Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Chicken

alapeno popper stuffed chicken breast sliced open showing creamy three cheese filling

Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Chicken

Jalapeno poppers stuffed inside juicy chicken breast, warm, cheesy, and mildly spicy. An incredibly easy way to level up chicken breast using just a handful of ingredients, ready in under 40 minutes.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 19

Resting Time 5

Total Time 34

Servings: 2 portions

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 564

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, approx. 7 oz each
0.25 tsp cooking or kosher salt for seasoning the outside of the chicken
0.5 tsp smoked paprika or regular paprika
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 oz cream cheese softened
0.5 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
0.25 cup parmesan, finely shredded
2 jalapenos, deseeded and finely diced substitute green bell pepper for no heat
0.5 tsp garlic powder
0.5 tsp black pepper
0.5 tsp cooking or kosher salt for the stuffing

Equipment

Oven-proof skillet
Toothpicks
meat thermometer

Method

Preheat oven to 350 F, or 320 F for fan or convection. Getting the oven ready first means you are not waiting around once the chicken is seared.
Cut a pocket into each chicken breast by slicing through the side with the natural fold in the meat. Leave the smooth, rounded edge intact. Do not cut all the way through.
Microwave the cream cheese for 30 seconds to soften, then mix together with the shredded mozzarella, parmesan, diced jalapenos, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt until well combined into a thick filling.
Pack the filling deep into each chicken pocket, then seal each breast with 2 to 3 toothpicks. Sprinkle both sides with the smoked paprika and salt.
Heat olive oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Place the breasts smooth-side down and sear for 2 minutes until golden. Flip and sear the other side for another 2 minutes. Do not skip this step.
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 155 F on a meat thermometer.
Remove the chicken to a plate and rest for 5 minutes before serving. If filling oozed into the pan, scoop it back over the chicken when serving.

Notes

Jalapenos: 2 deseeded jalapenos give a mild, pleasant warmth. Substitute finely diced green bell pepper for no heat at all. Storage: Airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Can be stuffed and frozen before cooking. Reheat in a 325 F oven covered with foil for 12 to 15 minutes, or use an air fryer for best texture. Nutrition info is per chicken breast.