Description
Jalapeño Popper Chicken features succulent chicken thighs topped with a creamy mix of cheese and jalapeños for an unforgettable meal. Perfect for quick dinners, it balances delicious flavors with simple preparation for all food lovers.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed of excess fat
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 1 ½ teaspoons black pepper, divided
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup (77 g) sour cream
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 3 medium jalapeño peppers, seeded, finely diced, plus more for garnish (optional)
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp, crumbled
- 1 cup (113 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ¾ cup (34 g) panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
- Dry the chicken thighs with paper towels, then season both sides with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Arrange them in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, minced garlic, onion powder, paprika, and the remaining salt and pepper; mix until smooth.
- Distribute the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chicken, covering each piece thoroughly.
- Sprinkle diced jalapeños over the top, followed by the crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese.
- In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs and melted butter until coated; sprinkle over the cheese layer.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the topping is golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving and garnish with fresh jalapeño slices if desired.
Notes
For an extra kick, add more jalapeños or use spicy cheese.
Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easier mixing.
Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving for better slice presentation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 454
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 894mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 149mg