Creamy Jalapeño Popper Chicken

Jalapeno chicken: bake this creamy, cheesy popper-style dish with bacon. A fantastic weeknight meal with a kick, ready in under an hour.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 40

Total Time 50

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

1.5-2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
salt and pepper
1 (8 ounce) package 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 ((or mix of cheddar))

Method

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 9x13 baking dish.
Layer chicken in a single layer in the baking dish. Season well with salt and pepper.
In a small bowl, stir together the cream cheese, milk or cream, and garlic powder. If not room temperature enough, microwave until able to stir together. Spread mixture evenly over chicken.
Sprinkle jalapeno peppers, bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Cover with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes or until chicken is done (thighs will take about 10 minutes longer). Remove foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to melt and lightly brown the cheese.

Notes

- For extra flavor, you can lightly brown the chicken before layering it in the baking dish.
- If you prefer less heat, remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapenos. For more spice, leave some in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- To ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer. Poultry should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at its thickest part.

Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.