Smoked Jalapeño Popper Chicken Bombs Recipe

Get ready to elevate your cookout game with these irresistible Smoked Jalapeño Popper Chicken Bombs! Packed with a mouthwatering combination of hot Italian sausage, cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and fresh jalapeños, these bacon-wrapped chicken bombs are a flavor explosion waiting to happen on your grill. The magic truly happens as the cheesy, spicy goodness seeps into the succulent chicken while it smokes to perfection.

I initially whipped up these Smoked Jalapeño Popper Chicken Bombs as a last-minute alternative to burgers on a crowded grill, and they quickly became a favorite among my friends and family. The crispy bacon exterior gives way to juicy, flavorful insides that never fail to impress. Whether it’s a summer barbecue or a cozy winter gathering, these chicken bombs are sure to steal the show and leave everyone coming back for more. Don’t be surprised if they become a requested menu item at all your future get-togethers!

Quick Benefits

• Creates a smoky, spicy, and flavorful dish that is a crowd-pleaser at any cookout or party
• The bacon wrapping seals in juiciness while crisping up on the outside, providing a delicious contrast in texture
• Offers versatility with ingredient swaps to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences
• Can be prepared ahead of time and frozen for future meals, making it a convenient option for busy days

Why You’ll Love This Smoked Jalapeño Popper Chicken Bombs Recipe Recipe

• Innovative Twist: Combining the flavors of jalapeño poppers with juicy chicken and crispy bacon creates a unique and delicious dish that is sure to impress your guests.
• Perfect for Gatherings: This recipe is a crowd-pleaser that will turn any cookout into a memorable event, making it perfect for parties, game days, or family gatherings.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids will love getting involved in the cooking process by helping to wrap the chicken bombs, creating a fun and interactive experience for the whole family.
• Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe to suit your preferences by adjusting the level of spiciness, swapping out ingredients, or changing up the filling based on the season.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare these chicken bombs ahead of time and freeze them, making it a convenient option for busy days or planned events.
• Celebration Favorite: This dish has become a beloved tradition for some families, making it a perfect choice for special occasions or holiday gatherings.
• Mouthwatering Presentation: Slicing the chicken bombs into rounds and serving them with extra BBQ sauce and fresh green onions on top creates a visually appealing and appetizing dish.

Ingredients for Smoked Jalapeño Popper Chicken Bombs Recipe

Meat and Poultry

• 4 thin-sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 pound hot Italian sausage
• 12-16 slices standard-cut bacon

Dairy

• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 4 green onions, chopped
• 4-6 fresh jalapeños, halved and deseeded

Seasonings and Sauces

• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Slap Ya Mama Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce, for brushing

Pro Tips for Smoked Jalapeño Popper Chicken Bombs Recipe

Pro tip #1: For an extra flavorful twist, try incorporating different types of cheese like smoked gouda or pepper jack into the cream cheese mixture. This will add depth to the filling and enhance the smoky notes of the dish.

Pro tip #2: To save time, you can prep the chicken bombs ahead of your cookout by wrapping them individually and freezing them. This way, you can easily thaw and smoke them fresh whenever you need a delicious party-worthy meal without the last-minute prep.

Pro tip #3: Lightly pounding the chicken breasts with a mallet not only ensures they are thin and pliable for rolling but also helps tenderize the meat. This step will result in more evenly cooked and juicy chicken bombs.

How to Make Smoked Jalapeño Popper Chicken Bombs Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Smoker

Preheat smoker to 250°F using hickory or applewood chips for best flavor.

Step 2: Prepare Filling

Mix hot Italian sausage, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and chopped green onions in a bowl until well combined.

Step 3: Stuff Jalapeños

Cut jalapeños in half lengthwise, remove seeds, fill each half with sausage-cheese mixture, and press halves together.

Step 4: Assemble Rolls

Flatten chicken breasts and season with Cajun seasoning and black pepper. Stuff a jalapeño in the center of each breast, roll up tightly, and wrap with 3-4 bacon slices. Secure rolls with toothpicks.

Step 5: Smoke Chicken Bombs

Place the assembled chicken bombs on smoker grates. Smoke at 250°F for 4 hours, flipping them once halfway through cooking time.

Step 6: Glaze and Finish

In the last 20-30 minutes, brush each chicken bomb with barbecue sauce and smoke until the internal temperature is 165°F and bacon is crispy.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Take out from the smoker and allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Storage Tips

To store the finished Smoked Jalapeño Popper Chicken Bombs, allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container in the refrigerator. These chicken bombs can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, it is recommended to place them in a hot oven to ensure the bacon crisps back up; avoid using the microwave as it can make the bacon rubbery. For longer storage, you can wrap individual chicken bombs in foil and freeze them for up to two months. Remember to defrost fully in the fridge before reheating in a hot oven to re-crisp the bacon.

These stuffed chicken bombs are versatile and perfect for any occasion. You can customize the filling by swapping jalapeños for poblano peppers for a milder heat or experimenting with different types of cheese like smoked gouda or pepper jack. For those who prefer a less spicy version, mild Italian sausage or ground sausage can be used instead of hot Italian sausage. Whether served as a main dish with sides like coleslaw and potato wedges or sliced into rounds for appetizers, these smoky, spicy chicken bombs are sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a milder version of this recipe, you can substitute hot Italian sausage with mild Italian sausage or your favorite ground sausage. This swap will reduce the overall spiciness of the dish while still maintaining the savory flavor profile.

To make the chicken breasts easier to work with for rolling, lightly pounding them with a mallet before assembling the bombs is a helpful tip. This technique will make the chicken breasts thinner and more pliable, allowing for easier stuffing and rolling.

If you are short on time or do not have a smoker, you can still achieve delicious results by finishing the chicken bombs in the oven. Simply follow the smoking steps for flavor infusion, then transfer the bombs to a preheated oven to finish cooking. This method will ensure the bacon gets crispy and the chicken cooks through evenly.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try slicing the smoked jalapeño popper chicken bombs into bite-sized rounds and arranging them on a platter as a bold and delicious party appetizer. Drizzle some extra BBQ sauce over the top and garnish with fresh green onions for an added pop of color and flavor. Your guests will love the smoky, spicy twist on a classic jalapeño popper!

Another fun idea is to serve the sliced chicken bombs on soft rolls for a smoky chicken sandwich experience. The combination of the juicy chicken, crispy bacon, cheesy filling, and spicy jalapeños will make for a mouthwatering sandwich that is perfect for a casual lunch or a game-day gathering. Don’t forget to add some extra BBQ sauce for that perfect finishing touch!

FAQs for Smoked Jalapeño Popper Chicken Bombs Recipe

Can I use mild Italian sausage instead of hot for this recipe?

Yes, mild Italian sausage or your favorite ground sausage works just as well for a less spicy result.

Why should I lightly pound the chicken breasts before rolling?

Lightly pounding the chicken breasts with a mallet will ensure they are thin and pliable for easy rolling.

Is it okay to finish cooking the chicken bombs in the oven if I don’t have time to smoke them for 4 hours?

Smoking for 4 hours infuses deep flavor and tenderness, but you may finish in an oven if short on time.

How should I grill the chicken bombs to ensure they cook evenly?

Yes, use indirect heat on your grill and close the lid to mimic smoking and cook the chicken evenly.

Conclusion

Smoked Jalapeño Popper Chicken Bombs are truly a game-changer when it comes to hosting unforgettable gatherings. The combination of smoky flavors, spicy jalapeños, creamy cheese, and crispy bacon creates an explosion of taste in every bite. Whether it’s a summer cookout or a cozy winter gathering, these chicken bombs are sure to steal the show and leave everyone craving more.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with the filling and seasonings to suit your preferences or seasonal ingredients. From swapping out jalapeños for poblano peppers to experimenting with different types of cheese, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re a spice enthusiast or prefer a milder flavor, these smoked jalapeño popper chicken bombs can be customized to cater to everyone’s taste buds.

So, roll up your sleeves, get your hands messy, and enjoy the process of creating these flavorful bombs that are bound to become a new favorite at your table. Give them a try at your next gathering, and watch how quickly they disappear, leaving behind satisfied smiles and requests for more Smoked Jalapeño Popper Chicken Bombs!