Although the name would have you believe otherwise, smoked chicken dragon eggs are actually jalapeño poppers filled with cream cheese and stuffed inside a chicken breast, and wrapped in bacon. The mixture of flavours compliments each other perfectly in this delicious smoked chicken dragon egg recipe.
Smoked Chicken Dragon Egg
Jalapeño poppers filled with cream cheese are a classic snack, though they can be made even more delicious by stuffing them inside a chicken breast and wrapping them in bacon. Although it may seem as though this recipe was created by an extremely intoxicated person (and maybe it was), we promise you it’s worth your time.
Smoked chicken dragon eggs are a tasty snack to serve up at cozy parties when you want to wow your guests. Use small chicken breasts for smaller packages and serve skewered with cocktail sticks for easy snacking!
For a smokey, spicy, creamy, and overall deliciously flavourful snack, read on:
How To Make Smoked Chicken Dragon Eggs
Step 1: Preheat Smoker
Preheat your smoker to 325ºF/162ºC and prepare your wood chips. We recommend using Oak, Hickory or Cherry Wood, though you’re welcome to use whichever wood you prefer for white meat.
Step 2: Prepare Jalapeños
Slice your jalapeños in half lengthways and remove the seeds & stem then discard. Your jalapeños should be large enough to fill but not too big that they won’t fit inside the small chicken breasts.
Step 3: Fill Jalapeños
Spoon cream cheese into each half of the jalapeños until they’re almost full and then top with a layer of shredded cheese. We recommend a TexMex mix but cheddar cheese works well too.
Step 4: Close Jalapeños
Place jalapeño halves back together to enclose the cheese mixture inside. When closing the jalapeños, be careful not to let any shredded cheese fall out. As long as you didn’t stuff the peppers too full, the cream cheese should help the shredded cheese stick and the jalapeños should close fully.
Step 5: Prepare Chicken Breasts
Butterfly your chicken breasts and then wrap them carefully in plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet, beat the breasts gently to flatten the breasts. You should be left with thin, malleable pockets of chicken when you remove the plastic wrap.
Step 6: Wrap Jalapeño
Taking one at a time, place your jalapeño onto the flattened chicken breast and wrap the chicken around the jalapeño until it’s fully covered in the pocket.
Step 7: Wrap In Bacon
Taking two slices of bacon per package, wrap the chicken breast until all sides are covered in bacon. If your bacon rashers are large, you may only need one slice per package.
Step 8: Add Seasoning
The final step in preparing your dragon eggs is to generously add your favourite BBQ rub to the outside of the package, coating the bacon. We recommend the Guga Rub though there are many options you can use to add an additional pop of flavour to your dish.
Step 9: Smoke
Place your packages in the preheated smoker for approximately 45 minutes. This cooking time is perfect because it allows the smoker enough time to absorb the flavours and cook the meat thoroughly, without drying it out.
Step 10: Serve!
Using a meat thermometer, check the internal temperature of the chicken. Be careful to only place the thermometer into the meat part of the package. Once the internal temperature is showing 165ºF/71ºC, remove the packages from the heat and allow to rest for a couple of minutes.
Serve as snacks using cocktail sticks, or dish up alongside yummy sides like Smoked Cauliflower or Smoked Sweet Potatoes for a full meal.
Best Beer To Pair With Smoked Chicken Dragon Egg
These spicy and smoky delights deserve a beer companion that can quench the flames and enhance the heat. Let’s explore the top beer pairings that will make your dragon egg experience even more thrilling.
Hefeweizen
Hefeweizen, with its refreshing and slightly fruity notes, is like a soothing oasis in the dragon’s lair of your Smoked Chicken Dragon Eggs. The beer’s hints of banana and clove provide a delightful contrast to the spicy kick of the dish, creating a harmonious balance that’s simply mouthwatering. Hefeweizen’s effervescence and clean finish ensure that every bite of dragon egg feels like a cool breeze in a fiery storm. This pairing is as refreshing as a dip in a secret oasis.
IPA (India Pale Ale)
IPA, the bold explorer of the beer world, is ready to take on the dragon’s fiery challenge of your Smoked Chicken Dragon Eggs. Its hoppy flavors and citrusy zing cut through the heat of the dish, creating an exciting contrast that will have your taste buds dancing with excitement. IPA’s refreshing bitterness and fruity notes elevate the overall experience, making your dragon egg adventure taste like a flavor quest. This pairing is as thrilling as a dragon-slaying quest with a plate of dragon eggs as your reward.
Cream Ale
Cream Ale, with its smooth and clean character, is like a knight in shining armor ready to face the dragon’s heat in your Smoked Chicken Dragon Eggs. The beer’s mild sweetness and crisp finish provide a soothing balance to the spicy flavor of the dish, creating a delightful and approachable pairing. Cream Ale’s easy-drinking nature ensures that every bite of dragon egg feels like a flavor adventure with a trusted companion. This pairing is as comforting as a fairytale rescue mission with a happy ending.
Related Recipes of Smoked Chicken Dragon Egg
- Smoked Eggs
- Smoked Chicken Breast Recipe
- Smoked Cream Cheese
- Bacon Wrapped Smoked Pork Tenderloin Recipe
- Smoked Whole Chicken
Smoked Chicken Dragon Egg Recipe
Equipment
- BBQ Grill Accessories (Tongs)
- wood chips (Oak, Hickory or Cherry Wood)
- Meat hammer
- Plastic wrap
- Chopping board
- Tablespoon
Ingredients
- 6 Small chicken breasts
- 6 Whole jalapeños
- 1 Packet of bacon rashers
- Your choice of BBQ rub. We recommend Guga Rub
- 1/2 block cream cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat smoker to 325ºF/162ºC and prepare chosen wood chips.
- Slice your jalapeño in half lengthways and remove then discard the seeds & stem.
- Spoon cream cheese into each half of the jalapeños and top with a layer of shredded cheese.
- Place jalapeño halves back together to enclose the cheese mixture inside.
- Wrap chicken breasts in plastic wrap and beat them gently with a mallet to flatten the breasts.
- Place your jalapeño onto the chicken breast and wrap the chicken around until fully covered.
- Wrap the whole package in slices of bacon until all sides are covered.
- Generously add your favorite BBQ rub to the outside of the package.
- Place in smoker for approx. 45 minutes.
- Remove from heat and serve!
Smoked Chicken Dragon Egg FAQs
How Long To Smoke Dragon Eggs?
Your smoked chicken dragon eggs should be in the smoker for around 45 minutes. If you cook them any longer, the chicken may become tough and dry. If you cook them for less time, you may end up with raw chicken which is unsafe.
Can I Use Substitutions For My Dragon Eggs?
You can substitute any of the ingredients if you wish to do so, however, this may turn the recipe into something different than intended. Use your creativity and experiment with flavours, adding other ingredients to the cream cheese or using a different rub, but be careful not to stray too far.
What Temperature Do Dragon Eggs Cook At?
Your chicken dragon eggs should be smoked at 325ºF/162ºC for around 45 minutes. However, if you’re using other cooking methods, the temperature and cooking time may vary.