Stuffed Jalapenos with Chicken and Cheese

The perfect combination of spicy and savory! These Stuffed Jalapenos with Chicken and Cheese are filled with shredded cheese, creamy cheese and melted cheese. These stuffed peppers are perfect as an appetizer, party dish or snack.

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 1 lb cooked breast of chicken, shredded (about two breasts).
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon of onion powder
• Paprika, 1 tablespoon
• Cumin 1 teaspoon
• To taste: salt and pepper

Jalapenos are a spicy pepper.

• 10-12 jalapeno fresh peppers (halved, seeded).
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil (for brushing).
• Optional: 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese shredded (for topping).

Garnish

• Chop fresh cilantro or parsley (optional).

Instructions:

1. Prepare the chicken filling:

• Combine the chicken shreds, cream cheese and shredded cheeses (cheddar, mozzarella, paprika) in a large mixing bowl. Add the garlic powder, onion, cumin, paprika powder, and salt. Mix well until creamy. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Jalapenos

• Preheat your oven to 375degF.
• Remove the membranes and seeds by carefully cutting the jalapenos lengthways. Remove more membrane if you want less heat. To avoid irritation, wear gloves when handling jalapenos.
• Place the jalapeno halves onto a baking tray lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper.

3. Fill the Jalapenos with Stuff:

• Fill each half of the jalapeno with the mixture, and gently press the filling into place. Fill each pepper with the mixture.

4. Bake the Stuffed Jalapenos

• To help the jalapenos crisp up while baking, brush them with olive oil.
• Sprinkle a little Parmesan on the stuffed peppers for an extra layer of flavor and to give them a golden crust.
• Bake for 20-25 mins in a preheated oven or until the cheese has melted and the jalapenos have become tender. You can broil the tops for 2-3 extra minutes after baking if you want them to be extra crispy.

5. Serve:

• After removing the jalapenos stuffed with cheese from the oven, let them cool down a little before serving.
• If desired, garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.
• Enjoy!

Tip and variations:

• Grill Option: To add a smoky taste, grill the jalapenos rather than baking them. Place the stuffed peppers onto the grill and cook them for 10-12 minutes or until they are tender and slightly charred.
• Add some heat: To add more heat, you can leave some seeds and membranes on the jalapenos. You can also add some fresh chopped chili peppers. You can drizzle hot sauce on top of the peppers after they are finished.
• Try out different combinations of cheese! Pepper Jack cheese will add extra spice to your filling, while goat cheese will add a creamy and tangy taste.
• Add bacon: To add a smoky and savory touch, sprinkle the crumbled smoked bacon over the jalapenos stuffed with the filling before baking, or mix it in.
• Vegetarian option: For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken for black beans or a mixture of sauteed vegetables such as mushrooms, onions and bell peppers.
• You can make these stuffed jalapenos ahead of time. Store them in the fridge until you are ready to bake. When you are ready to serve, bake them according to the instructions.

Nutritional Information per stuffed jalapeno (based on 12 peppers).

Note: The nutritional values listed are approximations and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

• Calories: ~100 per stuffed jalapeno
• Protein: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 250mg

Why you’ll love these chicken and cheese stuffed jalapenos

These Chicken and Cheese Stuffed Jalapenos have the perfect blend of creamy goodness and a spicy kick. They’re a great appetizer, snack or side dish for any meal. These are easy to make, can be customized to your taste, and have delicious flavors everyone will enjoy!