Smoked Jalapeño Popper Chicken Bombs are a flavor-packed dish that combines the spicy heat of jalapeños, the creamy richness of cheese, and the smoky goodness of bacon-wrapped chicken. This indulgent recipe is perfect for barbecue enthusiasts and anyone who loves bold flavors. With layers of Italian sausage, sharp cheddar, and cream cheese nestled inside spicy jalapeños, these chicken bombs are guaranteed to impress at any gathering or cookout.
This recipe embraces the art of smoking, which infuses the chicken and bacon with a deep, savory aroma while ensuring every bite is juicy and tender. The touch of BBQ sauce enhances the flavor, giving the bombs a glossy finish with a hint of sweetness that balances the spiciness. Whether served as a hearty main dish or as a party appetizer, these chicken bombs are sure to become a crowd favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Bold and Spicy: Packed with jalapeños and hot Italian sausage for a flavor explosion.
• Smoky Goodness: Cooking these on a smoker adds unparalleled depth of flavor.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for cookouts, game days, or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
• 1 pound hot Italian sausage
• 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ⅓ cup green onions, sliced
For the Jalapeños:
• 10 fresh jalapeños, halved and deseeded
For the Chicken Bombs:
• 10 thin boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 36 ounces bacon (3 packs)
• 2 tablespoons Slap Ya Mama Seasoning
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• BBQ sauce, for brushing
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the hot Italian sausage, cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions. Mix until well blended.
Step 2: Stuff the Jalapeños
1. Slice off the tops of the jalapeños and cut them in half lengthwise.
2. Remove the seeds and membranes for a milder heat, or leave some seeds if you enjoy extra spice.
3. Fill each jalapeño half with the cheese and sausage mixture, packing it tightly to ensure it stays in place during cooking.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken
1. Lay the chicken breasts flat on a clean surface.
2. Place a stuffed jalapeño half on each chicken breast.
3. Roll the chicken tightly around the jalapeño, securing the ends with toothpicks to hold everything together.
Step 4: Wrap with Bacon
1. Wrap each chicken roll with 2–3 slices of bacon, covering the entire surface.
2. Ensure the bacon overlaps slightly to prevent gaps and hold the roll securely.
Step 5: Season the Bombs
1. Sprinkle the bacon-wrapped chicken bombs evenly with Slap Ya Mama Seasoning and black pepper for a flavorful crust.
Step 6: Smoke the Chicken Bombs
1. Preheat your smoker to 250°F (120°C).
2. Place the chicken bombs on the smoker grates, ensuring there is space between each one for even cooking.
3. Smoke for 2–3 hours, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the bacon is crisp.
Step 7: Glaze with BBQ Sauce
1. During the last 20 minutes of smoking, brush the chicken bombs with BBQ sauce for a glossy, flavorful finish.
2. Allow the sauce to caramelize slightly before removing the bombs from the smoker.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
1. Let the chicken bombs rest for 5 minutes before removing the toothpicks.
2. Serve hot as a main dish or slice into rounds for appetizers. Garnish with additional green onions or parsley if desired.
Tips
• Chicken Prep: Pound the chicken breasts slightly if needed to ensure they are thin and even for easy rolling.
• Smoker Variations: If you don’t have a smoker, bake the chicken bombs in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 45–50 minutes, then broil briefly to crisp the bacon.
• Milder Heat: Substitute mini sweet peppers for jalapeños if you prefer a less spicy version.
Storage Options
• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
• Freezing: Freeze uncooked chicken bombs individually wrapped in plastic wrap. Thaw overnight in the fridge before smoking or baking.
Smoked Jalapeño Popper Chicken Bombs are a delicious combination of creamy, spicy, and smoky flavors. This impressive dish is sure to make any meal or gathering unforgettable!
