WHY YOU’LL LOVE BAKED BROWN RICE

• Completely hands-off cooking
  
• Foolproof brown rice texture
  
• Big flavor without babysitting
  
• Easy to make ahead
  
• Works with almost any main dish

Spicy Rice

Brown rice can be fussy, but this recipe is not. No stirring. No watching the pot. No guessing if the liquid’s right.

You boil it, pour it, cover it, and walk away.

I love oven rice because it behaves. Every grain cooks evenly. Nothing scorches. Nothing turns gummy.

But spicy rice? That’s a whole other level. The spice is warm, not aggressive, and a squeeze of lime wakes everything up at the end.

This is the kind of side dish that quietly becomes the thing people go back for…. and then ask about afterwards.

INGREDIENT NOTES

• Long-Grain Brown Rice: Holds its shape and stays fluffy when baked.
  
• Chicken Stock: Adds depth to this spicy rice. Use one you like the taste of. I always have Kitchen Basics on hand.
  
• Mrs. Dash Southwest Chipotle: Delivers big flavor without extra salt. You can use a different blend (or make your own!), but be sure to taste and adjust before serving.
  
• Red Pepper Flakes: For adjustable heat. Start with less and add to taste until it’s just right.
  
• Cilantro: Rounds out the flavors and adds freshness.
  
• Fresh Lime Juice: This is absolutely non-negotiable. It balances everything and wakes all the flavors up.

VARIATIONS

Extra Spicy: Add cayenne and more red pepper flakes.

Cilantro-Lime: Double the amount of lime juice and cilantro. Maybe some lime zest too.

Tex-Mex: Add a little cumin or chili powder to the spicy rice mix.

Garlic Lovers: Mix garlic powder into the liquid to amp up the flavor.

Plain Base: Skip the chipotle seasoning and finish with butter and salt.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

• Great with grilled chicken or shrimp.
  
• Pair this spicy rice recipe with tacos, fajitas, or burrito bowls.
  
• Spoon roasted vegetables over the top for an easy meat-free meal.
  
• A favorite with our Low Country Boil or sheet pan sausage and veggies.
  
• Baked brown rice is great with saucy mains… it soaks it right up!

SPICY RICE RECIPE FAQ

There are countless spicy rice dishes with recipes for the stovetop, Instant Pot, and even slow cooker. But baked rice works because of steady, even heat.

Brown rice needs time for its outer bran layer to soften. Boiling the liquid first jump-starts that process, then the oven finishes it gently and evenly.

Covering the pan tightly with foil traps steam, which is what actually cooks the rice… not dry heat.

Finishing with lime matters too. Acid cuts through starchiness and keeps the rice from tasting flat, especially after reheating. It’s not fancy. It’s just smart cooking.

TOOLS NEEDED

• 8-inch Square Baking Dish: Just the right size for even cooking.
  
• Medium Saucepan: For boiling the chipotle-seasoned liquid.
  
• Foil: Needs to be tight to trap the steam.
  
• Measuring Cups: Liquid ratios matter for the perfect fluffy texture.
  
• Fork: For fluffing the rice without smashing the grains.

Enjoy!

With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

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Other Easy Rice Recipes

Perfect Instant Pot Brown Rice (Pressure Cooker Recipe)

Restaurant Style Mexican Red Rice (Arroz Rojo) + Video

Cilantro Lime Rice (Copycat Recipe)

Cheesy Taco Rice Recipe + Video

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Spicy Rice

Make fool-proof Spicy Rice in the oven with brown rice, chicken stock, Southwest Chipotle seasoning, and a hit of lime. Great with anything!

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Method Oven

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 1 hour hour

Total Time 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Calories 134cal

Author Donna Elick

Equipment

• 8 inch square glass baking dish
• large pot

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups uncooked long-grain brown rice
• 2 3/4 cups chicken stock I like Kitchen Basics
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon Mrs. Dash Southwest Chipotle seasoning
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Juice of 1 lime

Instructions

• PREP OVEN: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Add 1 1/2 cups uncooked long-grain brown rice to an 8-inch square baking dish and spread into an even layer.
• HEAT LIQUID: In a medium saucepan over high heat, add 2 3/4 cups chicken stock,1 tablespoon unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon Mrs. Dash Southwest Chipotle seasoning, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Bring to a full boil.
• COMBINE: Carefully pour the boiling liquid over the rice. Stir once to combine, then cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
• BAKE: Place the dish on the center oven rack and bake for 1 hour, until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
• FINISH: Remove the foil and fluff the rice with a fork. Sprinkle with 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro and 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Drizzle with the Juice of 1 lime and stir gently to combine.
• SERVE: Serve warm, or let cool completely before storing.

Notes

Make-Ahead: This rice can be made up to 3 days ahead and reheated when needed.

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken stock to loosen the rice.

Freezing: Freeze cooled rice in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Spice Level Note: Mrs. Dash seasoning adds flavor without salt. If using a different spice blend, taste after cooking and adjust seasoning if needed.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 134cal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 642mg | Sugar: 1g | Fiber: 1g | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1mg

Originally published June 2011, updated and republished February 2026

Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it helps us keep creating new recipes.

The post Spicy Rice appeared first on The Slow Roasted Italian.

Air fryer jalapeño poppers are such an easy appetizer recipe. If you’re a fan of spicy jalapenos, you’re not going to want to miss this golden brown finger food. 

This recipe makes the perfect poppers and is one of my favorite recipes to make. 

If you need ideas for delicious appetizers, make sure that stock up on fresh jalapeños from the grocery store or your garden – and enjoy! 

The quick cooking time means that you’ll be eating the stuffed jalapenos in no time at all. 

And just so you know, not all jalapenos are spicy peppers. The halved pepper with the seeds removed tends to help with the spice, so you don’t have to worry if these jalapeños poppers are too spicy or not. 

Just be sure that you use wear plastic gloves when you’re cutting the peppers so that you don’t get jalapeño juice on your hands and then in your eyes! 

Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers

If you love a boatload of flavor in one super easy and quick snackable party food, then this jalapeno poppers air fryer recipe is definitely for you!!

Fair warning, though — I often have to make a double batch because one serving usually isn’t enough!

Crisp, juicy, and spicy chiles are stuffed with smooth cream cheese and savory bacon bits, then topped with melty cheddar and a sprinkling of crunchy crackers. 

Air fried jalapeno poppers have the perfect storm of texture and flavors! They go great with our air fryer burgers.

If you don’t have an air fryer, I have a ton of jalapeno recipes you can make! 

My Jalapeño Cheddar Biscuits are tender, spicy, and full of buttery flavor!

Enjoy the flavors of jalapeno poppers smoked, stuffed into pretzel bombs and meatballs, or in a creamy skillet dip!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Jalapeño peppers – I like to make these with larger peppers for nice, big bites! 
  
  But you could get away with smaller ones — just keep in mind you won’t be able to fit as much filling.
  
  And also keep in mind that each jalapeno pepper is going to have a mind of its own in terms of spice level and heat. (and you might want to wear gloves when you are cutting those jalapeno halves so that the spice doesn’t get on your hands – or worse in your eyes when you rub them later!)
  
• Cooked Crumbled Bacon – You can use bacon bits for air fryer jalapeno poppers, but I like making it fresh! 
  
  In fact, whenever I make bacon in the oven, I cook extra to crumble and use throughout the week.
  
  You can also cook up a slice of bacon or two in your trusty air fryer to use for this recipe. It’s a game changer! 
  
• Cracker Crumbs – I like to use Ritz, but any butter cracker will do! Try to avoid thinner crackers (such as Saltines) that may get a bit soggy once in contact with the filling.
  
• Cream Cheese and Cheddar Cheese – While you can’t go wrong with cheddar cheese, Monterey or Colby Jack are great substitutes.
  
  I like to use freshly shredded cheese for this great recipe because it provides the perfect texture for the cheesy center. 
  
  Cream Cheese Alternatives: Mascarpone cheese is pretty close in flavor and texture. For a lighter option, try plain Greek yogurt.
  
• Green Chiles and Chives – Either of these can be left out if you’re not a fan. 

You can also alter some flavors of these jalapeno peppers by adding green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, Monterey jack cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, or other fun flavors. 

You can cook bacon slices and crumble them up, or buy the bacon crumbs already packaged and ready. All are great options for this classic appetizer! 

This air fryer jalapeno poppers recipe is my best friend when it comes to easy air fryer recipes and the perfect game day snack. 

The hot air makes this low carb snack have the best results and flavor! 

How to Air Fry Jalapeno Poppers

• Use parchment paper.

This helps with crisping and with clean up — a win-win!!

Air fryer parchment liners are sold ready to use, but you can also cut a square of regular kitchen parchment to fit your basket. 

Just be sure to poke holes to allow for air flow.

• Cook in batches.

Not only do you want them in a single layer (no stacking!), but there should be some space between each popper so they crisp on all sides.

This jalapeno poppers air fryer recipe makes 12 total, so that means 2 or 3 rounds depending on the size of your fryer.

• Want more bacon? Make bacon wrapped air fryer jalapeno poppers!!

The only thing better than bacon on the inside is when it’s on the outside too!

Wrap poppers in a strip of bacon, then place them in your fryer seam-side down — where the two ends of the piece of bacon meet.

Be sure to air fry jalapeno poppers until the bacon is completely cooked.

Best Sauces for Air Fried Jalapeno Poppers

You can’t go wrong with dipping sauces that are smooth, cool, and zesty — it’s a great combo with the spicy and savory flavors in the poppers.

My first recommendation is a chipotle lime mayo. 

It has a bit of heat, but the acidity of the lime and creaminess of the mayo tones down the spicy air fryer jalapeno poppers!

Air fried jalapeno poppers are also fantastic dipped in barbecue ranch dressing (cool and a bit sweet), a simple marinara, or any yogurt-based sauce. 

Jalapeno Poppers Air Fryer FAQ

Reheating Jalapeno Poppers In Air Fryer

This appetizer is best eaten while it’s hot and fresh. The cracker crumbs and the jalapeno both become soggy and soft after a night in the fridge. 

But if you do keep leftovers and want some the next day, air fry jalapeno poppers again for a couple of minutes. 

You could also reheat them in the oven for 15-20 minutes at 325°F.

Enjoy!

With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

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Other Spicy Game Day Food

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Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers (Jalapeño Recipe with Bacon)

Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers are insanely scrumptious — stuffed with melty cream cheese and cheddar, crispy bacon, and chives.

Course Snack

Cuisine Mexican

Method Air Fryer

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 7 minutes minutes

Total Time 17 minutes minutes

Servings 4 3 popper servings

Calories 509cal

Author Donna Elick

Equipment

• shallow bowls
• air fryer
• parchment paper

Ingredients

• 6 large jalapeno peppers halved and deseeded
• 6 ounces cream cheese softened
• 8 ounces bacon cooked and crumbled
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 ounces diced green chiles drained
• 1/2 cup cracker crumbs I use Ritz
• 1 teaspoon melted butter
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives

Instructions

• Add softened cream cheese to a mixing bowl and beat until creamy. Add bacon crumbles, cheddar cheese and green chiles, then beat until well blended.
• Place jalapeno halves on a plate. Fill generously with cream cheese filling.
• Mix cracker crumbs and butter together in a shallow dish.
• Press each stuffed jalapeno, filling side down, firmly into cracker crumbs.
• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
• Line the air fryer with a parchment paper liner, then place jalapeno halves in a single layer. onto the liner. Air fry for 6-7 minutes, or until topping is beginning to brown.
• Remove from the air fryer, garnish with chives, serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 509cal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 44g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Cholesterol: 97mg | Sodium: 792mg | Sugar: 5g | Fiber: 1g | Calcium: 167mg | Iron: 1mg

Originally published September 2022, updated and republished July 2025

Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it helps us keep creating new recipes.

The post Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers (Jalapeño Recipe with Bacon) appeared first on The Slow Roasted Italian.