Grilled Jalapeño Popper Chicken

Savor the delicious flavors of Grilled Jalapeño Popper Chicken! This dish features juicy grilled chicken stuffed with a creamy mixture of jalapeños and cheddar, all wrapped in crispy bacon. Perfect for weeknight dinners or backyard barbecues, this gluten-free recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy this unique twist on classic comfort food that blends heat with savory goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Jalapeño Popper Chicken

This recipe isn’t just tasty; it comes with many benefits!

• Flavor Explosion: The combination of spicy jalapeños, creamy cheese, and smoky bacon creates an unforgettable taste.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you can whip this up without any hassle.
• Versatile Serving Options: Great for casual dinners or as a crowd-pleasing party appetizer.
• Gluten-Free Delight: Suitable for gluten-sensitive diners, making it a perfect choice for any gathering.
• Grilling Perfection: Cooking on the grill enhances the flavors and gives that irresistible char.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking, gather your tools to make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill (Regular or Weber Searwood XL 600)
• Meat mallet
• Small bowls
• Medium bowl
• Large cutting board
• Toothpicks
• Grill-safe brush

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: Essential for achieving that smoky flavor and beautiful grill marks.
• Meat mallet: Helps to ensure even cooking by pounding chicken to uniform thickness.
• Grill-safe brush: Perfect for applying BBQ sauce without damaging your chicken.

Ingredients

For the Rub:

• 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 4 ounces softened cream cheese
• 2 tablespoons rub mixture
• 1 cup shredded medium cheddar cheese (I like Tillamook brand)

For the Chicken:

• 4 medium-sized jalapeños
• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 8 slices bacon
• ½ cup BBQ Sauce

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How to Make Grilled Jalapeño Popper Chicken

Step 1: Make the Rub

In a small bowl, combine all of the rub ingredients. Mix well and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, 2 tablespoons of the rub, and shredded cheddar until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Chicken

1. Cut off the tops of the jalapeños and slice them in half lengthwise. Remove seeds and set aside.
2. On a large cutting board, slice each chicken breast open lengthwise without cutting all the way through (like a book).
3. Cover with plastic wrap and pound to an even thickness of about ¼ inch using a meat mallet.
4. Place half a jalapeño on one side of each chicken breast. Add ¼ of the cream cheese mixture on top, then place another half of a jalapeño before closing like a book.
5. Season both sides evenly with ¼ of the rub.
6. Wrap each chicken piece with two slices of bacon, securing ends with toothpicks. Repeat until all chicken breasts are assembled.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken (Regular Grill Method)

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat (350℉ – 375℉).
2. Place chicken on grill grates; cover and cook for about 6 minutes per side until bacon fat renders and chicken is cooked through.
3. If flames occur from bacon grease, reduce heat to medium-low or position chicken at front where it’s cooler.
4. Baste both sides with BBQ sauce using a grill-safe brush during low heat cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and let rest for about 4 minutes before taking out toothpicks.

Step 5: Grill Using Weber Searwood XL 600 Wood Pellet Grill Method

1. Set your Weber Grill to preheat at 375℉ with lid closed.
2. Place chicken directly on grates; close lid and cook while flipping once or twice until bacon is crisp (about 8-10 minutes).
3. Baste both sides with BBQ sauce using a grill-safe brush; cook an additional 3-4 minutes with lid open.
4. Let rest for about 4 minutes before removing toothpicks.

Enjoy your delicious Grilled Jalapeño Popper Chicken!

How to Serve Grilled Jalapeño Popper Chicken

Grilled Jalapeño Popper Chicken is a flavor-packed dish that’s sure to impress at any gathering. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

Pair with Fresh Salad

• Garden Salad: A light garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette complements the rich flavors of the chicken.
• Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons of a classic Caesar salad provide a nice contrast to the smoky chicken.

Serve with Dipping Sauces

• Ranch Dressing: A cool ranch dip offers a refreshing balance to the spicy jalapeños in the dish.
• Spicy Aioli: For those who love extra heat, serve grilled jalapeño popper chicken with a spicy garlic aioli for dipping.

Accompany with Grilled Vegetables

• Mixed Grilled Veggies: Seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus grilled alongside the chicken add color and nutrients to your plate.
• Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with butter and seasoning is a perfect summer side that pairs well with grilled chicken.

How to Perfect Grilled Jalapeño Popper Chicken

To achieve the best results when making Grilled Jalapeño Popper Chicken, keep these tips in mind.

• Bold Seasoning: Use plenty of seasoning in your rub to enhance the flavors of both the chicken and bacon.
• Proper Pounding: Ensure that you pound the chicken breasts evenly; this helps them cook uniformly and remain juicy.
• Watch Your Bacon: Keep an eye on the bacon while grilling; it can burn quickly if not monitored closely.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: Check the internal temperature of the chicken; it should reach 165℉ for safe consumption.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after grilling helps it retain moisture and flavor.
• Experiment with Cheeses: While cheddar is delicious, feel free to mix in other cheeses like pepper jack for an extra kick.

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Best Side Dishes for Grilled Jalapeño Popper Chicken

Enhance your meal with these delightful side dishes that pair wonderfully with Grilled Jalapeño Popper Chicken.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic bring comfort and balance to your plate.
2. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and freshness, complementing the savory elements of the chicken.
3. Mexican Street Corn: Charred corn topped with lime, cheese, and chili powder offers a flavorful twist that echoes the dish’s spice.
4. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes contrasts beautifully with the heat from jalapeños.
5. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with herbs and veggies provides a healthy option that rounds out your meal.
6. Baked Beans: Smoky baked beans are hearty and pair perfectly with grilled meats for a classic BBQ feel.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Grilled Jalapeño Popper Chicken, there are some common mistakes that can affect your results. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Bold Seasoning Too Lightly: Not seasoning the chicken enough can lead to bland flavors. Make sure to use the rub generously for maximum taste.
• Bold Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken too long will dry it out. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165℉ for juicy results.
• Bold Skipping the Resting Period: Not letting the chicken rest can result in juices escaping when you cut into it. Allow at least 4 minutes of resting time.
• Bold Ignoring Bacon Quality: Using low-quality bacon can lead to less crispy results. Choose thick-cut, high-quality bacon for better flavor and texture.
• Bold Inconsistent Grill Temperature: Fluctuating grill heat can cause uneven cooking. Maintain a stable medium heat throughout the grilling process.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item: Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• item: Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Instructions

• item: Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag.
• item: Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Instructions

• Bold Oven: Preheat the oven to 350℉ and bake for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Bold Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
• Bold Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed, about 5-7 minutes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Grilled Jalapeño Popper Chicken?

Grilled Jalapeño Popper Chicken is a flavorful dish featuring grilled chicken breasts stuffed with cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and jalapeños, wrapped in bacon.

Can I make Grilled Jalapeño Popper Chicken gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses simple ingredients without any gluten-containing products.

How do I customize my Grilled Jalapeño Popper Chicken?

You can customize this dish by adding different cheeses like pepper jack or incorporating herbs into the cream cheese filling for added flavor.

What should I serve with Grilled Jalapeño Popper Chicken?

This dish pairs well with side salads, grilled vegetables, or even corn on the cob for a complete meal.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Absolutely! You can adapt this recipe by using pork tenderloin or turkey breasts for a different twist while maintaining similar flavors.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Jalapeño Popper Chicken is an enticing dish that combines spicy and creamy flavors with crispy bacon. Its versatility allows you to customize it based on personal preferences. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a summer barbecue, this recipe is sure to impress your guests. Give it a try today!