Smoked Jalapeño Popper Chicken Bombs

Introduction

Smoked Jalapeño Popper Chicken Bombs combine everything you love about jalapeño poppers and BBQ into one unforgettable dish. Imagine tender chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy, cheesy jalapeño filling, wrapped in crispy bacon, and infused with rich, smoky flavors from the grill or smoker. These chicken bombs are perfect for backyard BBQs, game day feasts, or anytime you want to impress guests with bold flavors and a bit of heat. Whether you’re a seasoned smoker enthusiast or a BBQ beginner, this recipe is straightforward and guaranteed to wow your taste buds.

Ingredients

• 4 medium chicken breasts (butterflied and pounded to an even thickness)
• 4 jalapeños (halved and seeds removed)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 slices bacon
• 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (optional, for glazing)

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Filling In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.

Step 2: Stuff the Jalapeños Spoon the cheese mixture into each jalapeño half, ensuring they are filled but not overflowing. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing it horizontally without cutting all the way through, then pound it gently to an even thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Assemble the Bombs Place one stuffed jalapeño half on each chicken breast. Fold the chicken over to encase the jalapeño, creating a “bomb.” Wrap each chicken bomb with two slices of bacon, ensuring the bacon fully encloses the chicken and stuffing. Secure with toothpicks if necessary.

Step 5: Smoke the Chicken Bombs Preheat your smoker to 250°F (121°C) using wood chips or pellets (hickory or mesquite work well for this recipe). Place the chicken bombs on the smoker grate, seam-side down. Smoke for 1.5–2 hours, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 6: Glaze (Optional) During the last 15 minutes of smoking, brush the chicken bombs with BBQ sauce for a sweet, tangy glaze.

Step 7: Rest and Serve Remove the chicken bombs from the smoker and let them rest for 5 minutes. Slice and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Leave some seeds in the jalapeños or add a dash of hot sauce to the filling for extra heat.
• Different Cheeses: Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Gouda for a unique flavor twist.
• Grill Option: No smoker? Cook the chicken bombs on a grill over indirect heat at 350°F (175°C) until cooked through, turning occasionally to crisp the bacon evenly.
• Sweet and Spicy: Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to the bacon wrap before smoking for a sweet contrast to the heat.

Cooking Notes

• Bacon Wrapping: Use thin-cut bacon to ensure it crisps up during smoking. If using thick-cut bacon, you may need to broil briefly at the end.
• Stuffing: Be careful not to overfill the jalapeños to prevent the cheese from oozing out during cooking.
• Temperature Check: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

Serving Suggestions

Smoked Jalapeño Popper Chicken Bombs are versatile and pair well with:

• Side Dishes: Coleslaw, potato salad, or roasted vegetables.
• Dips: Ranch dressing or a smoky chipotle aioli.
• Beverages: Serve with a cold beer, iced tea, or a margarita to balance the smoky heat.

Tips

• Prep Ahead: Assemble the chicken bombs a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to smoke.
• Toothpicks: Soak toothpicks in water before using them to secure the bacon to prevent burning.
• Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F to maintain crispness.

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cooking Time

2 hours

Total Time

2 hours 20 minutes

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 450 per serving
• Protein: 34g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fat: 32g
• Fiber: 1g

FAQs

Q: Can I make this recipe spicier? Yes, keep some seeds in the jalapeños or add cayenne pepper to the cheese filling.
Q: What if I don’t have a smoker? Use a grill with indirect heat or bake in the oven at 375°F until the chicken is cooked and the bacon is crisp.
Q: Can I use turkey bacon instead? Yes, but turkey bacon may not crisp up as much as pork bacon.

Conclusion

Smoked Jalapeño Popper Chicken Bombs are a show-stopping dish that delivers smoky, cheesy, and spicy flavors in every bite. Perfect for BBQs, game nights, or family dinners, this recipe combines the irresistible taste of jalapeño poppers with the heartiness of stuffed chicken and crispy bacon. Whether smoked, grilled, or baked, these chicken bombs are guaranteed to impress. Try them at your next gathering and watch them disappear in minutes!