Description
Creamy jalapeno popper chicken casserole brings together spicy peppers and rich cheese in a comforting midwest-style dish. Crispy bacon and tangy cream cheese create a perfect blend of flavors that home cooks will savor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1.5 pounds (1.5 lbs) chicken breasts, cooked and cubed
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 4–5 jalapenos, seeded and diced
Cheeses and Dairy:
- 8 ounces (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 0.5 cup (1/2 cup) sour cream
- 0.5 cup (1/2 cup) mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasonings and Garnish:
- 0.5 cup (1/2 cup) green onions, chopped (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 375F (190C), creating an ideal environment for baking the casserole.
- Whisk cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
- Incorporate cooked chicken, crispy bacon fragments, finely chopped jalapenos, and half of each cheese variety into the creamy base, stirring thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish, then carefully spread the combined mixture across the surface, ensuring an even layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top, creating a rich, golden blanket of dairy goodness.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for a bubbling texture and fully melted cheese that signals the dish is perfectly heated through.
- Remove from oven and optionally garnish with freshly chopped green onions for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal before serving.
Notes
- Choose mild or spicy jalapeños depending on your heat tolerance, removing seeds for less heat.
- Swap chicken with pulled pork or shredded turkey for variety and dietary preferences.
- Use low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt to create a lighter, healthier version of the casserole.
- Prepare components ahead of time and refrigerate assembled casserole until ready to bake for convenient meal planning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 510 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg