Jalapeno Bombers from Church's Chicken feature spicy jalapeno peppers stuffed with melted cheese and wrapped in crispy, golden-brown fried chicken, delivering a bold and crunchy flavor explosion.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Slotted spoon
- Baking tray or sheet pan
- Parchment paper
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Cheese grater
- Small spoon or piping bag
- Plate or wire rack (for draining)
Ingredients
- 8-10 large jalapeno peppers
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
To achieve the perfect Jalapeno Bombers, select fresh, firm jalapeno peppers free of blemishes to ensure they hold their shape during stuffing and frying. Using a blend of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese creates a creamy, melted filling that balances the heat of the peppers. Properly seasoning the flour and breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper enhances the crispy chicken coating with robust flavors. Maintain your frying oil temperature around 350degF to 375degF for a golden-brown crust without absorbing excess oil. Your homemade Jalapeno Bombers from Church's Chicken copycat menu will deliver the signature bold and crunchy taste you crave.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat deep fryer with vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Grate cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese into a mixing bowl; combine.
- Slice jalapenos lengthwise and carefully remove seeds.
- Stuff jalapenos with cheese mixture using a small spoon or piping bag.
- Cut chicken breasts into thin strips large enough to wrap around jalapenos.
- Wrap each stuffed jalapeno with a chicken strip, securing with toothpick if needed.
- Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs and buttermilk, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Dredge each wrapped jalapeno in flour, then dip in egg mixture, then coat in seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Place breaded bombers on prepared baking tray.
- Using tongs, carefully place a few bombers at a time into the hot oil.
- Fry 4–6 minutes, turning as needed, until golden brown and chicken is cooked through.
- Remove with slotted spoon; drain on wire rack or paper towel–lined plate.
- Serve hot.
Substitution
Jalapeno Bombers from Church's Chicken are a popular spicy snack consisting of jalapeno peppers stuffed with melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, all wrapped in perfectly fried chicken breast. You can substitute the chicken breast with chicken thighs for a juicier texture or use cream cheese instead of shredded cheeses for a creamier filling. If a deep fryer isn't available, shallow frying in a heavy skillet with vegetable oil provides similar crispy results. Consider using panko breadcrumbs mixed with your seasoning for an extra crunchy coating. Your jalapenos should be carefully deseeded if you prefer milder heat without sacrificing the signature kick.
Tips
Ensure you completely remove jalapeno seeds to control the spiciness and avoid unwanted heat in your Jalapeno Bombers. Use thin chicken strips that can fully wrap the jalapenos to maintain structural integrity during frying. When breading, follow the flour, egg mixture, and breadcrumb order meticulously to achieve a crispy, golden coating. Maintain oil temperature at 350degF (175degC) for even cooking; too low will soak oil, too high will burn the exterior while leaving the chicken undercooked.
Nutritions
Jalapeno Bombers from Church's Chicken provide a hearty dose of protein from the boneless chicken breast and are rich in calcium and vitamin D due to the melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. The jalapeno peppers contribute a modest amount of vitamin C and capsaicin, which may boost metabolism and support immune health. However, the deep-fried preparation adds significant calories and fat, especially saturated fat, which should be considered in your daily nutritional intake. Moderation is key to enjoying this bold, flavor-packed dish without overindulging in fats and calories.
Storage
Store your cooked Jalapeno Bombers in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Reheat them in an oven at 350degF (175degC) for 10-15 minutes to retain their crispy texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy and compromise the crunchy flavor.
Variation or Alternatives
Swap chicken breast for ground chicken to simplify wrapping, or try turkey breast for a leaner option. To add smoky heat, mix diced chipotle chili into the cheese filling before stuffing. Baking instead of frying at 400degF (200degC) for 20-25 minutes can create a lighter version while retaining crunch. For extra flavor, marinate chicken strips in buttermilk with hot sauce before breading to enhance tenderness and spice.
Allergies
Jalapeno Bombers from Church's Chicken contain common allergens such as dairy from the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, and eggs used in the batter. The all-purpose flour and seasoned breadcrumbs include wheat, which may pose a risk for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. If you have allergies to any of these ingredients, you should exercise caution before enjoying this spicy, crispy dish.
Why this recipe?
Church's Chicken's Jalapeno Bombers menu offers a unique combination of spicy jalapenos and crispy chicken that creates a bold flavor profile appealing to heat lovers. The perfectly seasoned breading and zesty filling deliver a satisfying crunch and an enjoyable kick in every bite. You can recreate this popular menu item at home to customize spice levels and save money while experiencing the same addictive taste. Making a copycat recipe allows you to enjoy the bold flavors of Church's Chicken anytime with fresh, quality ingredients.