Introduction
Indulge in a delightful fusion of flavors with Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Chicken. This dish combines the tenderness of chicken breasts with a zesty, creamy jalapeño stuffing, offering a perfect blend of spice and comfort. It’s an excellent choice for a hearty dinner and is sure to impress your family and guests. Let’s explore the ingredients and steps needed to create this mouthwatering meal.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Chicken:
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 220g/7oz each)
– 1/4 teaspoon cooking/kosher salt
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
– 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
Jalapeño Popper Stuffing:
– 60g (2 oz) cream cheese
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or other melty cheese)
– 1/4 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese
– 2 jalapeños, deseeded and finely diced
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon cooking/kosher salt
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Enjoy your Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Chicken!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) or 160°C (320°F) for fan-forced ovens.
Prepare Chicken
Cut a pocket into each chicken breast by slicing horizontally along the thickest side, ensuring not to cut all the way through. Season both sides of the chicken with smoked paprika and salt.
Make the Stuffing
Soften the cream cheese by microwaving it for about 30 seconds. In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, parmesan, diced jalapeños, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix until well blended.
Stuff the Chicken
Divide the stuffing mixture evenly between the two chicken breasts, filling the pockets created earlier. Secure the openings with 2 or 3 toothpicks to prevent the filling from escaping during cooking.
Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet, smooth side down, and sear for about 2 minutes until golden brown. Flip the chicken and sear the other side for an additional 2 minutes.
Bake
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 67°C (155°F).
Rest and Serve
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Remove the toothpicks before serving.
Notes
Chicken Preparation
Be careful when cutting the pockets in the chicken breasts to avoid cutting all the way through.
Stuffing Consistency
Ensure the cream cheese is sufficiently softened to mix easily with the other ingredients.
Cooking Time
Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts, so it’s important to check the internal temperature.
Searing Tip
Do not overcrowd the skillet; sear the chicken in batches if necessary for even cooking.
Serving Suggestion
This Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Chicken pairs well with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables.
Cook techniques
Brining Chicken
Brining is the process of soaking chicken in a saltwater solution to enhance moisture and flavor. For this recipe, simply seasoning the chicken with salt will help to tenderize it.
Creating a Pocket
To create a pocket for stuffing, use a sharp knife to slice horizontally into the thickest side of the chicken breast. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
Mixing Stuffing
Combine ingredients thoroughly to ensure that each bite of the stuffing has a balanced flavor. It’s important that the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing.
Searing Chicken
Searing involves cooking the chicken over high heat in oil to develop a golden-brown crust. This adds flavor and helps keep the juices inside.
Baking Chicken
Baking finishes the cooking process by allowing the chicken to cook through evenly and thoroughly. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for doneness.
Resting Chicken
Letting the chicken rest after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, making it more moist and flavorful when sliced.
FAQ
Can I use different cheese for stuffing?
Yes, you can use any cheese that melts well, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook it.
What if I don’t have toothpicks?
If toothpicks are not available, you can use kitchen twine to tie the chicken closed.
Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?
Absolutely! You can include more jalapeños or add hot sauce to the stuffing mixture.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should read 67°C (155°F) for safe consumption.
Conclusion
This Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Chicken is a delightful combination of juicy chicken breasts filled with a creamy and cheesy jalapeño stuffing. The balance of flavors from the smoked paprika and the kick of jalapeños makes this dish not only satisfying but also bursting with flavor. It’s a perfect option for dinner, impressing guests, or simply treating yourself to a delicious meal.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Cheesy Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Chicken
Substitute the jalapeños with spinach and artichoke hearts, and add cream cheese, mozzarella, and parmesan for a creamy, savory filling.
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Breasts
Mix shredded cooked chicken with cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and blue cheese for a spicy twist; stuff it into the chicken breasts.
Caprese Stuffed Chicken
Use sliced tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella cheese to create a fresh Caprese-inspired stuffing, drizzled with balsamic glaze before serving.
Mushroom and Swiss Stuffed Chicken
Sauté mushrooms with garlic and mix with Swiss cheese to fill the chicken for an earthy, savory flavor profile.
Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Stuffed Chicken
Combine cream cheese with sun-dried tomatoes, feta, and spinach for a Mediterranean-inspired stuffing that is rich and flavorful.
