Description

This Jalapeño Popper Chicken is a delightful combination of tender chicken thighs topped with luscious cream cheese, savory bacon, and zesty jalapeños. Perfect for a quick dinner or a comforting meal, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and bursting with flavor!

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

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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.
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper, then place them in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, minced garlic, onion powder, paprika, and the remaining salt and pepper until smooth.
Spread the cream cheese mixture over the chicken, ensuring complete coverage of each piece.
Top with diced jalapeños, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese.
In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter until well coated, then sprinkle over the cheese layer.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F and the topping is golden.
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving, and garnish with fresh jalapeño slices if desired.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the number of jalapeños based on your spice preference.
For an even creamier texture, add more cream cheese if desired.
This dish pairs well with a simple salad or roasted vegetables.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 500
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 1200mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 37g
Cholesterol: 140mg