Crispy Smoked Jalapeno Popper Chicken Bombs Recipe To Try

Crafting a mouthwatering twist on classic appetizers, these smoked jalapeño popper chicken bombs deliver an explosive burst of flavor.

Tender chicken breasts cradle a creamy, spicy jalapeño popper filling that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Wrapped in crispy bacon and infused with smoky goodness, this recipe elevates game day snacks to a whole new level.

Each bite combines the rich, creamy texture of cream cheese with the sharp kick of fresh jalapeños.

The smoky char from the grill adds depth and complexity to every morsel.

Perfectly balanced between heat and comfort, these chicken bombs are sure to become your new favorite crowd-pleasing dish.

Prepare to unleash a flavor explosion that will have everyone begging for seconds.

Why Chicken Bombs Are a Smoky Delight

• Spice Up Your Cooking: Elevate your culinary skills with this bold, flavor-packed recipe that combines the heat of jalapeños with creamy, smoky chicken.
• Impress Guests Easily: Looks gourmet and complicated, but actually simple to prepare with straightforward steps and minimal kitchen expertise required.
• Perfect Party Pleaser: Offers a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish that's guaranteed to be a hit at barbecues, game days, and casual gatherings.
• Low-Maintenance Meal Prep: Minimal ingredients, one-pan cooking method, and simple rolling technique make this recipe surprisingly convenient for home cooks of all levels.

Ingredients for Jalapeño Popper Chicken Bombs

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender base for the recipe.
• Sausage: Savory and flavorful meat filling.
• Bacon: Crispy and smoky wrap for the chicken.

• Cream Cheese: Smooth and creamy binding ingredient.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese for extra flavor.

• Jalapeños: Spicy and green peppers for heat.
• Green Onions: Fresh and mild onion flavor.
• Cajun Seasoning, Black Pepper: Zesty and aromatic spice blend.
• BBQ Sauce: Sweet and tangy glaze for finishing.

• Parchment Paper: Non-stick surface for preparation.

Making Smoked Chicken Bombs Step-by-Step

Step 1: Fire Up the Smoker

Set your smoker to a steady 250 degrees F, preparing for a flavor-packed cooking adventure.

Step 2: Create Creamy Filling

• Ground sausage
• Cream cheese
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped green onions

Blend the ingredients until well incorporated.

Step 3: Prepare Jalapeño Peppers

Trim the ends of jalapeños, carefully slice them lengthwise, and remove all seeds.

These peppers will be your flavor bombs.

Step 4: Stuff and Season Chicken

Lay out chicken breasts on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning and freshly ground black pepper.

Generously fill each jalapeño half with the sausage mixture.

Step 5: Roll and Wrap

Place a stuffed jalapeño on each chicken breast.

Carefully roll the chicken around the pepper, creating a tight bundle.

Wrap each chicken bomb with bacon strips and secure with toothpicks.

Step 6: Smoke to Perfection

Transfer the chicken bombs to the smoker grates.

Cook for approximately 4 hours, turning them halfway through to ensure even smoking.

Step 7: Glaze and Finish

Brush the chicken bombs with your favorite BBQ sauce.

Continue smoking for an additional 20-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches a safe 165 degrees F.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Remove from the smoker, let the chicken bombs rest for a few minutes, then slice and serve these explosive flavor packages to eager guests.

Hot Tips for Jalapeño Chicken Bombs

• Remove seeds carefully to control heat level. Wear gloves to protect hands from spicy oils that can irritate skin.
• Stretch bacon slightly before wrapping to ensure even coverage and crispy texture around chicken bombs.
• Use a reliable meat thermometer to check internal chicken temperature precisely at 165 degrees F for safe consumption.
• Let chicken bombs rest for 5-10 minutes after smoking to help retain juices and prevent drying out.
• Choose thick-cut bacon for more robust taste and better structural support when wrapping chicken bombs.

Storing and Heating Chicken Bombs Later

• Store leftover chicken bombs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual chicken bombs tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag, which preserves quality for up to 2 months.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place chicken bombs on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, preventing dryness.
• Reheat individual chicken bombs on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to ensure even warming without losing moisture.

What to Pair with Chicken Bombs

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the rich, spicy flavors, balancing the smoky and creamy elements of the chicken bombs.
• Complement with Cool Beer: A light wheat beer or pale ale refreshes the palate, neutralizing the heat and matching the smoky bacon complexity.
• Match with Zesty Side Salad: Create a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a tangy contrast and lighten the dish's intense flavors.
• Enhance with Cooling Dip: Prepare a ranch or blue cheese dressing to temper the jalapeño's heat and add a creamy counterpoint to the smoky chicken.

Different Twists for Chicken Bombs

• Low-Carb Keto Version: Replace sausage with ground turkey or ground chicken, use full-fat cream cheese, and wrap in prosciutto instead of bacon for a lower-carb alternative.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap chicken with large portobello mushrooms, use plant-based cream cheese, and substitute bacon with smoked tempeh strips for a meat-free option.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure BBQ sauce is gluten-free, use toothpicks without any gluten-based coating, and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free before preparing.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Replace cream cheese with cashew cream, use dairy-free cheddar-style cheese, and select a dairy-free BBQ sauce to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals.

FAQs

• What are jalapeño popper chicken bombs?

A delicious fusion dish combining chicken breasts, stuffed jalapeños, sausage, cream cheese, and wrapped in crispy bacon, then smoked to perfection.

• Can I make this recipe in an oven instead of a smoker?

Yes, you can bake the chicken bombs in a preheated oven at 250 degrees F, following the same preparation and cooking time, though the smoky flavor will be slightly different.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level depends on the jalapeños used. Removing seeds reduces heat, but you can choose mild or hot peppers based on your preference.

• What type of sausage works best for this recipe?

Breakfast sausage or Italian sausage are excellent choices, providing additional flavor and richness to the chicken bombs.

Peppered Smoked Jalapeno Popper Chicken Bombs Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 10 1x

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Description

Spicy “smoked jalapeño popper chicken bombs” deliver explosive flavor combinations that dance across taste buds. Mexican-inspired culinary creativity meets smoky grilled perfection, promising fire-roasted jalapeños and creamy cheese wrapped in tender chicken for an unforgettable eating experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 10 thin boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 pound hot Italian sausage
• 36 ounces (1.02 kilograms) bacon (3 packs)

Cheese and Vegetable Components:

• 6 ounces (170 grams) cream cheese
• 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
• 10 jalapenos
• 1/3 cup sliced green onions

Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons Slap Ya Mama Seasoning
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• BBQ sauce for brushing

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Instructions

1. Prepare the smoker by heating it to a low and steady 250 degrees F, creating an ideal environment for slow-cooking the chicken bombs.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine ground sausage with softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and freshly chopped green onions to create a rich, savory filling.
3. Carefully trim the jalapeño peppers, slicing them lengthwise and meticulously removing all seeds to reduce excessive heat while maintaining pepper flavor.
4. Generously stuff each jalapeño half with the prepared sausage and cheese mixture, ensuring a full and even distribution.
5. Season chicken breasts with zesty Cajun seasoning and a sprinkle of black pepper, laying them flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Place the stuffed jalapeño peppers along the center of each chicken breast, then carefully roll the chicken around the pepper to create a compact bundle.
7. Wrap each chicken roll with bacon strips, securing the entire package with toothpicks to maintain its shape during smoking.
8. Transfer the chicken bombs directly onto the smoker’s grill grates, allowing them to cook slowly for approximately 4 hours, rotating once midway through the cooking process.
9. During the final 20-30 minutes of smoking, generously brush the chicken bombs with tangy BBQ sauce to add a caramelized exterior.
10. Verify doneness by checking that the internal temperature reaches a safe 165 degrees F, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and the flavors have melded perfectly.

Notes

• Pepper Prep Trick: Remove jalapeño seeds carefully under running water to minimize spice intensity and prevent skin irritation.
• Bacon Wrapping Technique: Stretch bacon slightly before wrapping to ensure complete chicken coverage and crispy texture.
• Temperature Monitoring: Use a reliable meat thermometer to accurately check internal chicken temperature, preventing overcooking and maintaining juiciness.
• Make-Ahead Option: Assemble chicken bombs up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld before smoking.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Appetizer, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Smoking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 10
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg