Jalapeno Popper Chicken

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375°F and have ready a 9x13" baking dish.

Step 2

Place the chicken breasts in a ziptop bag (or sandwich in between two sheets of wax paper) and pound them out one at a time using a rolling pin or mallet. Begin at the thick end, and continue until the chicken is of even thickness, about a 1/2" thick.

Step 3

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and transfer a work surface. Drizzle the chicken with the oil and season evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub all over to adhere. Set aside.

Step 4

Place a skillet over medium-high heat and bring to temperature. Add the bacon and cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring often. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 5

Add the chicken to the skillet (taking care not to overcrowd the pan and cooking in batches as needed) and sear for 3 minutes on one, then flip, and cook 2 minutes more. Transfer the chicken to the casserole dish and set aside.

Step 6

Add the diced jalapeños to the pan and sauté for 3 minutes, stirring often.

Step 7

Transfer the softened jalapenos, along with the bacon to a medium-sized mixing bowl. Add the cream cheese, 1/2 cup of Monterey Jack cheese, 1/4 cup of Cheddar, and the egg. Use a handheld mixer at medium-high speed (or a whisk) to mix the ingredients.

Step 8

Divide the mixture (about 2 large dollops) evenly over the tops of the chicken breasts. Top with the remaining 1/4 cup of Monterey Jack and 1/4 cup of Cheddar. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the chicken is completely cooked through. Serve and enjoy!