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Smoked Jalapeño Popper Chicken Bombs

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These Smoked Jalapeño Popper Chicken Bombs are an explosion of flavor! Creamy, spicy, and smoky, they combine tender chicken, spicy jalapeños, and crispy bacon, making them a hit at any BBQ or dinner. A fun and delicious way to enjoy a smoky twist on the classic jalapeño popper.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large chicken breasts
  • 4 large jalapeños, halved and seeded
  • 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 8 slices of bacon
  • BBQ sauce (optional, for glazing)
  • Toothpicks or butcher’s twine
  • Wood chips (optional, for extra smoke flavor)

Instructions

  • Prepare the Chicken:
    Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create thinner pieces. Pound the pieces gently with a meat mallet to an even thickness.
  • Make the Filling:
    In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder until smooth.
  • Fill the Jalapeños:
    Fill each jalapeño half with the cream cheese mixture.
  • Assemble the Bombs:
    Place a stuffed jalapeño half on one side of a chicken piece and roll it tightly to enclose the jalapeño. Wrap each chicken roll with a slice of bacon, securing it with toothpicks or butcher’s twine.
  • Season the Chicken:
    Sprinkle the wrapped chicken bombs with salt, black pepper, and an extra pinch of smoked paprika for added flavor.
  • Smoke the Bombs:
    Preheat your smoker to 250°F (120°C). Add wood chips for extra flavor if desired.
    Place the chicken bombs on the smoker grates, seam-side down, and smoke for 2–2.5 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the bacon is crispy.
  • Optional BBQ Glaze:
    During the last 15 minutes of smoking, brush the bombs with BBQ sauce for a sticky, caramelized finish.
  • Serve:
    Remove the toothpicks or twine before serving. Serve hot with your favorite sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or a green salad.

Notes

  • For an extra smoky flavor, use hickory or applewood chips in the smoker.
  • You can add a little more heat by leaving some seeds in the jalapeños.
  • These can be made ahead of time and frozen before smoking; just thaw before cooking.

Nutrition