Island-Style Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Chicken
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean with this Island-Style Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Chicken. Each succulent, marinated chicken breast is expertly wrapped around spicy jalapeño halves filled with creamy cheese, then enveloped in crispy bacon for an unforgettable taste sensation. Perfectly grilled to juicy perfection, this dish is an ideal centerpiece for a tropical-themed dinner or a casual outdoor gathering. Pair it with a side of spicy rice for a delightful touch that will transport your taste buds straight to the shores of the tropics!
6
Servings
250
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken breasts
6 (boneless and skinless, pounded to 1/4 inch thickness)
Italian dressing
1 (16 ounce) bottle (use fat-free to cut calories)
Jalapeño peppers
3 (fresh, halved lengthwise, and seeded)
Cream cheese
3 ounces (soft, low-fat)
Bacon
6 slices (for wrapping)
Instructions
1
In a large dish, place the chicken breasts and pour the Italian dressing over them. Ensure all pieces are well coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for deeper flavor.
2
Preheat your grill to high heat, ensuring a clean grate for optimal grilling.
3
Prepare the jalapeño peppers by cutting them in half lengthwise and removing the seeds. Carefully stuff each jalapeño half with the soft cream cheese until filled.
4
Take each marinated chicken breast and wrap it around a stuffed jalapeño half, ensuring the jalapeño is completely enclosed. Then, wrap a slice of bacon around the chicken, securing it with toothpicks to hold everything together.
5
Once the grill is hot, lightly oil the grate to prevent sticking. Arrange the wrapped chicken breasts onto the grill and cook for approximately 20 minutes, turning frequently to ensure even cooking. The chicken is done when the juices run clear and the bacon is crispy and browned.
6
Remove the chicken from the grill, let it rest for a few minutes, then carefully remove the toothpicks before serving. Enjoy your tropical feast!
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
5g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Island-Style Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Chicken?
It is a Caribbean-inspired dish featuring marinated chicken breasts stuffed with cream-cheese-filled jalapeños and wrapped in crispy bacon.
What ingredients are required for this recipe?
You will need 6 chicken breasts, 16 ounces of Italian dressing, 3 jalapeño peppers, 3 ounces of cream cheese, and 6 slices of bacon.
How long should the chicken marinate?
The chicken should marinate for at least 2 hours, though overnight is preferred for a deeper flavor profile.
What type of dressing is used as a marinade?
The recipe calls for one 16-ounce bottle of Italian dressing, specifically suggesting fat-free to reduce calories.
How do I prepare the jalapeño peppers?
Cut the jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove the seeds before stuffing them with cream cheese.
What kind of cheese is used for the filling?
The recipe uses 3 ounces of soft, low-fat cream cheese.
How thin should the chicken breasts be?
The chicken breasts should be boneless and skinless, pounded to a thickness of approximately 1/4 inch.
How do I assemble the chicken rolls?
Wrap a marinated chicken breast around a stuffed jalapeño half, then wrap a slice of bacon around the chicken and secure it with toothpicks.
What grill temperature is recommended?
You should preheat your grill to high heat.
How long does the chicken need to cook on the grill?
The chicken should be grilled for approximately 20 minutes.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when the juices run clear and the bacon has become crispy and browned.
Should I turn the chicken while grilling?
Yes, you should turn the chicken frequently to ensure even cooking on all sides.
How can I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?
Once the grill is hot, lightly oil the grate before arranging the chicken breasts on it.
Should I let the chicken rest after cooking?
Yes, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before removing the toothpicks and serving.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to provide 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 250 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 20 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 15 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What should I serve with this chicken?
The recipe suggests pairing the chicken with a side of spicy rice for a complete tropical meal.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
Yes, the use of jalapeño peppers adds a spicy kick, though removing the seeds helps manage the heat level.
How many jalapeño peppers do I need to buy?
You will need 3 fresh jalapeño peppers, which will be halved to create 6 portions.
Can I use regular Italian dressing?
Yes, while fat-free is suggested for health reasons, regular Italian dressing will work perfectly for flavor.
What category does this recipe belong to?
This recipe is categorized under Chicken Breast dishes.
What are the primary flavor tags for this recipe?
Tags include caribbean, spicy, tropical, grilled, and bacon-wrapped.
Is there any fiber in this recipe?
No fiber content is listed for this specific recipe.
How many slices of bacon are needed?
You will need 6 slices of bacon, one for each chicken breast.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to place the chicken in a dish and coat it with Italian dressing to marinate.
Do I need any special tools for this recipe?
You will need a grill and toothpicks to secure the bacon and chicken.
Is this dish suitable for outdoor gatherings?
Yes, it is described as an ideal centerpiece for a tropical-themed dinner or casual outdoor gathering.