Church's Chicken serves crispy, spicy Jalapeno Peppers featuring vibrant green jalapenos stuffed with a zesty cheese filling, battered and fried to golden perfection for a fiery and crunchy snack.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Slotted spoon
- Baking sheet or tray
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Cheese grater
- Piping bag or small spoon
- Paper towels
- Thermometer
Ingredients
- 10-12 large green jalapenos
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
When selecting jalapenos for this recipe, choose large, firm, and vibrant green peppers to ensure a crisp texture and fresh flavor. The cheese filling combines cream cheese and shredded cheddar, which must be well-mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper for a zesty balance. Use seasoned bread crumbs for coating to enhance flavor and achieve a crunchy exterior; make sure the eggs and milk mixture is thoroughly whisked for an even batter. Maintain vegetable oil at 350degF (175degC) during frying to cook jalapenos evenly without burning the coating. Your crispy, spicy jalapeno peppers from Church's Chicken copycat menu deliver a fiery yet creamy snack with a perfect golden crust.
Instructions
- Wash and dry jalapenos.
- Slice jalapenos lengthwise and remove seeds/membranes.
- Grate cheddar cheese.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix until smooth and well-blended.
- Fill jalapeno halves with cheese mixture using a piping bag or small spoon.
- Press halves together to re-form whole peppers.
- Place stuffed jalapenos on a tray.
- Set up a breading station: flour in one bowl, whisked eggs with milk in another, seasoned bread crumbs in a third.
- Dredge each stuffed jalapeno in flour.
- Dip into egg wash.
- Coat in bread crumbs, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Repeat for all jalapenos; arrange on a baking sheet.
- Preheat deep fryer oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry jalapenos in batches, turning with tongs, until golden brown (about 2-4 minutes).
- Remove with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Substitution
Church's Chicken copycat Jalapeno Peppers are crispy, spicy snacks featuring large green jalapenos stuffed with a creamy cheddar and cream cheese filling, seasoned with garlic, onion, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper, then battered and fried to golden perfection. If fresh jalapenos are unavailable or too spicy for your taste, consider substituting with poblano peppers for milder heat or green bell peppers for a non-spicy option. When frying, maintaining the oil temperature between 350degF and 375degF is crucial to achieve a crispy exterior without oil absorption. You can use panko breadcrumbs as an alternative to seasoned bread crumbs for extra crunch. Always pat the jalapenos dry after stuffing and before breading to help the coating adhere better and prevent sogginess during frying.
Tips
Ensure you dry jalapenos thoroughly after washing to help the batter stick better and prevent oil splatter during frying. When removing seeds and membranes, wear gloves or wash hands immediately to avoid irritation when touching your face or eyes. Maintain oil temperature consistently at 350degF (175degC) to achieve a crispy exterior without absorbing excess oil. Use a thermometer to monitor oil heat, and drain fried jalapenos on paper towels to keep them crunchy before serving your spicy, cheesy snack.
Nutritions
Church's Chicken Jalapeno Peppers offer a spicy and crunchy snack packed with vibrant green jalapenos, which are rich in vitamin C and capsaicin, promoting metabolism and immune health. The cheese filling provides a good source of protein and calcium, essential for muscle maintenance and bone strength. Fried in vegetable oil, these peppers deliver a satisfying texture but also add calories and fat, so moderation is key for your nutritional balance. Enjoy this flavorful treat as an occasional indulgence within a varied diet.
Storage
Store leftover fried jalapeno peppers in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb moisture and maintain crispiness. Refrigerate them promptly and consume within 2-3 days for optimal flavor and texture. To reheat, bake in an oven at 375degF (190degC) for 8-10 minutes, which helps to restore their crunch without sogginess.
Variation or Alternatives
To vary the filling, try mixing in diced cooked bacon or finely chopped fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor. For a different texture, substitute panko breadcrumbs for the seasoned crumbs, creating a lighter, crunchier coating on your fried jalapenos. You can also bake the stuffed jalapenos at 400degF (200degC) for about 20 minutes instead of frying to reduce oil use while maintaining crispiness. Your choice of cheese can be customized by using pepper jack or mozzarella to adjust the spiciness and meltiness of the filling.
Allergies
You should be cautious if you have dairy allergies, as Church's Chicken's spicy Jalapeno Peppers contain cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. The batter ingredients include eggs and wheat flour, which may trigger allergic reactions if you are sensitive to eggs or gluten. Always check with the restaurant regarding cross-contamination risks if your allergy is severe.
Why this recipe?
Jalapeno Peppers menu from Church's Chicken offers a perfect balance of spicy heat and crispy texture that elevates your meal experience. The bold flavor of real jalapenos blends seamlessly with Church's signature crispy chicken, creating a unique taste that many crave. Replicating this recipe at home allows you to customize the spice level while enjoying a fresher, cost-effective version. Your efforts in making a copycat will bring the satisfying crunch and zesty kick of Church's beloved menu directly to your kitchen.