Copycat Church’s Chicken Jalapeño Cheese Bombers® Recipe (Bite-Sized & Addictive!)
If you’ve ever hit the drive-thru at Church’s Chicken and ordered their Jalapeño Cheese Bombers®, you already know the magic: a crispy, golden shell that gives way to hot, melty cheese with a little jalapeño kick. Today, I’m sharing my homemade copycat Jalapeño Cheese Bombers® recipe that you can make in your own kitchen—no deep-fryer at a fast-food joint needed.A Quick Background on Church’s Chicken & Jalapeño Cheese Bombers®
Church’s Chicken (also known as Church’s Texas Chicken in some places) has been around since the 1950s, serving up crunchy fried chicken and comfort-food sides. One of the fan-favorite sides? Those little fried cheese bites known as Jalapeño Cheese Bombers®. The name Jalapeño Cheese Bombers® is a registered trademark of Church’s Chicken, and this blog post is only sharing a homemade copycat version inspired by the flavors and textures of that dish. We’re not claiming to have their real recipe or any insider info—just a home-kitchen tribute. What makes them so iconic?- Crunchy exterior: A light, crisp, golden-brown coating that shatters with each bite.
- Cheesy center: Warm, creamy cheese that stretches and melts in your mouth.
- Jalapeño heat: Just enough spice to tingle your tongue without burning your taste buds.
- Snackable size: Pop one, then another… and suddenly the plate is empty.
Copycat Jalapeño Cheese Bombers® – Recipe Overview
- Yield: About 24–28 bite-sized cheese bombers
- Serving Size: 4 servings (6–7 bombers each)
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes (recommended for easier frying)
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes (per batch)
- Total Time: About 1 hour 10 minutes
- Calories: ~320
- Protein: ~11 g
- Carbs: ~27 g
- Fat: ~18 g
- Fiber: ~1 g
- Sodium: ~600 mg
Ingredients for Copycat Jalapeño Cheese Bombers®
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| These copycat Church’s Jalapeño Cheese Bombers are crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and packed with cheesy jalapeño flavor—just like the drive-thru favorite |
- 8 oz block sharp cheddar cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 2–3 fresh jalapeños, seeds removed and finely minced (or use pickled jalapeños for milder heat)
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened (about 1/4 cup)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 large eggs
- 2 Tbsp milk or buttermilk
- 1 & 1/2 cups seasoned breadcrumbs (plain is okay; just add a pinch of salt and pepper)
- Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil (enough for 2–3 inches in a heavy pot or deep fryer)
- Ranch dressing, chipotle mayo, or your favorite dipping sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions (with Food Safety Tips)
Step 1: Prep the Cheese Mixture
1. In a medium bowl, combine:- Cheddar cubes
- Softened cream cheese
- Minced jalapeños
- Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper
3. If the mixture feels too sticky, place the bowl in the fridge for about 10–15 minutes. Cooler cheese is easier to coat and won’t melt as fast while you’re working.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
Get three shallow bowls or dishes:- Bowl 1: Mix the flour, salt, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Bowl 2: Beat the eggs and milk together until smooth.
- Bowl 3: Add the seasoned breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Bread the Cheese Bombers
1. Take a cheese cube with jalapeño bits attached.2. Roll it in the flour mixture, shaking off any extra.
3. Dip it into the egg mixture, letting the extra drip off.
4. Roll it in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the crumbs stick.
5. For a thicker, crunchier coating (and to help prevent cheese leaks), repeat:
- Dip again in egg
- Then again in breadcrumbs
Tip: If you notice bare spots, press on a little more breadcrumb. You want each piece fully covered so the cheese doesn’t ooze out in the oil.
Step 4: Chill for Better Texture
1. Once all the pieces are breaded, place the tray in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.2. This helps the coating stick, and it keeps the cheese firm so it melts inside the breading instead of escaping into the oil.
If you’re planning ahead, you can even freeze them in a single layer for about 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer bag. They fry beautifully from frozen (just add an extra minute or two to the cook time).
Step 5: Heat the Oil Safely
1. Pour oil into a heavy pot or deep fryer so it’s about 2–3 inches deep.2. Heat the oil to 350–360°F. Use a deep-fry or instant-read thermometer to keep it accurate.
Too cool and your bombers will soak up oil and get greasy; too hot and the coating can burn before the cheese melts.
3. Always keep kids and pets away from hot oil, and never leave it unattended.
Step 6: Fry the Jalapeño Cheese Bombers
1. Carefully add a few bombers to the hot oil—don’t crowd the pot. Leave space so they can move and cook evenly.2. Fry for about 2–3 minutes, turning once, until they are deep golden brown and crisp.
3. Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to lift them out of the oil.
4. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels or a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil.
5. Let the oil come back up to temperature between batches if it drops.
Food Safety Note: While there’s no raw meat here, the goal is an internal temperature around 165°F for food safety and to ensure the cheese is fully hot and melty. An instant-read thermometer poked into one bomber can give you a quick check if you’re unsure.
Step 7: Rest & Serve
1. Let the bombers rest for 3–5 minutes before eating. The cheese will be extremely hot right out of the oil.2. Serve with ranch, chipotle mayo, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Now you’ve got a basket of crunchy, gooey, jalapeño-studded cheese bites that feel just like your favorite fast-food side—but made in your own kitchen.
Easy Air Fryer Jalapeño Cheese Bombers (Time-Saving Option)
Want that crispy texture with less oil and less mess? An air fryer is your friend.How to Air Fry:
1. Follow the recipe through the breading and chilling steps.
2. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for about 3–5 minutes.
3. Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray to help prevent sticking.
4. Arrange bombers in a single layer in the basket. Don’t stack them.
5. Lightly mist the tops of the bombers with cooking spray or brush with a tiny bit of oil.
6. Air fry for 7–9 minutes, shaking the basket or turning them halfway, until golden and crisp.
Tip: If your air fryer tends to run hot, start checking around the 6-minute mark to avoid over-browning.
Make-Ahead & Freezer Tips
Planning a game day, party, or movie night?- To freeze (before cooking):
- Place breaded bombers on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
- Freeze until solid (about 1–2 hours).
- Transfer to a zip-top freezer bag, squeeze out the air, and label.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- To cook from frozen:
- Frying: Straight from frozen at 350–360°F for about 3–4 minutes.
- Air fryer: 375°F for 9–11 minutes, turning halfway.
- To reheat leftovers:
- Air fryer or oven at 350°F for 4–6 minutes until hot and crisp again.
Allergy & Special Diet Modifications
Everyone deserves a cheesy snack, so here are some ways to tweak this copycat Church’s Jalapeño Cheese Bombers® recipe to fit different needs.Gluten-Free Option
- Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour.
- Swap in gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cornflakes or rice cereal for the coating.
- Double-check seasonings and sauces (like ranch) to be sure they’re gluten-free.
Dairy-Free Option
These are very cheese-forward, so going dairy-free will change the flavor, but it’s possible:- Use a dairy-free cheddar-style block and cut into cubes.
- Swap cream cheese for a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
- Make sure your breadcrumbs are dairy-free (check labels).
Vegetarian Option
The base recipe is already vegetarian as long as:- Your cheese does not contain animal rennet (check for vegetarian rennet or microbial rennet).
- Your breadcrumbs do not include animal-based ingredients.
Lower-Carb / “Paleo-ish” Twist
This won’t mimic the exact fast-food style, but if you’re just trying to cut back on flour:- Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Use crushed pork rinds or a mix of almond flour and grated Parmesan in place of breadcrumbs.
- Fry or air fry the same way, keeping an eye on browning.
Serving Ideas & Flavor Variations
Want to put your own spin on this copycat recipe?- Bacon Jalapeño Bombers: Stir in a few tablespoons of finely crumbled cooked bacon with the cheese mix.
- Extra Spicy: Leave some seeds in the jalapeños or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour.
- Milder Kid-Friendly Version: Use pickled jalapeños (well drained) or cut the jalapeño amount in half.
- Different Cheeses: Try pepper jack, Colby Jack, or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a gooier pull.
Let’s Talk: Did You Try This Copycat Jalapeño Cheese Bombers® Recipe?
Have you had the Jalapeño Cheese Bombers® at Church’s Chicken before? How do you think this homemade version compares?- Did you go extra spicy or keep it mild?
- Did you fry or air fry them?
- Any fun dips you paired them with?
Important Disclaimers
Copycat Recipe Disclaimer: This recipe is a homemade copycat version inspired by Church’s Chicken Jalapeño Cheese Bombers®. The name Jalapeño Cheese Bombers® is a registered trademark of its respective owner. Simply Copycat Recipes and this blog post are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Church’s Chicken or any related brands. No knowledge of the actual proprietary recipe, methods, or ingredients is implied or claimed. This is an independent recreation based on publicly available information, personal tasting, and home kitchen testing.Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer:
Simply Copycat Recipes is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. This means that if you click on certain links and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
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