Description
Jalapeno popper chicken casserole blends spicy, creamy comfort with classic southwestern flavors. Cheesy layers and crisp topping offer a satisfying meal packed with bold ingredients and zesty appeal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups cooked chicken
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 slices bacon
- 3–4 jalapenos
Dairy Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
Seasoning and Topping:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 375F (190C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, whip the cream cheese, sour cream, and seasonings until achieving a velvety, uniform consistency.
- Fold in the shredded chicken, introducing half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, diced jalapenos, and crispy bacon fragments.
- Distribute the creamy mixture evenly across the prepared baking dish, ensuring uniform coverage.
- Lavishly crown the casserole with remaining cheese, creating a rich, melty topping.
- Optional: Dust the surface with breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture.
- Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling blanket.
- Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven, enabling the ingredients to settle and flavors to meld.
- Serve warm, revealing the enticing layers of cheese, chicken, and spicy jalapeno accents.
Notes
- Customize heat levels by removing jalapeno seeds for milder flavor or adding extra chopped peppers for spice enthusiasts.
- Replace bacon with turkey bacon or omit entirely for vegetarian-friendly version, maintaining creamy texture and rich taste.
- Prep chicken ahead of time by using rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken to streamline cooking process and save valuable kitchen time.
- Enhance nutritional profile by incorporating diced bell peppers or spinach for added vegetables and increased meal complexity.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 385 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg