Makes 24 Servings (1 Jalapeno Half Per Serving)
Nutritional Info Per Serving: Calories: 45; Sat. Fat: 2 g; Carbs: 1 g; Fiber: 0; Sugars;0 g; Protein: 3 g
Today we are upping our low carb Jalapeño Popper game with these incredible Chicken Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers that are inspired by one of my favorite appetizers here in Belize! Cheesy, Spicy, Chicken-ey, Goodness!
Here in San Pedro, Belize there are a TON of restaurants. Lots of traditional Belizean cuisine, taco stands, BBQ joints, Garifuna and Mestizo restaurants, and of course the resorts that cater to tourists.
There are many delicious things to eat here (though the best of them are made with corn, rice and wheat ) and the Chicken Stuffed Jalapeño Popper appetizer is one of my absolute favorites!
The Belize version stuffs a jalapeño pepper with cream cheese like you’re used to, but also seasoned shredded chicken which I’d never seen before. This is an idea I can get behind because not only does it taste amazing, but it bulks up your poppers with protein and makes them more filling and satisfying.
The only thing that keeps the traditional version from being keto friendly is that they dip it in batter and deep fry it into a crispy, pillowy, fritter-like thing. Amazing, but nowhere near low carb or gluten free.
Mr. Hungry and I are back on keto and have taken to peeling off the batter so that we can still order these Chicken Stuffed Jalapeño Poppers when we go out with friends. It works, but it’s not as good if I’m being honest.
So I’ve created a keto friendly version of the Chicken Stuffed Jalapeño Popper that, while not quite as satisfying as batter-fried, still gives you that crispy exterior that makes this feel like cheating – even though it’s completely legal.
And they are baked rather than fried, making them even easier to make in large batches.
INGREDIENTS:
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 c. shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbsp salsa
1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp salt
1 c. finely shredded cooked chicken
12 medium jalapenos, halved and seeded
1 1/2 tsp paprika or chili powder, optional
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil.
In a medium bowl, beat together cream cheese, cheddar cheese, salsa, cumin and salt. Stir in chicken. Spoon about 1 tablespoon into each jalapeno half and place on prepared baking sheet. If desired, sprinkle with paprika or chili powder. Bake about 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Wear protective gloves to prevent skin irritation while handling peppers
Makes 24 Servings (1 Jalapeno Half Per Serving)
Nutritional Info Per Serving: Calories: 45; Sat. Fat: 2 g; Carbs: 1 g; Fiber: 0; Sugars;0 g; Protein: 3 g
