Tikka Chicken Jalapeno Poppers

Indian-inspired flavors join Tex-Mex in this fusion appetizer of tikka chicken-stuffed, bacon-wrapped, jalapeno poppers that are great for parties or tailgating.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 40 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
• Calories: 478 Calories

Ingredients

• salt to taste
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 4 tablespoons plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tablespoon chicken masala powder
• 14 large jalapeno peppers
• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese (such as Philadelphia®), softened
• 2 (8 ounce) packages bacon
• 1.5 teaspoons chili powder
• 1.5 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Combine yogurt, garam masala, chicken masala, coriander, ginger-garlic paste, chili powder, turmeric, and salt in a bowl. Set aside.

Step 2

Slice chicken breasts into small strips that will fit on halved jalapenos and place into the bowl with the tikka marinade. Mix well, cover, and let sit in the refrigerator at least 30 minutes; the longer your marinade, the more of a flavor profile on the chicken.

Step 3

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Place a cooling rack on top of a baking tray.

Step 4

Snap off jalapeno stems by holding a pepper with one hand and pulling it off to the side. Repeat with remaining peppers. Slice all jalapenos in half lengthwise and remove all seeds and ribbing using a teaspoon, making sure not to remove white stem area.

Step 5

Fill jalapeno halves with cream cheese using a teaspoon; place as much cheese as to your liking. Place a strip of tikka chicken on top of cream cheese and wrap each chicken popper halve with a slice of bacon. Place on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 6

Bake in the preheated oven until bacon is browned and crisp, about 40 minutes.