Description

This Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Stuffed Chicken is a mouthwatering main course where juicy chicken breasts are stuffed with a creamy mixture of cheese and fresh jalapeños, then wrapped in savory bacon and roasted to crispy, golden perfection. The combination of smoky bacon, spicy jalapeños, and melty cheese delivers a burst of flavor in every bite, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for dinner or entertaining.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Stuffed Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 fresh jalapeños, seeded and finely diced
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For Wrapping and Seasoning

8 slices bacon (about 2 per chicken breast)
1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for brushing)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Prepare the Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, jalapeños, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Butterfly the Chicken: Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket, ensuring you don’t cut all the way through.
Stuff the Chicken: Spoon the jalapeño cheese mixture evenly into each chicken breast pocket. Press the edges of the chicken to seal as much as possible around the filling.
Wrap with Bacon: Take two bacon slices per chicken breast and wrap them around each stuffed chicken breast, securing the ends underneath. If desired, sprinkle with smoked paprika for extra flavor.
Bake: Arrange the wrapped chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, seam side down. Brush lightly with olive oil if you’d like them a bit crispier. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crisp.
Rest and Serve: Let the stuffed chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving to allow the juices to redistribute and the cheese to set.

Notes

Choose large, evenly sized chicken breasts for easiest stuffing and even cooking.
Wear gloves while handling jalapeños to avoid skin irritation.
To make ahead, stuff and wrap the chicken, then refrigerate up to 12 hours before baking.
If bacon isn’t crisp enough after baking, broil for 2–3 minutes, watching closely.
Pair with a simple salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
Calories: 390
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 820mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 120mg