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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 2-3 jalapeños, diced (seeds removed for less heat) For this recipe, chicken breasts serve as the star. They hold the creamy and spicy filling well. Cream cheese brings richness, while cheddar and mozzarella add flavor and stretch. Jalapeños give a nice kick. If you prefer less heat, remember to remove the seeds. - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 cup crushed tortilla chips (for topping) Seasonings are key in this dish. Garlic powder and onion powder add depth, while smoked paprika brings a lovely warmth. The crushed tortilla chips on top give a great crunch, balancing the creamy filling. - Fresh cilantro Fresh cilantro can brighten the dish. It adds a pop of color and a fresh taste. If you love herbs, don’t skip this step! It enhances both flavor and presentation. This combination of ingredients makes the Jalapeño Popper Chicken Bake not only easy but packed with flavor. The mixture of cheeses and jalapeños creates a delicious filling. Enjoy the crunch from the tortilla chips as you take a bite! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, your chicken will cook evenly. Next, take your chicken breasts and place them in a baking dish. Drizzle two tablespoons of olive oil over the chicken. This helps the seasonings stick. Now, sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika on top. Make sure every piece is well coated. In a mixing bowl, add 1 cup of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and 2-3 diced jalapeños. If you want less heat, remove the seeds from the jalapeños. Mix everything together until it forms a smooth filling. You want all the flavors to blend well. Now it’s time to stuff the chicken. Take a generous amount of the cheese mixture and fill each chicken breast. If needed, use toothpicks to keep the filling inside. Next, sprinkle 1 cup of crushed tortilla chips over the chicken. Press them down slightly so they stick. This will give a nice crunch when baked. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes. Your chicken should be cooked through, and the topping should be golden brown and crispy. To keep your chicken juicy, season well. Use salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Make sure to coat the chicken breasts evenly with olive oil. This adds flavor and moisture. Bake your chicken at 375°F (190°C). Cover it with foil for the first 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil for the last 15-20 minutes. This helps the chicken cook through while keeping it moist. For the cheese filling, cream cheese works best. However, you can swap it for Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for a lighter option. This change can reduce calories. Adjust spice levels by adding or removing jalapeños. If you want less heat, remove the seeds. For more kick, keep some seeds in. Mix your cheese and jalapeños until smooth for a rich filling. For the crunchy topping, use your favorite tortilla chips. Choose a thicker chip for more crunch. If you like, add a breadcrumb topping for extra texture. Mix crushed tortilla chips with a little olive oil. This helps them crisp up in the oven. Press the chips down onto the chicken before baking. This creates a tasty, crunchy layer on top. Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Allow the cream cheese to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing. This will ensure a smoother filling that blends easily with the other ingredients. Customize the Heat Level: If you prefer a milder dish, be sure to remove all the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños. For extra heat, you can leave some seeds in or add a few slices of fresh jalapeño on top before baking. Check Chicken Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This guarantees that the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat. Make Ahead: You can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day. Just cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap before baking. {{image_2}} You can change the cheese in this recipe to suit your taste. Instead of cheddar or mozzarella, try gouda or pepper jack. These cheeses add a nice twist and extra flavor. If you want a dairy-free option, use vegan cream cheese and dairy-free cheese. Many brands offer great choices that melt well. Want more heat? Add more diced jalapeños to the filling. You can also use spicy cheese varieties like pepper jack. These changes will make the dish even hotter. If you like a milder flavor, remove the seeds from the jalapeños. This cuts the heat without losing taste. You can add veggies to your bake for extra nutrition. Spinach works well and adds a pop of color. Just mix it into the cheese filling. You can also add herbs like cilantro or chives for more flavor. Fresh herbs brighten the dish and make it more appealing. After cooking, let the Jalapeño Popper Chicken Bake cool down. This step helps keep the dish fresh. To cool, leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes. For storage, I recommend using airtight containers. These help keep the flavors intact. Glass containers work great, but plastic ones can also do the job. Make sure to store the leftovers in the fridge. They will last up to 3-4 days. When it's time to eat your leftovers, reheating is key. The best method is to use the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. This keeps the chicken moist. You can also use the microwave for a quick reheat. Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts of 1-2 minutes. This helps avoid drying out the chicken. Avoid reheating on high heat all at once. This can make the chicken tough. Slow and steady wins the race when it comes to reheating! Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just remember to thaw them first. Thawing helps the chicken cook evenly. It also allows the flavors to soak in better. To thaw, place the chicken in the fridge overnight. If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave. However, be careful not to start cooking the chicken. To add more heat, you can include more jalapeños. Use extra diced jalapeños in the filling. You can also keep the seeds for added spice. Another option is to add hot sauce to the cheese mixture. If you enjoy spicy cheese, try using pepper jack instead. This will give a nice kick to your dish. Yes, you can prepare this meal ahead of time. Stuff the chicken breasts and store them in the fridge. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil. You can also make the cheese filling the day before. Simply keep it in an airtight container. When you're ready to cook, just bake as directed. This makes it easy for busy nights! In this blog post, I covered how to make a Jalapeño Popper Chicken Bake. We talked about tasty ingredients like chicken breasts, cream cheese, and jalapeños. I outlined step-by-step instructions for prepping, stuffing, and baking chicken. I shared tips for juicy chicken and crunchy toppings. We explored variations to suit your tastes and provided storage info for leftovers. This dish is fun to make and full of flavor. You can customize it to your liking. Enjoy creating your own version of this recipe!

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Bake

A deliciously creamy and cheesy chicken bake with a spicy jalapeño kick, topped with crunchy tortilla chips.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 pieces jalapeños, diced (seeds removed for less heat)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup crushed tortilla chips (for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • optional fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Season the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Ensure the chicken is well coated.
  • Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and diced jalapeños. Mix until fully blended.
  • Stuff the chicken: Take a generous amount of the cheese mixture and stuff each chicken breast with the prepared filling. Use toothpicks to secure the openings if necessary.
  • Add tortilla chip topping: Sprinkle the crushed tortilla chips over the stuffed chicken breasts, pressing them down slightly. This will create a crunchy topping as it bakes.
  • Bake the chicken: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the tops are golden brown and crispy.
  • Garnish and serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired before serving.

Notes

Use toothpicks to secure the chicken if necessary.
Keyword bake, cheese, chicken, comfort food, jalapeño