These Smoked Jalapeno Popper Chicken Bombs are bursting with flavor! Each bite gives you juicy chicken stuffed with cream cheese and spicy jalapenos, all wrapped up snugly in bacon.
Who can resist crispy bacon wrapped around cheesy goodness? I love making these for game nights—just be sure to grab some before they disappear! 😄
They’re easy to prepare and great for sharing. Just mix, stuff, wrap, and smoke! It’s so much fun to watch everyone enjoy them, plus they smell amazing while cooking!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Jalapeno Peppers: These provide the heat and flavor. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can use mini sweet peppers instead. They won’t pack the same punch but will still offer a delicious bite!
Ground Chicken: The recipe calls for ground chicken, but you can also use ground turkey or even shredded rotisserie chicken if you prefer a different texture. Just make sure it’s fully cooked if you’re using rotisserie!
Cream Cheese: This makes the filling creamy. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese or even Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
Cheddar Cheese: I recommend sharp cheddar for maximum flavor. If you want a different taste, you could try pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for a milder cheese.
Bacon: Traditional bacon is great, but turkey bacon can be a lighter alternative. Alternatively, plant-based bacon can be used for a meat-free option that still adds flavor.
How Do You Prepare Jalapenos for Stuffing?
Preparing jalapenos properly is key to getting them ready for stuffing. Removing the seeds and membranes is crucial because they hold most of the heat. Here’s how to do it:
- Cut each jalapeno in half lengthwise.
- Use a small spoon or a knife to scoop out the seeds and membranes. Be careful, as they can be quite spicy!
- If you want to reduce the heat even further, you can soak the halved jalapenos in a mixture of vinegar and water for about 10 minutes.
How Do You Smoke the Jalapeno Popper Chicken Bombs?
Smoking adds a fantastic flavor to these poppers, but it’s important to get the temperature and timing right. Here’s how:
- Preheat your smoker to 250°F (120°C). A steady temperature ensures even cooking.
- Arrange the wrapped jalapeno poppers evenly on the smoker grates. Make sure they are not touching to allow even smoke exposure.
- Smoke for about 1 hour. Check the internal temperature of the chicken filling to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
How to Make Smoked Jalapeno Popper Chicken Bombs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 10 jalapeno peppers
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Wrapping:
- 10 slices of bacon
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped green onions or chives
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes to prep the ingredients and get everything ready. The smoking process takes about 1 hour, making the total time around 1 hour and 15 minutes. Perfect for a fun gathering or a tasty treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Smoker:
Start by preheating your smoker to 250°F (120°C). This low and slow cooking will infuse the chicken bombs with that delicious smoky flavor!
2. Prepare the Jalapenos:
While the smoker is heating up, take your jalapeno peppers and cut them in half lengthwise. Carefully remove the seeds and membranes inside; this will help tone down the heat and make them easier to eat!
3. Make the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well blended and creamy. This will be the yummy filling!
4. Stuff the Jalapenos:
Using a spoon, generously fill each halved jalapeno with the chicken mixture. Don’t hold back, make them nice and full!
5. Wrap with Bacon:
Now for the fun part! Take a slice of bacon and wrap it around each stuffed jalapeno. Make sure to secure the bacon so it doesn’t unravel during smoking; you can use toothpicks if needed.
6. Smoke the Chicken Bombs:
Place the wrapped jalapeno poppers carefully on the smoker grates. Let them smoke for about 1 hour. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken is fully cooked, and the bacon turns crispy and golden.
7. Garnish and Serve:
If you like, sprinkle some chopped green onions or chives on top for a fresh touch before serving. These Smoky, spicy, and cheesy Jalapeno Popper Chicken Bombs are ready to enjoy!
Dig in and savor this tasty treat!
Can I Use Different Meats in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While ground chicken is the star here, you can substitute it with ground turkey or even a mixture of any ground meat you prefer, like beef or pork. Just ensure that the meat is fully cooked before serving!
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you want to decrease the heat, make sure to remove all the seeds and membranes from the jalapenos. For added spice, you can leave some seeds in or even add a dash of hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture. Trust your taste buds!
Can I Prepare These Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the stuffed jalapenos and wrap them with bacon up to a day in advance. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to cook, simply pop them onto the smoker straight from the fridge!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave for a quick option. Enjoy them as a snack or add them to a salad for a spicy kick!
