Jalapeno-Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 medium jalapeno peppers
• cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• small onion, chopped
• 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• teaspoon ground cumin
• 4 (5 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• Cooking spray
• Salt to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat an outdoor grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grate.
2. Place the jalapeno peppers on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 1 to 2 minutes, until soft but still plump. Remove the seeds and dice the peppers.
3. In a bowl, combine the diced jalapenos, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, chopped onion, softened cream cheese, crushed garlic, and ground cumin. Mix thoroughly.
4. Carefully make a pocket in each chicken breast. To do this, make a vertical slit in the top center of each breast, about inch in from the edges. Then, starting from the vertical slit, cut horizontally in both directions to form a pocket, being careful not to cut through the sides or bottom.
5. Stuff each chicken breast with of the pepper-cheese mixture. Close the pockets and secure the openings with toothpicks.
6. Spray the chicken breasts with cooking spray and season with salt to taste.
7. Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill with the toothpicks facing upward. Grill for about 12 minutes, then flip the chicken and continue cooking for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear. The internal temperature should reach 165F (74C) when checked with an instant-read thermometer.
8. Remove the toothpicks before serving. Enjoy your delicious stuffed grilled chicken breasts!

Cook's Notes:

• For easier cutting, it helps to slightly freeze the chicken breasts before creating the pocket.
• If you prefer, you can bake the stuffed chicken breasts instead of grilling. Coat them with breadcrumbs and bake in a preheated oven at 350F (175C) for 35 to 40 minutes.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Calories	268
Total Fat	13g
Saturated Fat	7g
Cholesterol	109mg
Sodium	189mg
Total Carbohydrate	3g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Protein	34g
Vitamin C	6mg
Calcium	138mg
Iron	2mg
Potassium	315mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.