Description
Spicy smoked jalapeño popper chicken bombs combine creamy cheese and smoky heat in a delightful appetizer. Guests will savor the rich flavors and crave seconds at your next gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 10 thin boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 pound (454 grams) hot Italian sausage
- 36 ounces (1020 grams) bacon (3 packs)
Cheese and Dairy:
- 6 ounces (170 grams) cream cheese
- 1.5 cups (170 grams) sharp cheddar cheese
Seasonings and Produce:
- 10 jalapenos
- 1/3 cup (53 grams) sliced green onions
- 2 tablespoons Slap Ya Mama Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- BBQ sauce for brushing
Instructions
- Prepare the smoker at 250F to establish a robust, aromatic smoking environment for the chicken bombs.
- Combine hot Italian sausage, cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and green onions in a mixing bowl, creating a rich, flavorful stuffing mixture.
- Trim jalapeno ends, slice lengthwise, and meticulously remove seeds to control spice intensity.
- Generously fill each jalapeno half with the prepared sausage-cheese blend, ensuring complete coverage.
- Arrange chicken breasts on parchment-lined surface, generously seasoning with Slap Ya Mama and black pepper for enhanced flavor profile.
- Position a stuffed jalapeno at the edge of each chicken breast, carefully rolling to encase the filling completely.
- Envelop each chicken roll with bacon strips, securing tightly with toothpicks to maintain structural integrity.
- Transfer chicken bombs to smoker grates, allowing them to smoke for approximately 4 hours, rotating midway to guarantee uniform cooking and smoke penetration.
- During the final 20-30 minutes, liberally apply BBQ sauce, creating a caramelized, glossy exterior that adds complexity to the flavor.
- Verify internal temperature reaches 165F, ensuring both safety and optimal doneness before serving.
Notes
- Customize Heat Level By removing seeds and membranes from jalapeños, you can control the spiciness for sensitive palates or kids.
- Balance Flavors Choose a smoky BBQ sauce that complements the rich, creamy stuffing and enhances the overall taste profile.
- Prep Ahead Assemble chicken bombs a day before smoking to let flavors meld and simplify day-of cooking process.
- Alternative Cooking Methods When smoker isn’t available, bake chicken bombs in a 350F oven for 45-50 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Appetizer, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 39 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg