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:
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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.
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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.
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Make the Filling:
- In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, minced garlic, and chopped parsley until well combined.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!