Description
A bold and creamy twist on chicken thighs—stuffed or topped with jalapeños, cheese, and bacon for a spicy, indulgent dinner perfect for fans of Tex-Mex flavors and a satisfying low-carb meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 6 chicken thighs
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Cheese Mixture
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Topping
- 2 jalapeños, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) to ensure it’s ready for baking the chicken evenly.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, thoroughly mix the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon until well combined, creating a rich, flavorful filling or topping.
- Season Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken thighs with salt and black pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
- Apply Cheese Mixture: Spread or stuff the prepared cheese mixture onto each chicken thigh evenly to infuse every bite with creamy cheesiness.
- Add Jalapeños: Top each chicken thigh with sliced jalapeños, adjusting the amount according to your preferred spice level.
- Drizzle Olive Oil: Lightly drizzle olive oil over the chicken thighs to help keep them moist and to promote a golden crust.
- Bake: Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese mixture is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve hot, perfect as a main course for 4 to 6 servings.
Notes
- Remove jalapeño seeds if you prefer less heat.
- For an extra cheesy crust, add additional shredded cheddar on top before baking.
- Ensure chicken thighs are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Bacon can be substituted with turkey bacon for a leaner option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American / Tex-Mex
