Smoked Jalapeño Popper Chicken Bombs

Imagine biting into a Smoked Jalapeño Popper Chicken Bomb 🌶️💣, where each layer is a discovery of flavors and textures. The outer layer of tender chicken, subtly smoked to perfection, encases a heart of fiery jalapeños, oozing with a rich, creamy cheese blend. The crunch of the crispy bacon wrap contrasts beautifully with the softness inside, making every bite irresistibly complex. What sets this dish apart is the balance of flavors; the smokiness of the chicken, the sharpness of the cheddar, the creaminess of the cream cheese, and that kick from the jalapeños all work together in perfect harmony. It's not just a meal; it's an experience that leaves you craving for more. Perfect for gatherings or a special family dinner, it's a dish that stands out for its bold flavors and textures, promising a memorable culinary adventure.
A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Updated on Sunday 24 November 2024
Smoked Jalapeño Popper Chicken Bombs on a plate
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Are you ready to impress your guests with a mouthwatering dish that combines smoky, spicy, and cheesy flavors in one bite? Look no further than our Smoked Jalapeño Popper Chicken Bombs. These delicious chicken bombs are perfect for BBQs, family gatherings, or any occasion where you want to serve something special. Packed with a flavorful filling and wrapped in bacon, these chicken bombs are sure to be a hit. Let's dive into the ingredients and get started on making this incredible dish!

Ingredients

To create these delectable Smoked Jalapeño Popper Chicken Bombs, you'll need the following ingredients:

  • 10 thin boneless skinless chicken breasts: These will serve as the base for your chicken bombs, providing a lean and tender texture.
  • 1 pound hot Italian sausage: Adds a spicy kick to the filling, balancing the creaminess of the cheeses.
  • 6 ounces cream cheese: This will help bind the filling together and add a rich, creamy texture.
  • 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese: Offers a bold, tangy flavor that complements the sausage and jalapeños.
  • ⅓ cup sliced green onions: Adds a touch of freshness and mild onion flavor to the filling.
  • 10 jalapeños: The star of the show, providing a spicy punch that is tempered by the creamy filling.
  • 36 ounces bacon (3 packs): Wraps around the chicken bombs, adding a smoky, savory flavor and crispy texture.
  • 2 tablespoons Slap Ya Mama Seasoning: A Cajun seasoning blend that adds depth and complexity to the chicken.
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper: Enhances the overall flavor with a touch of heat and earthiness.
  • BBQ sauce for brushing: Your favorite BBQ sauce will add a sweet and tangy glaze to the chicken bombs, balancing the flavors beautifully.

With these ingredients ready, you're all set to create a dish that will leave everyone craving more!

Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to create the perfect Smoked Jalapeño Popper Chicken Bombs:

1. Preheat the Smoker

Begin by preheating your smoker to 250°F. This temperature will ensure that the chicken bombs are infused with a rich, smoky flavor that enhances their overall taste.

2. Prepare the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the hot Italian sausage, cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are well incorporated. This savory mixture will be used to stuff the jalapeños, providing a flavorful core to the chicken bombs.

3. Prepare the Jalapeños

Next, prepare the jalapeños by cutting off their ends and slicing them lengthwise. Carefully remove the seeds and membranes to control the heat level. If you prefer a spicier kick, you can leave some seeds intact.

4. Stuff the Jalapeños

Take each jalapeño half and stuff it generously with the sausage and cheese mixture. Ensure that each jalapeño is packed tightly to prevent any filling from oozing out during the cooking process.

5. Season the Chicken Breasts

Lay out the thin boneless skinless chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Season them generously with Slap Ya Mama Seasoning and black pepper to add a robust flavor to the chicken.

6. Roll the Chicken Bombs

Place a stuffed jalapeño half on each seasoned chicken breast. Carefully roll the chicken breast around the jalapeño, creating a neat bundle. The chicken should fully encase the jalapeño and its stuffing.

7. Wrap with Bacon

Wrap each chicken bundle with strips of bacon, securing them in place with toothpicks. The bacon not only adds a smoky, savory flavor but also helps to keep the chicken bombs intact during cooking.

8. Smoke the Chicken Bombs

Place the assembled chicken bombs on the grill grates of your preheated smoker. Allow them to smoke for approximately 4 hours, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. The slow smoking process will impart a deep, smoky flavor and keep the chicken moist and tender.

9. Glaze with BBQ Sauce

As the chicken bombs near the end of their cooking time, brush them with your favorite BBQ sauce. This will add a sweet and tangy glaze that complements the smoky and spicy flavors. Continue smoking the chicken bombs for an additional 20-30 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize slightly.

10. Check for Doneness

Ensure that the chicken bombs reach an internal temperature of 165°F. This temperature is crucial for both safety and optimal juiciness. Once they are fully cooked, remove the chicken bombs from the smoker and discard the toothpicks before serving.

These steps will guide you to create the perfect Smoked Jalapeño Popper Chicken Bombs that are bursting with flavor and sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Serving and Storage Tips

Once you've prepared these tantalizing Smoked Jalapeño Popper Chicken Bombs, serve them hot off the smoker for the best experience. Pair them with your favorite sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Helpful Notes

For a milder version, you can substitute regular sausage for hot Italian sausage and reduce the amount of jalapeños used. Chef Gordon Ramsay recommends experimenting with different types of cheeses like smoked Gouda or pepper jack for a unique twist on this classic recipe. Remember to adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences and enjoy the process of creating these savory delights!

Jalapeño Chicken

Unleash a burst of smoky spice in your kitchen with our Smoked Jalapeño Popper Chicken Bombs. Each bite is a perfect harmony of creamy cheese, spicy jalapeños, and tender chicken, promising an unforgettable dining experience.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
240 Minutes
Total Time
270 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Dinners

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 10 Servings (10 chicken bombs)

Ingredients

01 10 thin boneless skinless chicken breasts.
02 1 pound hot Italian sausage.
03 6 ounces cream cheese.
04 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese.
05 ⅓ cup sliced green onions.
06 10 jalapeños.
07 36 ounces bacon (3 packs).
08 2 tablespoons Slap Ya Mama Seasoning.
09 1 tablespoon black pepper.
10 BBQ sauce for brushing.

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat your smoker to 250°F to infuse a rich smoky flavor into the chicken bombs.

Step 02

In a bowl, mix the hot Italian sausage, cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions. This will be the stuffing for the jalapeños.

Step 03

Prepare the jalapeños by cutting off the ends, slicing them lengthwise, and removing the seeds to adjust the heat.

Step 04

Fill each jalapeño half with the sausage and cheese mixture.

Step 05

Lay the thin chicken breasts on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Season them with Slap Ya Mama Seasoning and black pepper.

Step 06

Place a stuffed jalapeño on each chicken breast and roll them up.

Step 07

Wrap each chicken roll with bacon strips, securing with toothpicks.

Step 08

Place the chicken bombs on the smoker's grill grates and smoke for about 4 hours, turning them halfway through for even cooking.

Step 09

Brush the chicken bombs with BBQ sauce during the last 20-30 minutes of smoking to add a sweet and tangy glaze.

Step 10

Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 541
  • Total Fat: 41g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 5g
  • Protein: 31g