Grilled Jalapeño Popper Chicken Skewers
Spicy jalapeño popper flavors are infused into tender grilled chicken skewers, perfect for a fun and flavorful dinner. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 27 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cream cheese, medium jalapeños for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 2 medium jalapeños
- 4 bacon strips
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8 wooden skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Soak 8 wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning.
- Step 2: Dice 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces. In a medium bowl, toss chicken with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
- Step 3: Slice 2 medium jalapeños thinly, removing seeds for less heat if desired. Cook 4 bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat until just crispy, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, mix 4 oz cream cheese with the cooked bacon pieces and sliced jalapeños until combined.
- Step 5: Thread chicken pieces onto soaked skewers, leaving some space between pieces. Place a dollop of the jalapeño-bacon-cream cheese mixture between some chicken pieces on each skewer.
- Step 6: Grill skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and has nice grill marks.
- Step 7: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with extra cream cheese mixture or your favorite dipping sauce.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Jalapeño Popper Chicken Skewers take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Grilled Jalapeño Popper Chicken Skewers?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cream cheese from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Jalapeño Popper Chicken Skewers?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Grilled Jalapeño Popper Chicken Skewers for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Grilled Jalapeño Popper Chicken Skewers?
American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
