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Crispy Sheet Pan Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Popper Chicken Thighs

bacon wrapped jalapeno popper chicken thighs - featured image
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A quick and easy dinner recipe featuring juicy chicken thighs stuffed with a creamy jalapeno popper filling, wrapped in crispy bacon, and baked on a sheet pan for minimal mess and maximum flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 12 slices bacon (regular cut)
  • 4 medium jalapenos, seeded and finely chopped
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a sheet pan with foil and place a wire rack on top if using.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, chopped jalapenos, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and evenly blended.
  3. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Trim excess skin or fat if needed.
  4. Gently loosen the skin from each thigh without detaching it completely. Spread 2-3 tablespoons of the jalapeno popper filling evenly under the skin of each thigh.
  5. Wrap each thigh with two bacon strips snugly to encase the filling and hold the skin in place. Tuck ends underneath to secure.
  6. Place wrapped thighs skin side up on the wire rack or directly on the foil-lined pan, spacing about 1 inch apart.
  7. Bake for 35-40 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and bacon is crispy and golden brown.
  8. Optional: Broil on high for 2-3 minutes if bacon needs extra crispiness, watching closely to avoid burning.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken skin dry before stuffing and wrapping to ensure crispy bacon. If filling oozes out during baking, press it firmly under the skin or refrigerate stuffed thighs for 15 minutes before wrapping. Rest chicken after baking to keep it juicy. Broil briefly if bacon isn’t crispy enough.

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon wrapped chicken, jalapeno popper chicken, sheet pan dinner, easy chicken recipe, spicy chicken thighs, keto chicken recipe

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/crispy-sheet-pan-bacon-wrapped-jalapeno-popper-chicken-thighs-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-dinner/