- Prepare the Filling:
- In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and green onions. Season with a little salt and pepper to taste.
- Stuff the Jalapeños:
- Fill each jalapeño half with the cream cheese mixture. This will be the “popper” part of the dish.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Butterfly the chicken breasts to open them flat. Place each breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Assemble the Chicken Bombs:
- Place a stuffed jalapeño half at the end of each flattened chicken breast, and roll the chicken around the jalapeño.
- Wrap each chicken bomb with 2 slices of bacon, securing the bacon with toothpicks to keep it from unraveling during cooking.
- Preheat the Smoker:
- Preheat your smoker to around 250°F (121°C). If you’re using a grill, set it up for indirect cooking.
- Smoke the Chicken Bombs:
- Place the chicken bombs directly on the smoker grates and close the lid. Smoke them until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy, about 1.5 to 2 hours. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Glaze with Barbecue Sauce:
- During the last 20 minutes of cooking, brush the chicken bombs with barbecue sauce for a nice glaze and additional flavor.
- Serving:
- Remove the chicken bombs from the smoker and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Be sure to remove all toothpicks.
- Serve hot, optionally with extra barbecue sauce on the side.
Tips for Perfection:
- Secure the Bacon: Ensure the bacon is securely fastened with toothpicks so it doesn’t unwrap during the smoking process.
- Avoid Cheese Leakage: Make sure the jalapeños are well-stuffed and the chicken is tightly wrapped around them to prevent the cheese from leaking out.
- Consistent Thickness: Pounding the chicken to an even thickness is crucial for even cooking and ensuring that every bite is perfectly tender.
These Smoked Jalapeño Popper Chicken Bombs are sure to be a hit, offering a burst of flavors that are smoky, spicy, and savory all at once. They’re perfect for an outdoor barbecue or as a special treat any time you feel like firing up the smoker!