Jalapeños Popper Chicken: American

Chicken is one of the most commonly eaten foods throughout the entire world. In Ukraine, the whole chicken is used in borscht to make it taste better and give it some real flavor. In Norway, cooking up tenders in a frying pan with some mashed potatoes and vegetables as sides is a common dinner. Here in America, chicken is something most will eat as their meat in hopes to be healthier in place of other possible red meats. Chicken even has jokes written about it, ones that most Americans know from being small children (“Why did the chicken cross the road?”).  Simply put, chicken is a staple food in many different cultures and areas in the world. 

I love jalapeños. I believe that they are the perfect taste of both flavor and spice and add something special to any dish. I also love jalapeño poppers; if you've never had those, get them. Now. You won't regret it in the least. I was introduced to them this last year and they're more delicious than most things I've tried with jalapeños. Who wouldn't love jalapeños with lots of cheesy goodness? That's what I though. No one. For those of you who know all about jalapeño poppers, just imagine chicken being thrown into the mix and that's what we've got here; deliciousness in one of its tastiest forms!

Jalapeño Popper Chicken

Serves 2
Highly adapted from Allrecipes, via Sunny Side Up in San Diego

1/2 cup panko
2 tsp. canola oil
1.5 – 2 tsp. taco seasoning or mixture in notes*
1 egg
2 oz. reduced fat cream cheese
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (we used 2%)
1-2 jalapeño peppers, seeds and ribs removed, minced
2 chicken breasts

Preheat the oven to 375 and place an ovenproof rack onto a rimmed baking dish. Spray with cooking oil.

In a small skillet over medium heat, combine the panko with the canola oil. Cook, stirring often, until the panko is golden and crispy. Place in a shallow bowl or dish. To the panko, add the taco seasoning* and stir to combine.

In another shallow bowl or dish, lightly beat an egg. In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and jalapeños.

Using a small utility knife, cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, or horizontally slice the chicken through the center, until it is almost butterflied. Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper, and then divide the cream cheese mixture evenly between each chicken breast’s pocket. Use toothpicks to secure, if necessary.

Dip the chicken pieces one at a time first into the egg, and then into the panko mixture, making sure to coat the chicken completely. Place the chicken on the prepared baking rack and cook for about 25-30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.

*Note: To make your own taco seasoning mixture, combine 1/2 tsp. chili powder, 1/4 tsp. cumin, 1/8 tsp. garlic powder, 1/8 tsp. onion powder, 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper, 1/8 tsp. oregano, 1/8 tsp. paprika, and salt and black pepper to taste.

Enjoy this tasty dinner. It's typical American food at its finest.

This was taken from:

http://ellysaysopa.com/2012/07/24/jalapeno-popper-chicken/