Description
Enjoy the bold flavors of Jalapeño Popper Chicken, featuring tender chicken thighs, creamy mixture, and crispy bacon. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed of excess fat
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 1 ½ teaspoons black pepper, divided
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup (77 g) sour cream
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 3 medium jalapeño peppers, seeded, finely diced, plus more for garnish (optional)
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp, crumbled
- 1 cup (113 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ¾ cup (34 g) panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry, then season them with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper on both sides. Arrange the thighs in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
- In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sour cream, minced garlic, onion powder, paprika, and the remaining salt and pepper until well combined and smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are fully covered.
- Top with the diced jalapeños, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- In a small bowl, coat the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly over the cheese layer.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, until the chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F and the topping is golden brown.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh jalapeño slices if desired.
Notes
For a spicier kick, keep some seeds from the jalapeños in the mixture.
Feel free to substitute chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option.
This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or rice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg