiasts will savor these irresistible bites packed with bold southwestern flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 jalapenos, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped chives
Coating/Topping:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by carefully butterflying them open, creating a pocket for the filling while maintaining an even thickness throughout.
- Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper, ensuring uniform flavor distribution.
- In a mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese with diced jalapenos, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped chives until thoroughly combined.
- Generously stuff each chicken breast with the jalapeno-cheese mixture, securing the opening with toothpicks to prevent leakage during cooking.
- Create a breading station by whisking eggs in one bowl and combining breadcrumbs, panko, and smoked paprika in another.
- Dip each stuffed chicken breast into the beaten eggs, then coat completely with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even, crispy exterior.
- Wrap each breaded chicken breast with bacon slices, overlapping slightly to provide complete coverage.
- Preheat smoker to 275°F and arrange chicken bombs on the grill grate, allowing indirect heat circulation.
- Smoke the chicken bombs for approximately 60-75 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F and bacon appears crisp and golden.
- Remove from smoker, let rest for 5-10 minutes, then carefully remove toothpicks before serving.
Notes
- Use thin chicken breasts for easier stuffing and more consistent cooking, preventing dry edges or uneven texture.
- Seed jalapenos before dicing to control heat level, allowing customization for spice-sensitive diners.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help breading adhere better and create a crispier exterior.
- Freeze cream cheese mixture briefly before stuffing to make handling and sealing chicken easier.
- Substitute turkey bacon for lower-fat option without sacrificing smoky flavor profile.
- Check bacon’s doneness separately, as it might crisp differently from chicken’s internal temperature.
- Allow extra resting time if bacon seems undercooked, ensuring safe and delicious results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg