Description
Creamy jalapeño popper chicken casserole blends spicy peppers with rich, cheesy comfort. Crisp bacon and tender chicken create a zesty meal that satisfies hearty appetites you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 2 pounds chicken breasts (cooked and shredded)
- 8 ounces (226 grams) bacon (cooked and crumbled)
Cheeses:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cups (226 grams) cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup (113 grams) mozzarella cheese (shredded)
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup sliced jalapenos (fresh or pickled)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 375F (190C) and coat a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray.
- Combine cream cheese with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl, whisking until achieving a uniform, silky texture.
- Gently incorporate cooked chicken pieces into the seasoned cream cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution.
- Blend half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses into the chicken mixture, creating a rich, creamy consistency.
- Carefully fold in half of the sliced jalapenos, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
- Transfer the chicken mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it uniformly to create an even layer.
- Strategically arrange the remaining cheese across the top of the casserole, creating a complete coverage.
- Sprinkle bacon crumbles over the cheese layer, ensuring a consistent distribution.
- Strategically place the remaining jalapeno slices on top for visual appeal and additional flavor.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese turns golden and the edges become bubbly.
- Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, enabling the ingredients to settle.
- Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped green onions before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- Customize heat levels by removing jalapeno seeds for milder flavor or adding extra sliced peppers for intense spiciness.
- Swap chicken with rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken to save preparation time and enhance convenience.
- Use low-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat cheese options to create a lighter, healthier version of the casserole without compromising taste.
- Consider gluten-free modifications by ensuring bacon and cheese are certified gluten-free for individuals with dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg