Description
Jalapeño popper chicken casserole brings creamy, spicy comfort to dinner tables across the country. Home cooks will savor this cheesy, zesty dish that combines classic flavors with a modern twist.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs (907 g) chicken breasts (cooked, shredded or cubed)
- 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
- 1 cup (100 g) cheddar cheese (shredded, divided)
- 1/2 cup (50 g) mozzarella cheese (shredded, optional)
- 6 slices bacon (cooked, crumbled)
- 4–5 jalapenos (fresh, deseeded, diced)
- 1 cup (120 g) pork rinds or panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) butter (melted)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Green onions or cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the flavor base by blending cream cheese, sour cream, and aromatic spices until silky and uniform.
- Incorporate crispy bacon bits, diced jalapenos, and half the cheddar cheese into the creamy mixture.
- Fold in pre-cooked chicken, ensuring each morsel is thoroughly coated with the zesty sauce.
- Grease a casserole dish and evenly distribute the chicken and cream mixture across the surface.
- Lavishly sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese and optional mozzarella over the top for a rich, melty layer.
- Create a crunchy topping by mixing crushed pork rinds or panko with melted butter, then generously scatter across the casserole.
- Position the dish in a preheated 375F (190C) oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the surface turns golden and edges become bubbly.
- After removing from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped green onions or cilantro to add a vibrant, fresh finish.
Notes
- Customize heat levels by adjusting jalapeno quantity, removing seeds for milder flavor or adding more for extra spiciness.
- Swap chicken with rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken to save cooking time and add convenience.
- Create low-carb version by using pork rind crumbs instead of breadcrumbs, reducing carbohydrate content for keto dieters.
- Prepare casserole ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking, allowing flavors to meld and making meal prep easier.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 391 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 670 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 37 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg