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
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
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.
