Smoky Cream Cheese & Chicken Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers
Indulge in a burst of flavor with these Smoky Cream Cheese & Chicken Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers! A delightful twist on the classic popper, these appetizers are filled with creamy Philadelphia cream cheese, tender grilled chicken, and the perfect heat from fresh jalapeños. Ideal for gatherings, game days, or just a cozy night in, these poppers vanish quickly, making them your new go-to dish. Your guests won't be able to resist asking for the recipe!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh jalapeños
12 (Frozen overnight, tops cut off, and seeds scraped out.)
Philadelphia Cream Cheese
6 ounces (Squeeze packages)
Precooked grilled fajita chicken strips
12 pieces (Shredded or cut to fit into jalapeños.)
Jalapeno cast iron holder for the grill
1 (For holding poppers while smoking.)
Instructions
1
The night before cooking, freeze the fresh jalapeños in a resealable bag.
2
Once frozen, remove the jalapeños from the bag, cut off the tops, and use a small spoon or knife to scrape out the seeds. This step is much easier when the jalapeños are frozen and reduces some of their heat.
3
Squeeze half a package of cream cheese into each jalapeño, filling them generously.
4
Insert a piece of grilled chicken strip into the cream cheese filling inside each jalapeño, ensuring it is snugly packed.
5
Arrange the stuffed jalapeños in a cast iron holder and place them in a preheated smoker.
6
Smoke the jalapeño poppers for approximately 45 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the cream cheese is bubbling.
7
Serve hot as a scrumptious appetizer, and enjoy the compliments!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Smoky Cream Cheese & Chicken Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers?
They are a flavorful appetizer consisting of fresh jalapeños stuffed with Philadelphia cream cheese and grilled chicken, then smoked until tender.
How do I prepare the jalapeños for this recipe?
Freeze the jalapeños overnight, then cut off the tops and scrape out the seeds with a small spoon or knife while they are still frozen.
Why should I freeze the jalapeños before cleaning them?
Freezing makes it much easier to scrape out the seeds and helps reduce some of the intense heat of the peppers.
What type of cream cheese is recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for Philadelphia Cream Cheese in squeeze packages.
How much chicken is needed for the poppers?
You will need 12 pieces of precooked grilled fajita chicken strips, shredded or cut to fit the peppers.
How long do the jalapeño poppers need to smoke?
They should be smoked for approximately 45 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the cream cheese is bubbling.
What equipment is required for cooking these poppers?
You will need a smoker and a jalapeño cast iron holder designed for the grill to keep the poppers upright.
How many jalapeños does this recipe use?
The recipe requires 12 fresh jalapeños.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
Is the chicken used in this recipe raw or cooked?
The recipe uses precooked grilled fajita chicken strips to ensure they are ready when the peppers are tender.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While Philadelphia cream cheese is recommended for its creaminess, you could experiment with other soft cheeses, though the flavor profile will change.
What is the best way to fill the jalapeños?
Squeeze the cream cheese generously into the cavity and then snugly pack a piece of chicken into the filling.
Are these poppers suitable for parties?
Yes, they are ideal for gatherings, game days, and cozy nights in as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
How do I know when the poppers are done cooking?
They are done when the jalapeños have reached a tender consistency and the cream cheese filling is bubbling.
Should these be served hot or cold?
They are best served hot immediately after being removed from the smoker.
Can I prepare the peppers ahead of time?
Yes, you can freeze and clean the peppers a day in advance as the recipe suggests.
Does the chicken need to be seasoned?
The recipe uses fajita-style chicken strips which typically come pre-seasoned, providing extra flavor.
Is there a way to make them less spicy?
Scraping out all the seeds and freezing the peppers beforehand are the two best methods for reducing the heat.
What if I don't have a cast iron jalapeño holder?
While the holder is recommended to keep them upright, you may use other grill-safe racks that can support the peppers.
How much cream cheese should I put in each pepper?
The recipe suggests using about half a squeeze package per jalapeño for a generous filling.
Can I use regular chicken breast instead of fajita strips?
Yes, as long as the chicken is grilled and precooked before being inserted into the peppers.
What smoker temperature should I use?
The smoker should be preheated; typically, a temperature around 225-250 degrees Fahrenheit is used for smoking appetizers like these.
Are these jalapeño poppers keto-friendly?
Based on the ingredients—peppers, cream cheese, and chicken—this recipe is naturally very low in carbohydrates.
Can I make these in an oven if I don't have a smoker?
Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven, though you will lose the distinct smoky flavor provided by the smoker.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are four main components: jalapeños, cream cheese, grilled chicken, and the cooking holder.
Is this a spicy dish?
It has some heat due to the jalapeños, but the cream cheese filling provides a cooling balance.
What is the primary flavor profile of this recipe?
The flavor profile is smoky, creamy, and savory with a mild to moderate spicy kick.
Can I use different types of peppers?
While jalapeños are standard, you could use mini sweet peppers for a non-spicy version.
Can I add bacon to this recipe?
While not in the original recipe, many people enjoy wrapping jalapeño poppers in bacon before smoking.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover poppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat them in the oven to maintain texture.