Love jalapeno poppers? Then you’ll love this quick and easy Jalapeno Popper Chicken. It has all of the flavors of those poppers, but there is no deep frying necessary, and the dish is actually quite elegant. The browned chicken breasts are covered with crisp bacon, spread with a three cheese mixture with jalapeno peppers and a little onion, and topped with crisp bread crumbs and more cheese. The dish can be assembled in 20-30 minutes, and while the chicken is baking, you can be making salad, vegetables or other accompaniments.

The Official Hancock Tasters have decided that this is now a new favorite dish, and have used adjectives like “amazing,” “delicious,” and “incredible.” Even Mr. Picky decided it was edible. This yummy chicken goes well with a green salad, steamed vegetables, and freshly baked bread (from the bakery if you’re in a hurry). It's the perfect dish to use up the jalapeno peppers that are still in the garden, but if there aren’t any, fresh jalapenos are always available at the store.

8 Servings

6 ounces bacon, (6 slices)

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast halves, (about 4 medium)
Freshly ground black pepper

1 8 oz. package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup light mayonnaise
1/4 to 1/2 cup fresh jalapeno peppers, finely chopped
1/4 cup dehydrated onion flakes
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Topping:
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese

1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Cut the bacon into 1/2" pieces; cook them until very crisp in a large skillet.
3. Remove from the skillet to drain.
4. Trim the chicken breasts of all fat or veins; slice them horizontally making two cutlets from each breast.
5. Turn the heat under the skillet to high; add the chicken breast pieces, and brown on each side (the chicken will not be cooked through).
6. Place the chicken breasts in a casserole dish that will accommodate them in a single layer (9 x 13" or equivalent).
7. Sprinkle them with pepper and the cooked bacon.
8. Mix the cream cheese, mayonnaise, jalapeno peppers, onion flakes, and the 1 cup cheddar cheese and 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
9. Spread the mixture over the chicken and bacon.
10. Sprinkle the bread crumbs evenly over the mixture, then sprinkle with the cheeses.
11. Bake 35-45 minutes or until the sides are bubbly and the cheeses are melted.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 507 Calories from Fat 298
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 59% Protein 33% Carb. 8%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 33 g
Saturated Fat 16 g
Cholesterol 145 mg
Sodium 710 mg
Total Carbohydrate 11 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 42 g

Vitamin A 25% Vitamin C 26% Calcium 0% Iron 11%