Instructions:
1. Preheat the Smoker:
Start by preheating your smoker to 250°F. This slow smoking process will infuse the chicken with a deep smoky flavor.
2. Prepare the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine hot Italian sausage, cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions. Mix everything together until well combined. This creamy, spicy mixture will be stuffed inside the jalapeños and give the rolls their rich flavor.
3. Prepare the Jalapeños:
Cut the ends off the jalapeños, then slice them lengthwise. Carefully remove the seeds and membranes. This helps reduce some of the heat, but leaves enough of the flavor to enhance the dish. Stuff each jalapeño with the sausage and cheese mixture, making sure the filling is packed in well.
4. Prepare the Chicken:
Lay the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Season each chicken breast with Slap Ya Mama seasoning and black pepper. The seasoning will add a burst of flavor to the chicken and complement the spiciness of the jalapeños.
5. Assemble the Rolls:
Place a stuffed jalapeño on each chicken breast. Roll the chicken up tightly around the jalapeño, securing the roll with bacon. You’ll need about 3 pieces of bacon per chicken roll to wrap them thoroughly. Secure the bacon with toothpicks to ensure they stay in place during cooking.
6. Smoke the Rolls:
Carefully place the prepared chicken rolls on the grill grates of your smoker. Close the smoker lid and let the rolls cook for about 4 hours. Make sure to flip the rolls halfway through the cooking time to ensure even smoking and crisping of the bacon.
7. Add BBQ Sauce:
After the rolls have smoked for about 4 hours, brush them with your favorite BBQ sauce. This will add a tangy glaze to the bacon and chicken. Return the rolls to the smoker for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. This ensures that the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the rolls are done, remove them from the smoker and allow them to rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute in the chicken, ensuring a moist and flavorful bite. Serve the Smoky Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken Rolls on a platter with extra BBQ sauce for dipping if desired.
Serving Suggestions:
. As an Appetizer: Serve these rolls as an appetizer at your next cookout or family gathering. They’re easy to pick up and bite into, and the smoky flavor will be a hit.
. With Sides: Pair the rolls with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mac and cheese, or coleslaw. They’re hearty enough to be the main attraction, but work perfectly alongside a variety of sides.
. With a Salad: For a lighter option, serve the rolls alongside a fresh green salad or a southwest-style salad with corn, black beans, and avocado.
Tips for Success:
. Use Thin Chicken Breasts: Using thin boneless chicken breasts helps the rolls cook evenly and makes the wrapping process easier. If you can’t find thin chicken breasts, you can slice regular chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner pieces.
. Control the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños more thoroughly or opt for milder peppers like Anaheim or poblano peppers.
Monitor the Internal Temperature: Make sure the chicken reaches 165°F internally to ensure it’s fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the chicken roll.
. Wrap the Bacon Tightly: Make sure the bacon is wrapped tightly around the chicken to get that perfect crispy exterior. If the bacon isn’t crisping up as much as you’d like, you can finish the rolls off on the grill over direct heat for a few minutes.
. Smoker Type: The recipe works best in a wood pellet or charcoal smoker, which gives the chicken a nice smoky flavor. If you don’t have a smoker, you can also make these rolls in the oven at a high temperature (around 400°F) and finish them under the broiler to crisp up the bacon.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving, based on 10 servings):
Calories: 360 kcal
Fat: 26g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 28g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 940mg
Why This Recipe Works:
These Smoky Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken Rolls : combine smoky flavors, creamy cheese, and just the right amount of heat for a dish that’s packed with flavor. The addition of hot Italian sausage, jalapeños, and sharp cheddar cheese makes for a filling that’s rich and satisfying. Wrapping the rolls in bacon and finishing them with BBQ sauce creates a crispy, flavorful exterior that complements the juicy chicken and creamy filling. Whether you’re smoking them for a leisurely weekend meal or serving them for a special occasion, these rolls are sure to become a favorite.
Enjoy your Smoky Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken Rolls with family and friends, and prepare to be impressed by the incredible smoky flavor and cheesy goodness!
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