Description
Creamy jalapeño popper chicken casserole delivers a spicy southwestern comfort meal that blends cheesy goodness with zesty pepper excitement. Hearty layers of chicken, cream cheese, and crispy bacon create a crowd-pleasing dinner perfect for gatherings where you crave bold flavors and satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 6 slices cooked bacon
Dairy and Binding Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Seasoning and Garnish:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2–3 jalapenos (fresh or pickled), chopped
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 375°F and coating a casserole dish with a light grease layer to prevent sticking.
- Create a creamy base by thoroughly blending softened cream cheese, sour cream, aromatic garlic and onion powders, and shredded cheddar cheese until smooth and well-incorporated.
- Integrate tender shredded chicken, zesty diced jalapeños, and crispy crumbled bacon into the mixture, reserving a portion of bacon for final garnishing.
- Carefully distribute the seasoned mixture evenly across the prepared casserole dish, ensuring uniform coverage.
- Enhance the casserole’s appearance and flavor by sprinkling additional cheese and reserved bacon crumbles across the top surface.
- Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown color and bubbling edges that indicate complete cooking.
- Remove from oven and allow a brief cooling period to help the casserole set.
- Elevate the presentation by garnishing with freshly sliced green onions, adding a pop of color and mild onion flavor.
- Serve immediately while the casserole remains warm and the cheese is perfectly melted, ensuring maximum flavor and texture enjoyment.
Notes
- Choose mild jalapeños for a gentler heat if you prefer less spiciness in the dish.
- Pat chicken dry before shredding to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
- Swap regular bacon for turkey bacon to create a lighter, lower-fat version of the recipe.
- Prepare the mixture ahead of time and refrigerate for deeper flavor development before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg