Using a few jalapeno chilies from the garden, I put together this recipe for a party offering. I used some cooked chicken breast from a dinner the previous evening, and had a great easy appetizer or dinner side to spice up that Mexican meal. This recipe was adapted from Southern Living magazine, May 2016.
Assemble these ingredients to make the poppers: 12 jalapeno halves, 8 ounces low-fat cream cheese, 1 cup chopped cooked chicken breast, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon lime juice, black pepper to taste, 5 slices of fresh bacon, and some toothpicks.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Slice open the chilies. Place on a half sheet pan with a rack. Mix together the other ingredients and place inside the jalapenos. Slice the bacon and half and secure with a toothpick.
Bake in the oven until the bacon is crispy. It will take about 25 minutes. Broil to really crisp the bacon if desired, at the end of cook time, for about 2 minutes. These poppers refrigerate well, and can be re-heated for a party. So, this is a great make ahead dish that can be ready for a game day the next afternoon. Remove the toothpicks for serving on an attractive plate or a bed of arugula.
angel food garden 