Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Chicken Rolls

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 large jalapeño peppers, seeded and sliced into strips
• 8-12 slices of bacon
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Toothpicks

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing them in half horizontally, being careful not to cut all the way through.
   • Open the chicken breasts like a book and place them between two sheets of plastic wrap.
   • Pound the chicken to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
   • Season both sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
3. Make the Filling:
   • In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, minced garlic, and chopped parsley until well combined.
4. Assemble the Rolls:
   • Spread a generous amount of the cheese mixture onto each chicken breast.
   • Place 2-3 jalapeño strips on top of the cheese mixture.
   • Carefully roll up the chicken breasts, starting from the narrow end, and secure with toothpicks.
5. Wrap with Bacon:
   • Wrap each chicken roll with 2-3 slices of bacon, ensuring the entire roll is covered.
   • Secure the bacon with additional toothpicks if necessary.
6. Bake the Chicken Rolls:
   • Place the bacon-wrapped chicken rolls on the prepared baking sheet with the wire rack.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy.
   • For extra crispiness, you can broil the chicken rolls for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
7. Serve:
   • Remove the toothpicks and let the chicken rolls rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
   • Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired.

Enjoy these flavorful and cheesy stuffed bacon-wrapped jalapeño chicken rolls as a main dish or appetizer!