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Grilled Jalapeño Popper Chicken stacked on top of one another.
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5 from 4 votes

Grilled Jalapeño Popper Chicken

Gluten-Free 
Total Time45 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Rub:

  • 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

  • 4 ounces softened cream cheese
  • 2 tablespoons rub mixture
  • 1 cup shredded medium cheddar cheese I like Tillamook brand

For the Chicken:

  • 4 medium sized jalapeños
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 8 slices bacon
  • ½ cup BBQ Sauce

Instructions

Make the Rub:

  • In a small bowl, combine all of the rub ingredients. Set aside.

Make the Cream Cheese Filling:

  • In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, 2 tablespoons of the rub, and the shredded cheddar. Mix until well combined.

Assemble the Chicken:

  • Cut the tops off of the jalapeño and slice in in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and set aside.
  • On a large cutting board, slice the chicken breasts open lenghtwise, without slicing all of the way through the breasts, like a book. Cover with saran wrap and using a meat mallet, pound the chicken so that it is an even ¼-inch thickness.
  • Place a half of a jalapeños slice on top of one half of the open chicken breast. Top it with ¼ of the cream cheese mixture, top it with the other half of the jalapeños, then close it like a book. Season both sides evenly with ¼ of the rub. Wrap the chicken breast with 2 slices of bacon, securing the ends with toothpicks. Repeat until all chicken breasts are assembled.

Grill the Chicken (Regular Grill Method):

  • Heat the grill to medium heat, between 350℉ and 375℉.
  • Place the chicken on grill, cover and cook until the bacon fat has rendered and the chicken has cooked through, about 6 minutes per side. If the bacon begins to flame up, reduce the heat to medium-low and bring the chicken up to the front of the grill where there is less flame. Cover and continue to cook, checking every 2 to 3 minutes, turning until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is done.
  • Reduce the heat to low. Using a grill-safe brush, baste the chicken with the BBQ sauce on both sides and continue to cook on low so that the sauce coats the chicken nicely, another 3 to 4 minutes.
  • Remove from the heat and let rest for about 4 minutes. Remove the toothpicks from the chicken and enjoy!

Grill the Chicken (Weber Searwood XL 600 Wood Pellet Grill Method):

  • When ready to grill, set the Searwood XL Weber Grill to 375℉ and preheat with the lid closed.
  • Place the chicken directly on the grill grates and close the lid, cook, flipping once or twice, until the bacon is crisp and golden and the chicken is cooked through, 8 to 10 Minutes.
  • Using a grill-safe brush, baste the chicken with the BBQ sauce on both sides and continue to cook, with the lid open, so that the sauce coats the chicken nicely, another 3 to 4 minutes, flipping once.
  • Remove from the heat and let rest for about 4 minutes. Remove the toothpicks from the chicken and enjoy!