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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Gently pound chicken breasts to create an uniform thickness, preparing them for stuffing.
- Carefully distribute the spicy cream cheese mixture into the center of each flattened chicken breast.
- Tightly encase the filling by rolling the chicken, using toothpicks to secure if necessary.
- Completely shroud each chicken roll with bacon slices, ensuring full coverage and sealing the filling within.
- Fire up the smoker to a steady 275F (135C), creating the perfect low-heat environment.
- 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.
- During the final quarter-hour of smoking, generously brush the rolls with tangy BBQ sauce, developing a caramelized glaze.
- 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