Smoky Cheesy Jalapeno Chicken Rolls Recipe

Smoky Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken Rolls Recipe: Spicy Dinner Magic

Craving something deliciously unexpected, these smoky cheesy jalapeño chicken rolls will knock your taste buds into overdrive.

Peppers bring a spicy kick that dances with melted cheese and tender chicken.

Each bite promises a flavor explosion that tingles your senses.

Comfort food meets bold excitement in this simple yet impressive dish.

Bold ingredients combine to create a mouthwatering experience that feels both familiar and adventurous.

You’ll find these rolls perfect for game nights or casual dinners with friends.

Smoky Cheesy Jalapeno Chicken Rolls Highlights

  • Spice Up Your Meal: Kick traditional chicken dishes to the curb with this bold, flavor-packed recipe that combines jalapeños, cheese, and smoky bacon for an explosive taste experience.
  • Master Complex Cooking Techniques: Learn professional-level smoking skills while creating restaurant-quality chicken rolls that will impress family and friends with minimal kitchen expertise.
  • Perfect for Protein Lovers: Packed with protein from chicken and sausage, these rolls deliver a hearty, satisfying meal that keeps hunger at bay and provides substantial nutrition in every bite.
  • Customize Your Flavor: Easily adjust spice levels by removing jalapeño seeds or swapping seasonings, making this recipe adaptable for different taste preferences and heat tolerances.

Ingredients for Jalapeno Chicken Rolls

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that serves as the base for the rolled dish.
  • Bacon: Adds smoky flavor and helps secure the chicken rolls.
  • Sausage: Provides rich, meaty flavor and texture to the filling.
Cheese and Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Creamy base that binds the filling ingredients together.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharp and tangy flavor to the stuffing.
  • Green Onions: Brings a fresh, mild onion taste to the filling.
Spice and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Jalapeños: Adds heat and a spicy kick to the chicken rolls.
  • Cajun Seasoning: Provides a bold, zesty flavor profile to the chicken.
  • Black Pepper: Enhances the overall seasoning of the dish.
  • BBQ Sauce: Adds sweet and tangy glaze during the final cooking stage.

Preparation Steps for Cheesy Jalapeno Rolls

Step 1: Fire Up the Smoker

Set your smoker to a steady 250 degrees F, preparing for a flavor-packed culinary adventure.

Step 2: Create the Killer Filling

Grab a mixing bowl and combine these flavor-packed ingredients:
  • Sausage
  • Cream cheese
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Green onions

Blend everything until well mixed, creating a creamy, savory stuffing.

Step 3: Prep the Jalapeño Rockets

Tackle those spicy peppers by:
  • Trimming off the ends
  • Slicing them lengthwise
  • Scooping out the seeds
  • Generously stuffing with the sausage mixture

Step 4: Wrap and Roll the Chicken Bombs

Lay out chicken breasts on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Sprinkle with:
  • Cajun seasoning
  • Black pepper

Place a stuffed jalapeño on each chicken breast.

Roll them up tight and secure with bacon strips using toothpicks.

Step 5: Smoke to Perfection

Position the chicken bombs on the grill grates.

Smoke for about 4 hours, flipping midway through the cooking process.

Generously brush with BBQ sauce during the final 20-30 minutes.

Cook until the internal temperature hits 165 degrees F, ensuring a safe and mouthwatering meal.

Pro Tips for Jalapeno Chicken Rolls

  • Remove jalapeño seeds carefully to control heat level and prevent accidentally touching eyes or face.
  • Use softened cream cheese for easier mixing and smoother filling texture.
  • Wrap bacon tightly around chicken roll to ensure even cooking and prevent unraveling during smoking.
  • Use a reliable meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
  • Choose applewood or hickory chips for enhanced smoky flavor that complements the spicy jalapeño and rich cheese.

Variations for Cheesy Jalapeno Rolls

  • Vegetarian Jalapeño Rolls: Replace chicken and sausage with plant-based protein like tofu or seitan, using vegan cream cheese and dairy-free cheddar for a meat-free version.
  • Low-Carb Keto Chicken Bombs: Swap BBQ sauce for sugar-free alternative, use sugar-free bacon, and ensure all ingredients align with ketogenic diet requirements.
  • Spice-Reduced Family Friendly Version: Remove jalapeño seeds, use mild green chiles instead, and choose a less spicy Cajun seasoning for children or sensitive palates.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Confirm all ingredients are certified gluten-free, replace regular bacon with gluten-free bacon, and use gluten-free BBQ sauce to accommodate celiac dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions for Smoky Chicken Rolls

  • Flavor Fusion Feast: Pair these spicy chicken rolls with cool, creamy sides to balance the heat.
  • Picnic Perfect Plating: Serve on a rustic wooden board with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for a stunning presentation.
  • Sidekick Sensations: Complement with grilled corn, coleslaw, or a light mixed green salad to round out the meal.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Companion: Offer extra BBQ sauce on the side and cold beer or crisp white wine to enhance the smoky, cheesy experience.

Storage Tips for Jalapeno Chicken Rolls

  • Store leftover chicken rolls in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring they remain fresh and safe to eat.
  • Wrap individual chicken rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months, preserving their delicious flavor and texture.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken rolls on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, checking internal temperature reaches 165°F.

FAQs

  • Are jalapeños really spicy in this recipe?

Not necessarily. By removing the seeds and membranes, you significantly reduce the heat level, making the dish more mild and flavorful for most people.

  • Can I use a different type of meat instead of sausage for the filling?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even chorizo work great as alternative filling options that will still provide rich flavor and texture.

  • Do I need special equipment to make these chicken rolls?

While a smoker is ideal, you can also prepare these in a conventional oven at 250°F, which will still produce delicious results with similar cooking techniques.

  • Is this recipe considered healthy?

Although it contains some indulgent ingredients, the chicken provides lean protein, and the jalapeños offer nutritional benefits like vitamin C and metabolism-boosting compounds.

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Smoky Cheesy Jalapeno Chicken Rolls Recipe

Smoky Cheesy Jalapeno Chicken Rolls Recipe


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4.9 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 10 1x

Description

Smoky cheesy jalapeño chicken rolls deliver mouthwatering Mexican-inspired comfort straight to dinner tables. Crispy exterior and spicy-melty interior promise a zesty culinary adventure you won’t forget.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 10 thin boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 pound (454 grams) hot Italian sausage
  • 36 ounces (1021 grams) bacon (3 packs)

Cheeses and Dairy:

  • 6 ounces (170 grams) cream cheese
  • 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese

Seasonings and Herbs:

  • 2 tablespoons Slap Ya Mama Seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 10 jalapeños
  • ⅓ cup sliced green onions
  • BBQ sauce for brushing

Instructions

  1. Heat smoker to 250°F, preparing for low and slow cooking of chicken rolls.
  2. Combine sausage, cream cheese, cheddar, and green onions in a mixing bowl, creating a rich, creamy filling.
  3. Trim jalapeño peppers, slice lengthwise, and meticulously remove seeds to reduce intense heat.
  4. Generously stuff jalapeños with the prepared sausage and cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution.
  5. Lay chicken breasts on a parchment-lined baking sheet, liberally seasoning with Cajun spices and black pepper.
  6. Carefully position stuffed jalapeño on each chicken breast, rolling tightly to encase the pepper completely.
  7. Wrap each rolled chicken breast with bacon strips, securing with toothpicks to maintain compact shape.
  8. Transfer chicken bombs to smoker grates, cooking for approximately 4 hours and rotating midway to ensure even smoking.
  9. During final 20-30 minutes, baste rolls with tangy BBQ sauce, continuing to smoke until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  10. Remove from smoker, let rest briefly, then remove toothpicks before serving these spicy, smoky delights.

Notes

  • Select jalapeños with thick walls for easier stuffing and less risk of breaking during preparation.
  • Remove seeds carefully to control spice level, using gloves to protect hands from pepper oils.
  • Choose high-quality bacon with good fat content to ensure crispy exterior and moist chicken.
  • Consider alternative cheese options like pepper jack or goat cheese for different flavor profiles.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Smoking
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 10
  • Calories: 678
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 1250 mg
  • Fat: 50 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 48 g
  • Cholesterol: 165 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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