Juicy Smoked Jalapeno Popper Chicken Bombs Recipe for Spicy Bliss

Crafting a mouthwatering smoked jalapeno popper chicken bomb brings together the perfect blend of spicy and creamy flavors that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Crispy bacon wraps around tender chicken stuffed with zesty cream cheese and sharp cheddar.

Smoky hints from the grill add depth to every delectable bite.

Small peppers tucked inside create unexpected bursts of heat that complement the rich filling.

Jalapeño lovers and protein enthusiasts will absolutely adore this unexpected twist on classic appetizers.

Each bomb packs incredible flavor that transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

You can’t resist the temptation of these irresistible little flavor explosions waiting to be devoured.

Chicken Bomb Tips for Melty Cheese

• Adjust the number of jalapeno seeds to manage heat – more seeds mean spicier filling, while removing them reduces intensity for sensitive palates.
• Choose thin bacon slices for faster, more even crisping during smoking process.
• Chill cream cheese mixture briefly before stuffing chicken to prevent easy leakage and maintain structural integrity.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exact 165F for food safety without overcooking.
• Assemble chicken bombs earlier in the day and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld before smoking for enhanced taste profile.

Spicy Chicken Bomb Variations to Explore

• Keto-Friendly Version: Replace chicken breasts with chicken thighs for higher fat content. Swap BBQ sauce for sugar-free BBQ sauce and use sugar-free bacon to maintain low-carb profile.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute cream cheese with cashew cream cheese. Use dairy-free cheddar cheese or nutritional yeast for similar cheesy flavor. Choose turkey bacon for leaner protein option.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Replace chicken with large portobello mushrooms or firm tofu. Use plant-based cream cheese and smoked tempeh strips instead of bacon. Maintain spice blend for robust flavor profile.
• Spicy Lovers' Adaptation: Increase jalapeno quantity and add diced habanero peppers. Incorporate ghost pepper powder sparingly for extreme heat. Select extra-spicy BBQ sauce to amplify heat intensity.

Serve Chicken Bombs for a Kick

• Flavor Fiesta Pairing: Serve these spicy chicken bombs alongside creamy coleslaw or cilantro-lime rice to balance the heat and add complementary textures.
• Appetizer Twist: Cut the smoked chicken bombs into bite-sized medallions for an irresistible party appetizer that'll have guests coming back for more.
• Fresh Side Kick: Garnish with chopped green onions and a dollop of cool sour cream to cut through the smoky, spicy richness of the chicken.
• Game Day Champion: Present these as a show-stopping main dish during sports gatherings or backyard barbecues, paired with cold beer and crisp green salad.

Chicken Bomb Storage, Easy & Tasty

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed chicken bombs stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Frozen chicken bombs maintain quality for up to 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place chicken bombs on baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F. Remove foil last 5 minutes for crispy bacon.
• Quick option for single servings. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway. Add splash of broth to maintain moisture and prevent rubbery texture.

FAQs

• What are jalapeno poppers?

Jalapeno poppers are spicy appetizers typically stuffed with cream cheese and cheese, often wrapped in bacon and deep-fried or baked.

• Can I use other peppers instead of jalapenos?

Yes, you can substitute jalapenos with milder peppers like poblano or sweet bell peppers if you prefer less heat.

• Do I need a smoker to make this recipe?

While a smoker provides the best flavor, you can use an oven at 275F and achieve similar results with slightly different taste profile.

• How spicy will these chicken bombs be?

The spice level depends on the jalapenos – removing seeds and membranes reduces heat, while keeping them increases spiciness.

Smoked Jalapeno Popper Chicken Bombs: Spicy & Cheesy

• Burst with Flavor: Dive into a mouthwatering explosion of creamy, spicy goodness that combines tender chicken, zesty jalapenos, and crispy bacon in every single bite.
• Master Impressive Cooking: Wow your friends and family with a restaurant-quality dish that looks complicated but is surprisingly simple to prepare, making you feel like a culinary pro.
• Perfect for Crowd-Pleasing Moments: Ideal for game day gatherings, backyard barbecues, or any social event where you want to serve something uniquely delicious that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
• Customize Your Heat: Easily adjust the spice level by controlling the amount of jalapenos, making this recipe adaptable for different taste preferences and ensuring everyone can enjoy the meal.

What You’ll Need for Chicken Bombs

• Chicken Breast: Large, boneless cuts perfect for creating delicious stuffed rolls.

• Cream Cheese: Provides a rich and creamy base for the jalapeno popper filling.
• Cheddar Cheese, Shredded: Adds sharp flavor and melty texture to the filling.
• Jalapenos, Diced: Brings spicy heat and fresh pepper flavor to the mixture.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Delivers savory depth and aromatic complexity to the filling.
• Smoked Paprika: Contributes a smoky undertone that complements the cooking method.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhances overall seasoning and balances the other flavors.

• Bacon Slices: Creates a crispy exterior and adds rich, smoky flavor to the chicken.
• BBQ Sauce: Provides a sweet and tangy glaze during the final smoking stage.

• Toothpicks: Helps secure the chicken rolls during preparation if needed.

How to Make Smoked Jalapeno Chicken Bombs

Step 1: Craft Creamy Jalapeno Mixture

In a mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese with sharp cheddar.

Chop fresh jalapenos and fold them into the cheese.

Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, smoky paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Mix until the ingredients form a smooth, zesty filling.

Step 2: Tenderize Chicken

Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap.

Use a meat mallet to gently pound each breast until they’re uniformly thin and flat, creating a perfect canvas for the filling.

Step 3: Stuff Chicken Rolls

Spread a generous layer of the spicy cheese mixture down the center of each chicken breast.

Ensure an even distribution of the creamy filling from edge to edge.

Step 4: Create Tight Chicken Bundles

Carefully roll each chicken breast around the filling, tucking in the sides.

Secure the rolls with toothpicks if needed to prevent the filling from escaping during cooking.

Step 5: Wrap With Crispy Bacon

Carefully drape bacon slices around each chicken roll.

Overlap the bacon to completely cover the chicken, creating a delicious outer layer that will crisp up during smoking.

Step 6: Fire Up The Smoker

Prepare your smoker, bringing the temperature to a steady 275F.

This low and slow approach ensures tender chicken and perfectly crisp bacon.

Step 7: Smoke To Perfection

Gently place the bacon-wrapped chicken rolls in the smoker.

Allow them to smoke for 1.5 to 2 hours, monitoring until the internal chicken temperature hits 165F and the bacon turns beautifully crisp.

Step 8: Add Tangy Glaze

During the final 15 minutes of smoking, brush the rolls with a layer of tangy BBQ sauce.

This adds an extra punch of flavor and creates a glossy, appetizing finish.

Step 9: Serve And Enjoy

Remove the chicken bombs from the smoker.

Let them rest briefly to allow juices to redistribute.

Slice and serve immediately while hot and incredibly flavorful.

Smoked Jalapeno Popper Chicken Bombs Recipe

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4.9 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy smoked jalapeño popper chicken bombs deliver explosive flavor with creamy cheese and smoky heat. Crispy bacon wraps tender chicken, creating an irresistible appetizer that will spark conversations at any gathering.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 large chicken breasts (pounded thin)
• 12 slices bacon
• 4–6 jalapenos (seeded and diced)

Cheese and Cream:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings and Sauce:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• BBQ sauce (for glazing)

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty filling by blending cream cheese, cheddar, jalapenos, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until thoroughly incorporated.
2. Gently pound chicken breasts to create an uniform thickness, preparing them for stuffing.
3. Carefully distribute the spicy cream cheese mixture into the center of each flattened chicken breast.
4. Tightly encase the filling by rolling the chicken, using toothpicks to secure if necessary.
5. Completely shroud each chicken roll with bacon slices, ensuring full coverage and sealing the filling within.
6. Fire up the smoker to a steady 275F (135C), creating the perfect low-heat environment.
7. Arrange bacon-wrapped chicken bundles on the smoker rack, allowing them to slowly cook for 1.5 to 2 hours until chicken reaches 165F (75C) and bacon transforms into a crispy exterior.
8. During the final quarter-hour of smoking, generously brush the rolls with tangy BBQ sauce, developing a caramelized glaze.
9. Carefully extract from the smoker, permit a brief resting period, then slice and present these sizzling flavor bombs while piping hot.

Notes

• Customize Heat Level by adjusting the amount of jalapenos or removing seeds to control spiciness for different taste preferences.
• Ensure Tight Rolling when wrapping chicken to prevent filling from leaking during smoking, using toothpicks if necessary to secure the edges.
• use oven at 375F for 25-30 minutes or grill on indirect heat until chicken reaches 165F internal temperature.
• Low-Carb Option can be achieved by using sugar-free BBQ sauce and ensuring all ingredients align with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Appetizer, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Smoking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 650 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 50 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 28 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg