Spicy Raspberry Chipotle Bacon-Wrapped Chicken
Elevate your grilling game with this mouthwatering Spicy Raspberry Chipotle Bacon-Wrapped Chicken dish. Inspired by a delicious cookout experience, this recipe combines tender chicken breasts with creamy cheese and zesty jalapeños, all wrapped in crispy bacon and brushed with a sweet and spicy raspberry chipotle sauce. Perfect for summer barbecues or an impressive weeknight dinner, this dish promises a delightful explosion of flavors that both kids and adults will love.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless chicken breasts
6 (sliced in half lengthwise)
Jalapeno peppers
6 large (halved lengthwise and seeded)
Cream cheese
8 ounces (sliced into 12 equal pieces)
Bacon
12 slices (partially cooked)
Raspberry chipotle sauce
1/2 cup (for brushing)
Instructions
1
Preheat your grill over medium heat, preparing for direct grilling.
2
Partially cook the bacon in a skillet until it's slightly crispy but still pliable; then set aside to cool.
3
Take each boneless chicken breast and slice it in half lengthwise, creating thinner pieces for easier grilling.
4
Halve each jalapeño pepper, removing the seeds and veins to reduce the heat level (you can leave some seeds if you prefer more heat).
5
Cut the cream cheese into 12 equal pieces to fit perfectly into your wraps.
6
Layer each chicken half with a piece of cream cheese and a jalapeño half, cut side down. Carefully wrap each creation with a slice of partially cooked bacon and secure it with toothpicks to hold everything in place.
7
Place the wrapped chicken bundles on the grill, cooking over medium coals. Turn occasionally to ensure even cooking and brush generously with raspberry chipotle sauce as they grill.
8
Cook until the chicken is thoroughly done (internal temperature of 165°F) and the bacon is crispy, approximately 20-25 minutes. Remove from the grill, discard toothpicks, and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Raspberry Chipotle Bacon-Wrapped Chicken?
It is a grilled dish featuring chicken breasts stuffed with cream cheese and jalapeños, wrapped in bacon, and glazed with a sweet and spicy raspberry chipotle sauce.
How many chicken breasts are needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 boneless chicken breasts which are sliced in half to make 12 portions.
What is the best way to prepare the chicken?
You should slice each boneless chicken breast in half lengthwise to create thinner pieces that are easier to wrap and grill.
Do I need to precook the bacon?
Yes, the bacon should be partially cooked in a skillet until slightly crispy but still pliable before wrapping it around the chicken.
How do I prepare the jalapeños?
Halve the jalapeños lengthwise and remove the seeds and veins to reduce the heat level before stuffing.
What kind of cheese is used in the stuffing?
The recipe uses 8 ounces of cream cheese, cut into 12 equal pieces.
How do I keep the bacon-wrapped chicken together on the grill?
Secure the bacon and chicken bundles with toothpicks to hold everything in place during the grilling process.
What temperature should the grill be set to?
Preheat your grill over medium heat for direct grilling.
How do I apply the raspberry chipotle sauce?
Brush the sauce generously over the chicken bundles as they grill, turning them occasionally.
What is the safe internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is thoroughly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
How long does it take to grill the chicken bundles?
The cooking time is approximately 20-25 minutes depending on the heat of your coals.
Can I make this recipe less spicy?
Yes, ensure all seeds and veins are removed from the jalapeños to keep the heat mild.
Is this recipe suitable for a summer barbecue?
Absolutely, the combination of smoky bacon, grilled chicken, and sweet-spicy sauce makes it a perfect BBQ dish.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
By slicing 6 chicken breasts in half, the recipe provides 12 individual wrapped chicken pieces.
Should I remove the toothpicks before serving?
Yes, remove and discard the toothpicks once the chicken is cooked before serving to guests.
What makes the raspberry chipotle sauce special?
It provides a unique balance of sweetness from the raspberries and a smoky heat from the chipotle peppers.
Can I leave the seeds in the jalapeños?
You can leave some seeds in if you prefer a higher level of spice in your chicken wraps.
How do I ensure the bacon gets crispy?
Partially precooking the bacon and finishing it over medium heat on the grill helps achieve a crispy texture.
What ingredients are used in the glaze?
The primary glaze ingredient is 1/2 cup of raspberry chipotle sauce.
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Yes, it is designed to be a crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will enjoy.
How should I slice the cream cheese?
Cut the 8-ounce block into 12 equal rectangular pieces to fit inside the chicken and pepper halves.
Can I use different types of peppers?
While jalapeños are recommended, you could use mini sweet peppers for a completely mild version.
Should the chicken be skinless?
Yes, the recipe specifies boneless chicken breasts, which are typically skinless.
Do I grill with direct or indirect heat?
The instructions recommend preparing for direct grilling over medium coals.
How do I assemble the bundles?
Layer a chicken half with a piece of cream cheese and a jalapeño half, then wrap the bacon around them.
What should the jalapeño orientation be when wrapping?
Place the jalapeño half cut-side down over the cream cheese before wrapping.
Can I use a different sauce?
While raspberry chipotle is central to the flavor profile, you could substitute with a standard BBQ sauce if needed.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish features tender chicken, a creamy cheese center, a slight crunch from the pepper, and crispy bacon.
Is this a good recipe for weeknight dinners?
Yes, it is an impressive yet easy-to-follow recipe that works well for a weeknight meal.
What category of food does this fall under?
It is categorized as a main dish, specifically under grilled chicken and comfort food.