Description
Juicy chicken breasts are stuffed with a creamy, cheesy jalapeno mixture. This dish offers a mouthwatering combination of flavors and textures, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or entertaining guests. It’s easy to prepare and delivers an explosion of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped pickled jalapeños
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally almost all the way through, leaving one side intact. Open the chicken flat like a book.
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped pickled jalapeños, fresh cilantro, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Season the inside of each chicken breast with salt and pepper.
- Divide the cream cheese mixture evenly among the chicken breasts. Spread the mixture onto one half of each butterflied chicken breast.
- Fold the other half of the chicken breast over the filling, creating a stuffed pocket. Secure the edges with toothpicks if needed.
- Season the outside of the stuffed chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the oven, let rest for a few minutes, then serve your irresistible jalapeno popper stuffed chicken.
Notes
- For extra spice, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cream cheese mixture.
- If you prefer a crispy topping, sprinkle a tablespoon of breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter over the chicken before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked, Stuffed
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 150mg