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bacon-wrapped cheesy chicken grenades

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Bacon Wrapped Cheesy Chicken Grenades

Inspired by the popular smoked appetizer known as Shotgun Shells, these Bacon-Wrapped Cheesy Chicken Grenades put our own spin on the idea with seasoned chicken, a creamy cheese filling, jalapeños, green onions, and plenty of bacon. The stuffed manicotti shells are wrapped in bacon, seasoned with Heath Riles Competition BBQ Rub, and layered with extra flavor from Grillheads O.M.G. Rub. Finished on the smoker or grill and brushed with Heath Riles Tangy Vinegar Sauce, they come off smoky, cheesy, savory, and just a little sweet with a crispy bacon finish. 🔥

  • Total Time60-70 min
  • Yield12 shells 1x

Ingredients

  • Manicotti shells
  • Cooked chicken, sliced into strips
  • Cream cheese
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Monterey Jack cheese
  • Jalapeños, diced
  • Green onions, sliced
  • Bacon bits
  • Bacon
  • Heath Riles Competition BBQ Rub or your favorite BBQ rub
  • Grillheads O.M.G. Rub or your favorite garlic rub
  • Heath Riles Tangy Vinegar Sauce or your favorite BBQ Sauce

Instructions

  1. Parboil the manicotti shells according to the package directions. Drain and allow them to cool enough to handle.
  2. Make the cream cheese filling. Combine 8 oz. cream cheese, 2 Tbsp. Grillheads O.M.G. Rub, 2 Tbsp. diced jalapeños, 2 Tbsp. sliced green onions, and 2 Tbsp. bacon bits. Mix until well combined.
  3. Prepare the chicken and cheese. Slice the cooked chicken and cheese into strips that will fit inside the manicotti shells.
  4. Stuff the manicotti. Fill each shell with the cream cheese mixture, then add a strip of cheese and a strip of chicken.
  5. Wrap in bacon. Wrap each stuffed manicotti with bacon, making sure the bacon overlaps enough to hold everything together. Dust the outside generously with Heath Riles Competition BBQ Rub.
  6. Cook at 375-400°F for approximately 30-40 minutes, or until the bacon is cooked and beginning to crisp.
  7. Sauce and caramelize. Brush the bacon with Heath Riles Tangy Vinegar Sauce and cook for approximately 2 more minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize.
  8. Pull, rest briefly, and enjoy! 😋
BACON WRAPPED CHEESY CHICKEN GRENADES! 💥

Notes

Parboiling the manicotti shells makes them flexible enough to stuff without falling apart.

Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing the filling. The amount of chicken, cheese, and bacon needed will depend on the size and number of manicotti shells you prepare.

Keep an eye on the bacon during the final saucing step—the vinegar sauce can caramelize quickly at 400°F.

We cooked ours hot and clean with The Good Charcoal Super Briquettes for a great fire and consistent heat.

  • Prep Time: 30 min
  • Cook Time: 30-40 min
  • Method: Grilling

Find it online: https://www.bourbonandbluesbbq.com/easy-bacon-wrapped-cheesy-chicken-grenades/