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Creamy Stuffed Chicken Popper

Featured in Quick and Easy Appetizers.

Turn jalapeño poppers into cheesy stuffed chicken! Creamy filling tones down spice for a mild, tasty, and easy meal for any day.
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Emily Watson
Updated on Sat, 22 Mar 2025 22:24:46 GMT
Golden chicken stuffed with creamy cheese and jalapeños on a white plate. Pin it
Golden chicken stuffed with creamy cheese and jalapeños on a white plate. | thefamilycooks.com

Make boring chicken breast exciting with this Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Chicken. It's loaded with a rich, melty filling that's got just the right amount of heat from fresh jalapeños. Taking a popular appetizer and turning it into dinner, this dish will wow your family any day of the week. It's easy to put together but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Spicy Comfort Food

The first time I whipped this up, I couldn't get enough. There's something magical about how the jalapeños blend with the cream cheese, giving you that perfect spicy-creamy combo. And I love watching people's eyes go wide when they slice into their chicken and all that gooey filling comes oozing out. Trust me, it's worth the little bit of prep work.

What You'll Need

  • Olive Oil: Just enough to get your chicken nice and golden.
  • Seasonings: Some paprika, salt, and black pepper to make everything pop.
  • Chicken Breasts: Go for the boneless skinless kind that you can cut a pocket into.
  • Garlic Powder: A pinch gives great flavor, or chop up some fresh garlic instead.
  • Cheeses: You'll want stretchy mozzarella and nutty Parmesan for the best filling.
  • Cream Cheese: Make sure it's soft so everything mixes smoothly.
  • Jalapeños: Chopped up tiny for heat, or swap in green peppers if you want it milder.

Let's Make It Together

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 dig in.
Sear the Chicken
Sprinkle the chicken with paprika and salt, then cook it in a hot oven-safe pan until it gets a nice golden color on both sides.
Cut and Stuff Chicken
Make a deep pocket in each chicken breast, stuff it full of your jalapeño mix, and stick some toothpicks in to keep everything together.
Prepare the Filling
Stir together your softened cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, and chopped jalapeños until you get a smooth mixture.

Making It Perfect

After making this dish countless times, I've picked up a few tricks. You really need a good thermometer to nail the cooking time and keep your chicken juicy. Don't rush the cream cheese softening step it'll give you lumps if it's too cold. And don't skip the toothpicks they're the only thing standing between you and a mess of filling all over your pan.

Serving Your Creation

This chicken goes great with a side of rice that can soak up any extra filling or a simple green salad for something fresh on the side. When I'm in a hurry, I mix up the filling the night before so dinner comes together super fast. And grab some crusty bread to mop up any cheesy bits that escape you won't want to leave a single crumb 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. | thefamilycooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Does this taste really spicy?
Not at all! Mixing jalapeños with cream cheese mellows out the heat. Even those who dislike spice usually like this dish.
→ Why cut into the folded side?
It keeps the filling from spilling out and makes the smooth side look prettier when served.
→ Any way to tone down spiciness?
Swap jalapeños for diced green bell peppers for a flavorful but heat-free option.
→ How long does it stay fresh?
Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Warm them lightly so the filling stays creamy.
→ Is it okay if the filling leaks?
Absolutely! Any bits that ooze out get crispy while cooking, adding extra flavor and crunch.

Stuffed Chicken Popper

This combines rich, cheesy stuffed chicken with the mild essence of jalapeño poppers. It's flavorful, not spicy, and super family-friendly.

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

Category: Appetizers

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Western

Yield: 2 Servings (2 cheese-filled chicken breasts)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 220g/7oz each).
02 ½ teaspoon of black pepper.
03 ½ teaspoon smoked paprika.
04 ¼ teaspoon kosher or cooking salt.
05 1 tablespoon of olive oil, extra virgin.
06 ½ teaspoon garlic powder.
07 60g/2oz softened cream cheese.
08 ½ cup of grated mozzarella.
09 ¼ cup finely grated parmesan.
10 2 finely chopped, deseeded jalapeños.
11 ¼ teaspoon more cooking/kosher salt.

Instructions

Step 01

Set your oven to 180°C/350°F. Slice a pocket into the thickest side of each piece of chicken.

Step 02

Warm the cream cheese in a microwave so it's soft. Stir it together with the other filling ingredients.

Step 03

Stuff the cheese mix into the chicken pockets and secure with toothpicks. Sprinkle the outside with paprika and salt.

Step 04

Brown chicken in a hot skillet with oil, 2 minutes on each side. Then bake it for 15 minutes until internal temp reaches 67°C/155°F.

Step 05

Let it sit for 5 minutes before digging in.

Notes

  1. It’s mild enough; jalapeños don’t add much heat.
  2. Try bell peppers if you want zero spice!
  3. Lasts up to 3 days in the fridge.

Tools You'll Need

  • A skillet that can go in the oven.
  • Toothpicks for sealing.

Allergy Information

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