Preheat and prep - To make your Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Chicken , start by preheating oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray a baking pan with non-stick spray and set aside.
Dice jalapeno peppers - Cut off the top of the pepper and slice lengthwise. Using a spoon or knife, remove the ribs and seeds. Add to a small food processor and pulse to dice or slice in small ribbons and dice using a sharp knife. Wash your hands with soap and water before touching anything else (especially your eyes!).
Slice the chicken - Rinse and clean your chicken breasts. Using a sharp knife, slice horizontally through the middle of the chicken breast, cutting to but not through the other side.
Mix the filling - Add goat cheese and most of your cheddar cheese, diced jalapenos and bacon pieces to a medium sized bowl and stir to mix. Ingredients held out will be for garnishing the top of your chicken breasts.
Stuff the chicken - Fold the chicken breast open and spread a generous portion of your stuffing mixture on the crease of the butterflied chicken breast, spreading out towards the edge. Fold the breast over until both sides meet again and toothpick (or skewer!) the breast together to hold in the stuffing ingredients.
Sear - Season the breast generously both sides with salt, onion powder and garlic powder mix. Add oil to a skillet or oven safe pan. Heat over medium high heat and sear chicken breasts for 2 minutes each side.
Bake - Sprinkle tops of your chicken with remaining cheddar cheese, bacon and diced jalapeno. Move pan to the oven (or transfer to a baking pan if not oven safe) and bake for 15 - 20 minutes or until your chicken breast reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. Remove from oven and let set for 5 minutes before serving. This is how to cook a stuffed chicken breast in the oven.
