Stuffed Chicken Jalapeños

Featured in: Appetizers & Snacks

Turn classic jalapeño poppers into a cheesy chicken dish! The creamy filling softens the heat for a mild, tasty meal that works any day.
Twistytaste.com
Updated on Wed, 30 Apr 2025 16:14:54 GMT
Golden stuffed chicken breasts on a white plate with hints of green jalapeños and cheesy filling. Pin it
Golden stuffed chicken breasts on a white plate with hints of green jalapeños and cheesy filling. | twistytaste.com

Turn plain chicken breast into something special with this Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Chicken. It's got a rich, creamy cheese filling with spicy jalapeños that brings your favorite party snack flavors right to dinner. It's easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough for company - and totally delicious.

Kicked-Up Comfort Food

I totally fell for this dish from my first try. There's something magical about how the cream cheese and jalapeños work together - creamy meets spicy in the best way. And I love watching people's surprise when they cut into their chicken and see all that gooey filling inside. Makes all the prep totally worth it.

What You'll Need

  • Jalapeños: Chopped up fresh for heat, or swap in green bell peppers if you want it milder.
  • Cream Cheese: Make sure it's soft so it mixes well for a smooth filling.
  • Cheeses: Mozzarella for that stretchy pull and Parmesan for rich flavor.
  • Garlic Powder: For flavor depth, or use fresh minced garlic instead.
  • Chicken Breasts: Get the boneless skinless kind and cut pockets for the filling.
  • Seasonings: Some paprika, salt, and black pepper to make it tasty.
  • Olive Oil: You'll need this to brown the chicken until it looks amazing.

Let's Make It Together

Prepare the Filling
Blend the cream cheese with mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder and chopped jalapeños until you get a smooth mix.
Cut and Stuff Chicken
Make a pocket in each chicken breast, stuff it full with your jalapeño mixture, then secure everything with toothpicks.
Sear the Chicken
Sprinkle with paprika and salt, then brown both sides in an oven-safe skillet until they look golden.
Bake and Rest
Pop the skillet into your oven at 180°C/350°F for about 15 minutes or until it hits 155°F inside. Let it sit for 5 minutes before you serve it.

Making It Perfect

After making this chicken many times, I've picked up some helpful tips. You really need a good meat thermometer to nail the cooking time and keep everything juicy. Don't skip softening your cream cheese properly - it really makes mixing so much easier. And always use those toothpicks! They're the only thing keeping all that yummy filling from escaping.

Serving Your Creation

This chicken tastes amazing with some fluffy rice that can soak up any extra filling or a nice green salad on the side for balance. When I'm short on time, I'll mix up the filling earlier in the day so dinner comes together fast. And grab some crusty bread too - you'll want it to scoop up any bits of that awesome jalapeño mixture that might leak out. It's too tasty to leave behind!

Three baked chicken breasts stuffed with jalapeños and cheese are arranged in a black skillet. Pin it
Three baked chicken breasts stuffed with jalapeños and cheese are arranged in a black skillet. | twistytaste.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Does it taste super spicy?
Not at all! Mixing jalapeños with cream cheese reduces the heat a lot. Even folks who dislike spice have enjoyed it.
→ Why trim the pocket on the folded part?
It’s to keep the outer, smoother side looking pretty and to avoid the filling spilling out too much while cooking.
→ Can I remove the spice completely?
Sure! Just swap out the jalapeños for green bell peppers for a flavorful, heat-free option.
→ How long can I save leftovers?
You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. Warm gently to keep that creamy texture.
→ What if the stuffing leaks out?
That’s fine! Any that escapes will crisp up, adding even more flavor and crunch to the dish.

Stuffed Chicken Jalapeños

Tender chicken stuffed with cheese, jalapeños, and cream. A mellow take on everyone’s favorite spicy flavors. Easy, comforting, and family-approved.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Western

Yield: 2 Servings (2 stuffed chicken breasts)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (220g/7oz each).
02 ¼ teaspoon kosher or regular cooking salt.
03 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra-virgin).
04 ½ teaspoon black pepper.
05 ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
06 60g/2oz of cream cheese, softened.
07 ½ teaspoon garlic powder.
08 2 jalapeños, finely diced and seeds removed.
09 ¼ cup parmesan cheese, shredded fine.
10 ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika.

Instructions

Step 01

Turn on your oven and set it to 180°C/350°F. Slice a pocket into the fold on each chicken piece.

Step 02

Put cream cheese into the microwave briefly to soften, then combine with the rest of the filling stuff.

Step 03

Spoon filling into chicken pockets and close using toothpicks. Sprinkle salt and paprika over the outside.

Step 04

Brown in a hot skillet with oil, 2 minutes on each side. Follow by baking for 15 minutes at 67°C/155°F inside.

Step 05

Let the chicken chill out for 5 minutes before putting it on plates.

Notes

  1. Jalapeños add flavor but aren’t too fiery.
  2. Want no spice? Use bell peppers instead.
  3. Good in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Tools You'll Need

  • Skillet that can safely go into the oven.
  • Toothpicks for securing chicken.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy—cream cheese, parmesan, and mozzarella.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 564
  • Total Fat: 33 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 6 g
  • Protein: 59 g