Smoked Jalapeno Popper Chicken Bombs

Thank you so much for being here today — seriously, I’m thrilled to share this recipe with you. If bold, smoky, cheesy, and spicy flavors are your jam (and if you love food that makes your guests go “whoa, you made that?!”), then you’re in the right place. These Smoked Jalapeño Popper Chicken Bombs are not only packed with flavor, they’re wrapped in bacon and smoked to absolute perfection.

👉 Want this recipe sent straight to your inbox so you can save it for your next cookout? Subscribe below and I’ll deliver it (plus more smoky favorites) right to your inbox.

What Are Smoked Jalapeño Popper Chicken Bombs?

These beauties are a next-level twist on jalapeño poppers. Imagine this: juicy chicken breasts pounded thin and filled with a creamy, cheesy jalapeño popper filling… then rolled up, wrapped in bacon, and smoked low and slow until they’re tender, smoky, and dripping with flavor.

Yep — they’re as mind-blowingly good as they sound. A total flavor explosion. Hence the name Chicken Bombs. 💣🔥

Why You’ll Love Smoked Jalapeño Popper Chicken Bombs

• Smoky, Spicy, and Creamy: Every bite hits all the right notes — smoky bacon, melty cheese, spicy jalapeño, and tender chicken.

• A Showstopper: These look and taste seriously impressive.

• Perfect for BBQs and Game Days: Big flavor, handheld convenience — they’re made for sharing.

• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble them in advance and smoke when ready.

What Do They Taste Like?

They taste like a jalapeño popper and a bacon-wrapped grilled chicken had a delicious, smoky baby. The filling is rich and creamy from the cream cheese, with a kick from the jalapeños and a sharp bite from the cheddar. The chicken is juicy and savory, and the bacon crisps up on the outside with that beautiful caramelized smoke ring. It’s spicy, cheesy, smoky perfection.

Benefits of This Recipe

• Protein-packed and low-carb — great for keto or high-protein eaters

• Versatile — spice levels and fillings can be customized

• Gluten-free by nature

• Great for meal prep or feeding a crowd

Ingredients for Smoked Jalapeño Popper Chicken Bombs

Here’s what you’ll need to make 4 bombs:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (butterflied and pounded thin)

• 4–6 slices of bacon (thick-cut preferred)

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 2 fresh jalapeños, finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1 tsp onion powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Your favorite BBQ rub (optional, but highly recommended)

• Toothpicks or butcher’s twine (to hold them together)

Optional Add-ins:

• A dash of hot sauce in the filling

• Crumbled cooked sausage for extra meatiness

• Smoked gouda or pepper jack for cheesy variety

Tools You’ll Need

• Meat mallet or rolling pin (to pound chicken)

• Smoker (or grill with indirect heat setup)

• Meat thermometer

• Mixing bowl

• Cutting board and sharp knife

• Aluminum foil (for wrapping or resting)

Ingredient Substitutions & Additions

• Don’t like it too spicy? Use mini sweet peppers instead of jalapeños.

• No smoker? Bake in the oven at 375°F until cooked through (about 25–30 minutes), then broil for a crisp finish.

• More heat? Add diced serranos or a sprinkle of cayenne to the filling.

• Cheese swap: Mix in Monterey Jack, gouda, or mozzarella for variety.

How to Make Smoked Jalapeño Popper Chicken Bombs

Let’s dive into the steps. You’ve got this!

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

• Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally (butterfly), then place between two sheets of plastic wrap.

• Pound to about ¼-inch thickness. You want them even, but not too thin.

Step 2: Make the Filling

• In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar, jalapeños, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

• Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Chicken Bombs

• Lay out a chicken cutlet.

• Spoon a generous amount of filling onto the center.

• Roll up tightly like a burrito.

• Wrap 2–3 slices of bacon around the chicken roll, overlapping slightly.

• Secure with toothpicks or tie with butcher’s twine.

• Optional: Sprinkle outside with BBQ rub for added flavor.

Step 4: Smoke the Bombs

• Preheat smoker to 250°F (121°C) using your favorite wood (hickory or applewood work great).

• Place bombs seam-side down on the smoker grate.

• Smoke for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until internal temp hits 165°F (74°C) and bacon is crispy.

Step 5: Rest & Serve

• Remove and let rest for 5–10 minutes (this helps everything stay juicy).

• Slice in half to show off that gorgeous filling, and serve hot!

What to Serve with Chicken Bombs

🧀 Smoked Mac and Cheese

The ultimate comfort combo! The creamy, cheesy pasta complements the spicy, smoky chicken perfectly.

Bonus: Make it in the smoker for extra flavor harmony.

🌽 Grilled Corn on the Cob

Sweet, buttery, and slightly charred corn is a no-brainer. Add a little lime juice, cotija cheese, or chili powder for a Mexican street corn vibe.

🥗 Tangy Coleslaw or Vinegar Slaw

A crisp slaw cuts through the richness of the chicken bombs and keeps your plate feeling fresh.

• Try a creamy ranch slaw or a vinegar-based Carolina slaw for contrast.

🥔 Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy, dreamy mashed potatoes are always a hit — especially when they soak up all that smoky juice from the chicken bombs.

🥒 Crispy Pickles or Pickled Veggies

The acidity from pickles balances the heat and fat. Serve with:

• Dill pickle chips

• Pickled red onions

• Spicy jalapeño slices

🍞 Texas Toast or Cornbread

Need to mop up that melty cheese and smoky bacon goodness? Thick slices of buttery toast or a wedge of cornbread will do the trick.

🥒 Cucumber Tomato Salad

For a cool, refreshing side, go with something light and crisp. A cucumber and cherry tomato salad with lemon vinaigrette is simple and refreshing.

🍻 What to Drink?

• Ice-cold lager or IPA

• Spicy margarita or smoky mezcal cocktail

• Sweet tea or limeade for a non-alcoholic refresher

Tips for Chicken Bomb Success

• 1. Pound the Chicken Evenly

  Start with evenly pounded chicken breasts or thighs.

  • Aim for about ¼-inch thickness — thick enough to hold the filling but thin enough to roll easily.

  • Uneven chicken can cause uneven cooking and tricky rolling.

  🛠️ Use a meat mallet, rolling pin, or even a wine bottle to get the job done!

  2. Soften the Cream Cheese First

  This is a game changer for your filling!

  • Let the cream cheese sit out for 15–20 minutes before mixing.

  • It will blend more smoothly with the cheddar and jalapeños, making spreading and rolling way easier.

  3. Don’t Overfill

  Tempting, I know. But too much filling will spill out during smoking.

  • Stick to about 2–3 tablespoons of filling per chicken piece.

  • Leave a small border around the edge when spreading.

  4. Use Thick-Cut Bacon

  Thin bacon can overcook or burn during smoking.

  • Thick-cut bacon holds its shape, crisps up beautifully, and keeps the bomb wrapped tight.

  • Bonus: It adds more smoky, meaty flavor!

  5. Secure with Toothpicks or Twine

  Make sure those beauties stay together!

  • Use toothpicks (soaked in water) or butcher’s twine to hold the rolled bombs in place while they cook.

  • Don’t forget to remove the toothpicks before serving!

  6. Apply a Dry Rub for Extra Flavor

  Sprinkle a little BBQ rub on the outside of the bacon-wrapped bombs before smoking.

  • Adds another layer of flavor and helps the bacon caramelize in the smoke.

  • Brown sugar-based rubs = next-level delicious.

  7. Mind Your Smoker Temp

  Low and slow is the key:

  • Maintain a steady 250°F (121°C) temperature for perfect texture and smoke flavor.

  • Too hot, and the bacon burns before the chicken cooks through.

  8. Use a Meat Thermometer

  No guessing here — you want juicy, fully cooked chicken.

  • Internal temp should hit 165°F (74°C) in the center.

  • Check in the thickest part of the roll.

  9. Rest Before Slicing

  Let the bombs rest for 5–10 minutes after smoking.

  • This helps the juices settle and keeps the cheese from spilling out too soon.

  • Slice just before serving to show off that beautiful cross-section!

  10. Prep Ahead for Less Stress

  Want to make party day easier?

  • Assemble the bombs up to 24 hours ahead, wrap tightly, and refrigerate.

  • Smoke them fresh just before serving for the best flavor and texture.

How to Store Smoked Jalapeño Popper Chicken Bombs

• 🧊 In the Refrigerator

  • Cool Completely: Let the bombs cool to room temperature before storing.

  • Wrap or Seal: Wrap each chicken bomb in foil or place them in an airtight container.

  • Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

  Reheating:

  • Oven or Air Fryer: Reheat at 325°F (160°C) for 10–15 minutes until heated through. This keeps the bacon crispy!

  • Microwave: Quick but less crisp — reheat in 30-second bursts, wrapped in a paper towel.

  ❄️ In the Freezer

  Want to save some for later? These bombs freeze beautifully.

  • Wrap Individually: Tightly in foil or plastic wrap.

  • Place in Freezer Bag: Label with the date and store for up to 2 months.

  Reheating from Frozen:

  • Thaw Overnight: In the fridge before reheating.

  • Reheat in Oven at 325°F for 20–25 minutes until hot and sizzling.

  💡 Pro Tip: For meal prep, freeze uncooked bombs (without bacon crisping), then smoke fresh when ready for best results!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble them the night before, refrigerate, then smoke the next day.

What if I don’t have a smoker?

You can bake them in the oven or use a grill with indirect heat and wood chips for a smoky flavor.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs work great and are even more juicy — just flatten them out before rolling.

Are these keto-friendly?

Yes! They’re naturally low in carbs and high in fat and protein.

In Conclusion

These Smoked Jalapeño Popper Chicken Bombs are everything we love in one smoky, cheesy, bacon-wrapped bite. Whether you’re planning a weekend BBQ, a game-day feast, or just a meal that seriously delivers, these bombs will blow everyone away — pun totally intended!

Looking for more smoky, spicy goodness? Try these next:

• Smoked Stuffed Jalapeños with Sausage

• Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Spears

• Smoked Mac and Cheese with Jalapeño Crunch Topping

Share Your Bombs!

If you make these (and I really hope you do), tag your photos on Pinterest and leave a comment! I love seeing your creations — and I know your crew is going to be begging for the recipe.

Nutritional Info (per chicken bomb, approx.)

• Calories: 440

• Fat: 28g

• Carbs: 3g

• Protein: 39g

• Fiber: <1g

• Sugar: 1g

Print