This Jalapeno Popper Chicken is a deliciously simple dish featuring tender baked chicken breasts topped with a creamy blend of softened cream cheese, sour cream, minced garlic, sliced green onions, and crumbled bacon.
The kick comes from sliced jalapenos layered on top, adding a spicy twist. Finished with a generous sprinkle of cheddar cheese, this flavorful creation bakes to perfection in about 45 minutes, resulting in a comforting and satisfying meal.
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I have this jalapeno popper chicken on our monthly dinner rotation. My husband loves jalapeños, and I leave them off mine. He says it's like a flavor explosion in every bite.
The prep time for this jalapeno popper chicken recipe is a breeze. Throw it together in just 10 minutes and toss it in the oven for 45 minutes. That’s valuable time you can spend taking care of other things or enjoying time with family.
Let’s talk about the spice level. Every family is different, so you can keep the seeds in the jalapenos if you're feeling bold and want that extra kick or remove them if you're playing it safe. I like to slice my jalapeno peppers into strips; it's a bit easier than dealing with rings, trust me.
When the chicken is done, that cheesy, bacon, spicy goodness is just irresistible. I keep the sides simple with some steamed veggies or a crisp green salad.
Ingredient Notes
See the printable recipe card below for all ingredients, specific measurements, and complete instructions.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star of the show – provides the hearty base for our dish.
- Cream Cheese: Brings that creamy, velvety texture that makes everything better.
- Sour Cream: Adds a tangy kick, balancing out the richness of the cream cheese.
- Garlic: A flavor powerhouse, minced for that savory punch.
- Green Onions: Sliced to give a mild oniony freshness.
- Bacon: Crumbled for a crispy, salty layer that takes it up a notch.
- Jalapeños: Sliced into strips for that spicy zing; seeds optional for the brave.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Because, let's face it, everything is better with more cheese.
- Salt and Pepper: The dynamic duo that seasons our chicken to perfection.
Recipe Variations
- Stuff the chicken. Instead of spreading the cream cheese mixture on top, butterfly the chicken breasts and stuff them with the mixture. Secure with toothpicks and bake as usual.
- Throw it on the grill. Marinate the chicken in the cream cheese mixture, then throw it on the grill. You'll get that smoky flavor that takes it to another level.
- Make it mild. Remove the jalapeños and use mild green chilies instead for a kid-friendly, less-spicy version.
How To Make Jalapeno Popper Chicken
First, preheat the oven to 375º. Soften up that cream cheese while you wait; it makes life easier. Toss in minced garlic, sliced green onions, and crumbled bacon. Mix it all together.
Now, onto the chicken. Lay those boneless pieces in a greased baking pan. Sprinkle some salt and pepper for seasoning. Slather on the cream cheese mixture generously, covering every inch.
Time for some heat – jalapenos. Slice them into strips for easier deseeding if you’re trying to cut back on the heat, and then lay them across the chicken.
Last, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese all over the chicken. Into the oven it goes for 45 minutes. If the chicken's getting too golden, just throw some foil on top.
Once it's out, go ahead and top it off with extra cheese, bacon, and green onions. It's the finishing touch that elevates the dish.
How to Store Chicken
Refrigerator: For optimal storage, place any leftover Jalapeno Popper Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It will keep for up to 3 days.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready, set it out on the counter while the oven preheats. Just note that the baking time might need a slight adjustment if the dish is chilled. Also, always follow the recommendations for the bakeware you use. Placing a cold casserole dish into a hot oven may cause it to break.
Recipe Tips
- Before you start mixing, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. It blends way smoother that way.
- Be sure to wear gloves or wash your hands really well after handling the jalapenos. Jalapeño juice in the eyes is no joke!
- If your chicken breasts are on the thicker side, consider slicing them horizontally to create thinner pieces or pounding them out with a mallet so everything will cook evenly.
- If you're unsure whether the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165ºF.
What can I substitute for jalapeno peppers?
The jalapeno pepper can be traded out for roasted poblano pepper (which vary in spice level), serrano peppers (which are a bit spicier), green chiles (which are mild) or bell peppers (which are sweet).
What can I use instead of sour cream?
Greek yogurt can be a suitable substitute for sour cream, providing a similar tanginess to the dish.
Need more easy chicken recipes? Here are a few of our favorites.
Get ready for a flavor-packed meal with Jalapeno Popper Chicken – tender, baked chicken smothered in a creamy mix of cream cheese, bacon, and a kick of jalapeños. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that'll have you savoring every bite.
Jalapeno Popper Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3-4 green onions, sliced
- 8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 3-5 jalapeños
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic, onion, and bacon in a medium mixing bowl.
- Place the chicken breasts in the prepared casserole dish.
- Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the chicken.
- De-seed and slice the jalapenos lengthwise. Lay them on top of the chicken.
- Sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven for 45 minutes until cooked through, and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
- Cover the chicken and cheese with foil if it starts getting too brown.
- Remove from oven, and garnish with extra sliced jalapenos and green onions if you like.