Sizzling Smoked Jalapeno Popper Chicken Bombs Recipe to Wow Guests

Spice lovers chase that perfect bite of creamy, smoky jalapeno popper chicken bombs that melt in your mouth with every delectable morsel.

These golden-brown parcels pack an explosive flavor punch that’ll make taste buds dance with excitement.

Crispy exterior gives way to a molten center of melted cheese and tender chicken.

Jalapeños provide a zesty kick that balances the rich, smooth cream cheese filling.

Each bomb delivers a satisfying crunch and burst of spicy goodness that transforms an ordinary meal into a culinary adventure.

Smoke and heat combine in these irresistible chicken bombs that promise to elevate your dinner game.

Prepare to impress everyone at the table with this crowd-pleasing recipe that turns up the flavor dial.

What Goes With Jalapeno Popper Chicken Bombs

• Pair with Zesty Margarita: Craft a spicy margarita with jalapeño-infused tequila to complement the smoky heat of the chicken bombs, creating a perfect flavor harmony that enhances the dish's bold profile.
• Complement with Crisp Slaw: Prepare a tangy coleslaw with apple cider vinegar and a touch of honey to balance the rich, smoky bacon and creamy cheese filling, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the intense flavors.
• Match with Cool Ranch Dip: Whip up a cool ranch dressing featuring fresh herbs and buttermilk to offer a creamy, cooling contrast that cuts through the spicy and smoky elements of the chicken bombs.

Storing Chicken Bombs for Freshness

• Store leftover chicken bombs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual chicken bombs tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place chicken bombs on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Reheat in short 30-second bursts to avoid rubbery texture. Check internal temperature reaches 165F for food safety. Add a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for Smoked Jalapeno Popper Chicken Bombs?

The key ingredients are chicken breasts, jalapenos, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, bacon, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and BBQ sauce.

• Do I need a smoker to make this recipe?

Yes, a smoker is essential for this recipe to achieve the authentic smoky flavor and perfectly cooked chicken with crispy bacon.

• How spicy are these chicken bombs?

The spice level depends on the jalapenos. Remove the seeds and membranes for a milder heat, or keep them for a spicier kick.

• Can I prepare these chicken bombs in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the chicken bombs up to a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator before smoking, which helps the flavors meld together.

What Makes Jalapeno Popper Chicken Bombs Great

• Savor Layered Deliciousness: Multiple textures and flavors create an incredible dessert experience with cookie crust, vanilla ice cream, cookie dough chunks, and chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream.
• Master Creative Dessert Crafting: Perfect for bakers who love transforming classic treats into stunning showstopper desserts that impress family and friends with minimal professional baking skills.
• Customize Your Cake Adventure: Flexible recipe allows personal touches like adding extra chocolate chips, drizzling chocolate sauce, or experimenting with different cookie types to match individual taste preferences.
• Prepare Ahead Party Pleaser: Make this cake in advance and store in the freezer, making it an ideal dessert for special occasions, summer gatherings, or unexpected sweet cravings without last-minute stress.

What’s Inside Jalapeno Popper Chicken Bombs

Main Ingredients:

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts that serve as the primary protein and wrapper for the stuffed jalapenos.

Jalapenos: Fresh peppers that provide a spicy kick and are stuffed with a creamy cheese mixture.

Bacon: Thin slices that wrap around the chicken to add smoky flavor and crispy texture.

Filling Ingredients:

Cream Cheese: Soft cheese that creates a smooth and rich base for the jalapeno stuffing.

Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheese that adds a sharp and tangy flavor to the filling.

Seasoning Ingredients:

Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika, Onion Powder: Spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the chicken bombs.

Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that help bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Optional Ingredients:

BBQ Sauce: Sauce that provides a sticky and caramelized finish to the chicken bombs.

Wood Chips: Optional smoking ingredient that adds extra smoky flavor during cooking.

How to Make Jalapeno Popper Chicken Bombs

Step 1: Slice and Flatten Chicken

Use a sharp knife to slice chicken breasts horizontally, creating thinner pieces. Gently pound the chicken with a meat mallet until uniformly thin and even.

Step 2: Create Creamy Jalapeno Filling

• Cream cheese
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Onion powder

Blend until smooth and well-integrated.

Step 3: Stuff Jalapeno Peppers

Fill each jalapeno half completely with the prepared cream cheese mixture, ensuring a generous and even distribution.

Step 4: Wrap Chicken Bombs

Place a stuffed jalapeno half on one side of a chicken piece. Roll the chicken tightly around the pepper, creating a compact bundle.

Wrap each chicken roll with a bacon slice, securing with toothpicks or butcher’s twine.

Step 5: Add Seasoning

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Extra smoked paprika

Step 6: Smoke to Perfection

Preheat smoker to 250°F.

Add wood chips for enhanced flavor. Position chicken bombs on smoker grates, seam-side down.

Smoke for 2-2.5 hours until chicken reaches 165°F and bacon becomes crispy.

Step 7: Optional Glaze

During the final 15 minutes, brush bombs with BBQ sauce for a caramelized, sticky exterior.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Remove toothpicks or twine. Serve immediately alongside coleslaw, cornbread, or a fresh green salad.

Handy Notes for Chicken Bomb Perfection

• Remove seeds and membranes from peppers to reduce spiciness while keeping delicious pepper flavor.
• Choose thin bacon slices for faster, more even cooking and crispier exterior around chicken bombs.
• Soften cream cheese at room temperature for smoother blending and easier filling of jalapenos.
• Use toothpicks or butcher's twine tightly to prevent filling from leaking during smoking process.
• Use meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165F for safe, juicy results without overcooking.

Tasty Twists for Jalapeno Popper Chicken Bombs

• Low-Carb Jalapeno Popper Chicken Bombs: Replace bacon with prosciutto or turkey bacon for a leaner protein option. Use cauliflower or zucchini as alternative side dishes.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Swap chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or firm tofu. Use plant-based cream cheese and replace bacon with tempeh strips for similar smoky flavor.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute cream cheese with cashew cheese or dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Use nutritional yeast instead of cheddar for cheesy flavor profile.
• Oven-Baked Option: For those without a smoker, bake chicken bombs in a preheated 375F oven for 25-30 minutes. Place on a wire rack over a baking sheet to ensure crispy bacon and even cooking.

Smoked Jalapeno Popper Chicken Bombs Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Smoky jalapeño popper chicken bombs deliver explosive flavor that melds creamy cheese, spicy peppers, and juicy chicken into one irresistible bite. Crispy bacon wrapping and zesty seasonings make this dish a crowd-pleasing sensation you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken:

• 4 large chicken breasts

Peppers:

• 4 large jalapenos, halved and seeded

Cheese:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

• 8 slices of bacon
• BBQ sauce (optional, for glazing)
• Toothpicks or butchers twine
• Wood chips (optional, for extra smoke flavor)

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Instructions

1. Butterfly chicken breasts carefully by slicing horizontally, creating thinner, uniform pieces. Gently flatten with a meat mallet to ensure consistent thickness.
2. Create a creamy filling by blending cream cheese, cheddar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder until thoroughly combined and smooth.
3. Stuff each jalapeno half generously with the prepared cheese mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Position a stuffed jalapeno on one edge of the chicken piece and roll tightly, encasing the pepper completely within the meat.
5. Wrap each chicken roll with a bacon slice, securing the edges using toothpicks or butchers twine to maintain shape during cooking.
6. Season the exterior of the wrapped chicken bombs with salt, black pepper, and an additional sprinkle of smoked paprika for enhanced flavor profile.
7. Heat smoker to 250F, incorporating wood chips for deeper smoky essence. Arrange chicken bombs on grates with seam facing downward.
8. Smoke for approximately 2-2.5 hours, monitoring internal chicken temperature until it reaches 165F and bacon becomes crisp and golden.
9. Optional: During final 15 minutes, brush bombs with BBQ sauce to create a glossy, caramelized exterior.
10. Remove toothpicks before serving. Accompany with complementary sides like tangy coleslaw, rustic cornbread, or fresh green salad.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by removing jalapeno seeds for milder version or keeping seeds for extra spiciness.
• Prepare chicken bombs ahead of time and refrigerate before smoking to enhance flavor absorption and allow seasoning to penetrate.
• Swap bacon with turkey bacon or prosciutto for different dietary preferences or lighter protein options.
• Check internal chicken temperature with meat thermometer to ensure food safety and perfectly cooked chicken without drying out.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Smoking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg