Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Chicken Bites

I brought these tasty bites to our New Years Eve party at friends. Bacon, chicken, jalapeno & cream cheese, grilled. YUM. I made so many, (I used 2 packages of bacon worth and 1 8oz neufchatel cheese) and when I went to get another to eat at the party, they were GONE! They are a little time consuming to make ( make ahead and keep chilled, until ready to grill) but I will make them again.

Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Chicken Bites
adapted slightly from salad in a jar

8 chicken tenders, slightly flattened and cut in two
3-ounce package softened cream cheese
1 fresh jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
2 TBL crushed garlic
8 slices bacon, cut in half
Salt & pepper to taste

Combine the jalapenos, garlic and cream cheese together. Lightly season chicken with salt and pepper. Dab 1/2 teaspoon (more or less) of cream cheese on top of each chicken tender. Fold or roll chicken to enclose cream cheese mixture the best you can. Wrap each roll with one piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick.

Grill until bacon is brown and crispy on both sides. About 8 minutes a side (you want the bacon done), just cut in half to see that it's done.

I thought threading them onto skewers would be easier to grill (then cut the skewers into pieces), but it didn't matter, most burnt apart.

 

enjoy,