Grilled Jalapeño Chicken Wrapped in Bacon
Recipe Description
This Grilled Jalapeño Chicken is the perfect blend of spicy, creamy, and smoky flavors, all beautifully balanced in one delicious meal. In this easy-to-follow recipe, boneless chicken breasts are marinated, then wrapped around cheese-stuffed jalapeños, sealed with crispy bacon, and grilled to perfection. The result is a juicy, flavorful chicken dish that’s sure to impress. This recipe is perfect for a summer barbecue or a cozy family dinner. If you’d prefer to bake it, we’ve got you covered with an oven alternative as well.
Ingredients and Nutritional Information
| Ingredient | Quantity | Nutritional Info per Serving (441.8 kcal per serving) |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 6 pieces | Protein: 27.2g |
| Jalapeño peppers | 6 | Carbohydrate: 9g |
| Cream cheese | 3 oz | Fat: 33g, Saturated Fat: 8g |
| Bacon | 6 slices | Cholesterol: 96.6mg |
| Italian dressing (for marinade) | 1 cup | Sodium: 1021.3mg, Sugar: 7g |
| Water (for boiling jalapeños) | As needed | Fiber: 0.2g |
Recipe Details
- Servings: 6
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Chicken Breast
- Keywords: Chicken, Poultry, Meat, Very Low Carbs, < 60 Mins
Instructions
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Marinate the Chicken: In a sealable plastic bag, pour the Italian dressing over the chicken breasts. Seal the bag, massage to coat evenly, and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for 2 to 4 hours. This step infuses the chicken with a delightful mix of herbs and tanginess. |
| 2 | Prepare the Jalapeños: Bring a small saucepan of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the whole jalapeño peppers. Allow them to return to a boil, then immediately shut off the heat. Let the jalapeños sit in the hot water for 5 to 10 minutes to soften slightly. |
| 3 | Drain and Prepare Jalapeños for Stuffing: Pour off the water, and lay the softened jalapeños on a paper towel to drain and cool. Once they’re cool enough to handle, slice each jalapeño lengthwise (if you like, you can remove the seeds for a milder spice). Using a small spoon, stuff each jalapeño with cream cheese until filled but not overflowing. |
| 4 | Prepare the Chicken: Take the chicken breasts out of the marinade and discard any remaining dressing. Flatten each breast if necessary, making them easier to wrap. |
| 5 | Wrap Chicken Around Stuffed Jalapeños: Place a stuffed jalapeño near one edge of each chicken breast. Roll the chicken around the pepper, encasing it completely. Then, wrap each rolled chicken breast with a slice of bacon, securing the ends with toothpicks. |
| 6 | Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F to 400°F). Lightly oil the grill grate to prevent sticking. |
| 7 | Grill the Chicken: Arrange the bacon-wrapped chicken rolls on the hot grill. Cook for about 20 minutes, turning frequently to ensure even browning. The chicken is done when the bacon is browned and crispy, and the chicken juices run clear. |
| 8 | Alternative Baking Method: If you prefer, preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the chicken rolls on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the chicken juices run clear and the bacon is crispy. This alternative yields equally tasty results! |
| 9 | Serve and Enjoy: Remove the toothpicks before serving and enjoy this irresistible combination of creamy, spicy, and smoky flavors! This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh garden salad, grilled vegetables, or a light coleslaw. |
Tips for Success
- Adjusting Spice Level: For a milder dish, remove the seeds from the jalapeños before stuffing them with cream cheese. If you enjoy a spicier bite, keep the seeds in.
- Cream Cheese Variations: Try flavored cream cheeses for extra depth of flavor, like chive, garlic, or even jalapeño-flavored cream cheese for double the heat.
- Bacon Tips: Thin-sliced bacon crisps up best on the grill, but you may need to use thicker bacon if baking to prevent over-crisping.
Additional Notes
This Grilled Jalapeño Chicken is truly a crowd-pleaser, combining the spice of jalapeños, the creaminess of cheese, and the savory crunch of bacon. Perfect for outdoor grilling but versatile enough to make in the oven, this dish makes any meal feel special.
