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Jalapeño Popper Chicken Thighs Recipe

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3.9 from 34 reviews

  • Author: Amelia
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4–6 servings
  • Diet: Low Carb

Description

A bold and creamy twist on chicken thighs—stuffed or topped with jalapeños, cheese, and bacon for a spicy, indulgent dinner. This jalapeño popper chicken thighs recipe combines tender chicken with a rich, cheesy filling and crispy bacon, baked to perfection for a crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for dinner or entertaining.

Ingredients

Chicken Thighs

  • 6 chicken thighs
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Cheese Mixture

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Toppings

  • 2 jalapeños, sliced

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking the chicken thighs thoroughly and evenly.
  2. Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and cooked, crumbled bacon. Mix well to create a creamy, flavorful filling.
  3. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry and season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavors during baking.
  4. Apply Cheese Mixture: Spread the cheese mixture evenly on top of the chicken thighs or stuff it underneath the skin if preferred for more infusion of flavors.
  5. Add Jalapeños: Arrange the sliced jalapeños on top of the cheese-covered chicken thighs to add a spicy kick. Remove seeds from jalapeños beforehand if you prefer milder heat.
  6. Drizzle with Olive Oil: Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken thighs to keep them moist and encourage browning in the oven.
  7. Bake the Chicken: Place the prepared chicken thighs on a baking sheet or in a baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through, the cheese is bubbly, and the surface is slightly golden.
  8. Serve Hot: Remove the chicken from the oven and serve immediately while hot to enjoy the best texture and flavors.

Notes

  • Remove jalapeño seeds to reduce the heat level if desired.
  • Add extra cheese on top before baking to create a crispy cheesy crust.
  • Ensure chicken thighs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be safely cooked.
  • Use thick-cut bacon for a more substantial texture and flavor.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American / Tex-Mex

Find it online: https://justsosweet.com/jalapeno-popper-chicken-thighs-recipe/