Chicken Stuffed Jalapeños
Ingredients:
- 12 fresh jalapeño peppers, cut in half lengthwise and seeded
- 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp salsa (mild, medium, or hot based on your preference)
- 1 ½ tsp cumin
- 1 ½ tsp chili powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken (use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with nonstick spray.
- Prepare the Jalapeños:
- Cut the jalapeños in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and membranes with a small spoon (wear gloves if possible to avoid irritation from the pepper oils).
- Make the Filling:
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, salsa, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
- Add the shredded chicken and fold it into the mixture, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
- Stuff the Jalapeños:
- Using a spoon, generously fill each jalapeño half with the chicken and cheese mixture. Press down slightly so the filling adheres well to the jalapeños.
- Bake the Stuffed Jalapeños:
- Place the stuffed jalapeño halves on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the jalapeños are tender, and the filling is bubbly and slightly browned on top.
- Serve:
- Remove the jalapeños from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Serve warm with additional salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for dipping, if desired.
Tips:
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder flavor, you can substitute mini bell peppers for jalapeños, or remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapeños.
- Shredded Chicken Option: If you don’t have leftover chicken, poach or roast a chicken breast and shred it, or use canned chicken as a quick alternative.
- Add Toppings: Top with crumbled bacon, diced green onions, or a sprinkle of cilantro for extra flavor.
This Chicken Stuffed Jalapeño recipe is great for parties, game days, or as a delicious low-carb snack! 🌶️