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Get ready for the ultimate low-carb comfort food with this Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Popper Chicken! Each juicy chicken breast is stuffed with a spicy cream cheese filling, wrapped in crispy bacon, and baked until golden perfection. Topped with cool cilantro-lime crema, fresh tomatoes, and herbs, this keto-friendly dinner packs all the flavors of your favorite appetizer into one amazing meal. With just 5 net carbs per serving and easy prep steps, this crowd-pleasing chicken dish will have everyone fighting for seconds!
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In This Post
- 🥘Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Popper Chicken Ingredient Notes
- 🔪How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Popper Chicken
- Storing and Reheating Your Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Popper Chicken
- 💭My Recipe Tips
- FAQ about Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Popper Chicken
- 🍽️Serving Suggestions
- More Delicious Jalapeno Popper Inspired Recipes...
- Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Popper Chicken
- Food safety
Why You'll Love This Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Popper Chicken
- Keto Comfort Food At Its Finest: Experience all the flavors of classic jalapeño poppers transformed into a complete meal! With tender chicken, spicy cream cheese filling, and crispy bacon, each serving delivers amazing flavor while keeping carbs to just 5g net. Perfect for satisfying those comfort food cravings without breaking your keto lifestyle.
- Easy Yet Impressive: Don't let the fancy presentation fool you - this recipe is surprisingly simple to make! With step-by-step instructions and common ingredients, you can create a restaurant-worthy dinner that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen (but really only takes about 45 minutes).
- Versatile Family Favorite: Whether you're strictly keto or just love good food, this recipe pleases everyone at the table. The heat level is customizable, the components can be prepped ahead, and it's fancy enough for company but easy enough for weeknight dinners.
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Popper Chicken: When Comfort Food Goes Low-Carb! 🥓🌶️
Y'all, let me tell you about how this recipe was born from a bit of loving husband sass!
So there I was, probably turning yet another dish into mac and cheese (it's my superpower, okay?), when my husband started teasing me about needing "Mac and Cheese Anonymous" because of my obsession. Challenge accepted, mister! I told him I could work my magic with other foods, too, and asked what his favorite dish was.
"Jalapeno poppers," he said, not missing a beat.
Game. On.
First, I created Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Popper Mini Meatloaves (which were a hit!), but I knew my chicken-loving crowd needed their own version. That's how this keto-friendly masterpiece was born - tender chicken breasts stuffed with spicy cream cheese filling, wrapped in crispy bacon and baked to golden perfection.
And guess what? This recipe has stayed at the top of his favorites list ever since! Even better? When I transitioned to a low-carb lifestyle, I didn't have to change a single thing about this recipe. It was already perfectly keto-friendly, with just 5 net carbs per serving!
What makes this Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Popper Chicken truly special is how it brings everyone to the table, no matter their dietary preferences. In a world where feeding a group can feel like navigating a dietary minefield, this dish is a great unifier. The chicken lovers, the bacon enthusiasts, the spice seekers, and the keto followers - everyone gets exactly what they want!
Pro tip: Make extra cilantro-lime crema - trust me, people will want to put it on everything! The cool, creamy sauce perfectly balances the spicy jalapenos and smoky bacon. It's that extra touch that takes this from "dinner" to "dinner they'll be talking about for weeks"!
🍽️✨ Don't forget to share your delightful creations with us on Instagram using #BobbisKozyKitchen for a chance to be featured in our newsletter! 📸
🥘Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Popper Chicken Ingredient Notes
Here, I explain the best ingredients for my Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Popper Chicken recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For the exact measurements, see the recipe card below.
- Cream Cheese: This creates a creamy, tangy base for our filling. Use full-fat cream cheese for best results. Substitution: Neufchâtel cheese can work but may be slightly less creamy.
- Shredded Cheese: Adds extra flavor and melty goodness to the filling. Substitution: Any melting cheese works - cheddar, Mexican blend, or pepper jack for extra heat.
- Jalapeños: Provides that classic popper heat and flavor. Substitution: Adjust the amount for the desired heat level. You can use canned/jarred jalapeños in a pinch.
- Mexican Seasoning: Enhances the Southwestern flavors.
- Substitution: Taco seasoning or a blend of cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder.
- Ranch Dressing Mix: Adds depth and tangy flavor to the filling. Substitution: Homemade ranch seasoning blend.
- Chicken Breasts: The base of our dish. Use similarly sized breasts for even cooking. Substitution: Chicken thighs can work but require different cooking times.
- Bacon: Wraps everything in smoky goodness. Substitution: I have not tried any alternative. You can omit it if you do not have bacon.
- Cilantro Lime Crema: Adds fresh, cooling contrast. Substitution: You can use plain sour cream in a pinch.
The printable recipe card at the bottom of the page contains a detailed list of measurements and instructions.
🔪How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Popper Chicken
I have included a few step-by-step photos to help you visualize the recipe. The recipe card below provides the full instructions, including amounts and temperatures.
Place the cubed cream cheese, shredded cheese, jalapeno, Mexican seasoning, ranch dressing mix, salt, and pepper into a food processor.
Place the chicken breast into a zipper-top plastic bag and pound to between a quarter-inch and half-inch thickness.
Place 1/4 of the creamed cheese mixture in the center of a chicken breast
Starting at one end of the stuffed chicken breasts, wrap a slice of bacon around it, and then pick up another slice of bacon where the last slice ends.
Storing and Reheating Your Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Popper Chicken
Storage Instructions:
- Cooling:
- Let chicken cool completely before storing
- Don't leave out at room temperature for more than 2 hours
- Refrigerator Storage:
- Store in an airtight container
- Keeps fresh for 3-4 days
- Store cilantro lime crema separately
- Keep fresh toppings separate until serving
- Freezer Storage:
- Can be frozen before cooking:
- Wrap each prepared (but uncooked) chicken breast individually
- Freeze for up to 3 months
- Thaw completely before cooking
- Not recommended to freeze after cooking (cream cheese filling texture changes)
- Can be frozen before cooking:
Reheating Instructions:
- From Refrigerated:
- Oven Method (Best):
- Preheat oven to 350°F
- Place chicken in baking dish
- Cover with foil
- Heat for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through
- Broil for 1-2 minutes to re-crisp bacon if desired
- Microwave Method (Quick):
- Use 50% power
- Heat in 30-second intervals
- Not recommended (bacon won't stay crispy)
- Oven Method (Best):
Pro Tips:
- Add fresh toppings after reheating
- Make fresh cilantro lime crema for leftovers
- Let refrigerated chicken come to room temperature for 10 minutes before reheating
- Always check internal temperature reaches 165°F when reheating
💭My Recipe Tips
1. Perfect Your Chicken Prep When pounding the chicken breasts, aim for even thickness throughout. This ensures consistent cooking and makes rolling easier. A gallon-size zip bag or plastic wrap prevents mess and protects your counters.
2. Cream Cheese Success Let your cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing the filling. This ensures smooth blending and prevents lumps. If you forgot, cut it into small cubes to speed up the process.
3. Bacon Wrapping Technique Start wrapping from the end where the chicken is rolled to help keep it sealed. Stretch the bacon slightly as you wrap - it'll shrink during cooking and hold everything together better.
4. Rack Position Matters Using a rack on your baking sheet is crucial! It keeps the chicken elevated so the bacon can crisp all around and prevents the bottom from getting soggy.
5. Temperature Testing Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken (not the filling) - it should read 165°F. This prevents overcooking while ensuring food safety.
6. Jalapeño Heat Control For milder heat, remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapeños. For more heat, leave some in. You can also adjust the amount of jalapeños to your preference.
7. Make-Ahead Magic You can prepare these up to 24 hours ahead - just wrap them tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake. Perfect for entertaining or getting ahead on dinner prep!
FAQ about Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Popper Chicken
This usually happens if the chicken isn't rolled tightly enough or if there are thin spots in the chicken. Make sure to pound the chicken evenly and roll it tightly around the filling. The bacon wrap should also be snug to help seal everything in. You can also place the prepared chicken into the fridge for 20 minutes to chill the filling.
Absolutely! Control the heat level by removing all seeds and membranes from the jalapeños, using fewer jalapeños, or substituting with mild green chiles. The cool cilantro lime crema also helps balance any heat.
While chicken breasts are ideal for rolling, you can use butterflied chicken thighs. They'll need less pounding but might require adjusted cooking times. Make sure they're large enough to contain the filling.
🍽️Serving Suggestions
1. Low-Carb Veggie Sides
Balance the rich chicken with fresh vegetables:
- Roasted asparagus
- Cilantro lime cauliflower rice
- Garlic sautéed green beans
- Mexican-style roasted broccoli
2. Fresh & Cool Accompaniments
Counter the spicy chicken with cooling sides:
- Avocado, tomato, and corn salad
- Low-carb Mexican street corn salad
- Fresh cucumber salad
- Extra cilantro lime crema for dipping
3. Keto-Friendly Comfort Sides
Make it a hearty meal:
- Loaded cauliflower casserole
- Cheesy Brussels sprouts gratin
- Mexican cauliflower rice
- Sautéed peppers and onions
4. Party Presentation
For entertaining:
- Slice chicken and arrange it on a platter
- Variety of low-carb sauces
- Mexican-inspired veggie tray
- Keto jalapeño poppers (double the theme!)
5. Quick Weeknight Pairings
Easy sides for busy nights:
- Simple side salad
- Steamed broccoli
- Zucchini noodles
- Riced cauliflower
6. Fiesta Style
Create a Mexican-inspired spread:
- Guacamole
- Fresh pico de gallo
- Low-carb tortilla chips
- Strawberry Jalapeno Salsa (for a touch of sweet)
7. Fresh Toppings Bar
Let everyone customize:
- Extra jalapeños
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced avocado
- Mexican crema
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
More Delicious Jalapeno Popper Inspired Recipes...
Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Popper Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 ounces cream cheese cut into cubes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 to 1 whole jalapeno pepper minced seeds removed, and rough chopped
- 1 tsp Mexican seasoning blend
- 1 tbsp ranch dressing mix
- 1/2 tsp pink salt plus more for seasoning the chicken
- 1/4 tsp fresh cracked black pepper plus more for seasoning the chicken
- 4 6-ounce boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices thin sliced bacon
- Cilantro Lime Crema
- Fresh cilantro chopped
- Roma tomato chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Place a metal cooling rack on a baking sheet.
- Place the cubed cream cheese, shredded cheese, jalapeno, Mexican seasoning, ranch dressing mix, salt, and pepper into a food processor. Pulse until the mixture comes together.
- Place a chicken breast into a gallon size zipper-top plastic bag and use a meat mallet, or rolling pin, to pound the chicken breast out to between a quarter-inch and half-inch thickness. *See Notes
- Place 1/4 of the creamed cheese mixture in the center of a chicken breast and carefully roll it up around the mixture making sure that the cheese mixture is completely covered by the chicken.
- Repeat with the remaining chicken breasts.
- Season each stuffed breast with salt and pepper.
- Starting at one end of the stuffed chicken breasts, wrap a slice of bacon around it and then another slice of bacon picking up where the last slice ended. You can secure the stuffed breasts with toothpicks if necessary.
- Place each stuffed breast on the rack on the baking sheet making sure to leave space between them.
- Place the baking rack in the oven and cook for 30 minutes.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and raise the oven rack to the upper portion of the oven.
- Carefully broil the stuffed chicken breasts until the bacon begins to crisp, about 2 to 4 minutes. *See Notes
- Drizzle the stuffed breasts with the cilantro lime crema and top with chopped cilantro and tomatoes (optional).
Notes
Disclaimer
Most of my recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs will not be included as it has a glycemic index of 0 (meaning it does not spike blood sugar) and it’s not metabolized. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.
Nutrition
Food safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
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