Description
Hearty jalapeno popper chicken casserole delivers spicy comfort with creamy richness. Cheesy layers combine crisp bacon, tender chicken, and bold pepper flavors for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cooked and shredded)
- 8 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1 block (8 ounces / 226 grams) cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 4–5 jalapenos (seeded and diced)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup crushed pork rinds (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Blend cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, cheddar, mozzarella, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper into a smooth, creamy mixture.
- Fold in shredded chicken, diced jalapenos, and half of the crispy bacon pieces until evenly distributed.
- Transfer the combined mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, ensuring an uniform spread.
- Generously sprinkle remaining shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, and crushed pork rinds across the top layer.
- Place in a preheated 375F (190C) oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the surface turns golden and the edges become bubbly.
- Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, enabling the flavors to settle and the dish to slightly cool.
- Serve hot, allowing guests to enjoy the melted cheese and spicy jalapeno kick.
Notes
- Customize heat levels by removing jalapeno seeds for milder flavor or adding extra peppers for spice enthusiasts.
- Swap pork rinds with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts to accommodate different dietary needs.
- Use rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation and deeper flavor complexity.
- Consider low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt alternatives for a lighter, healthier version of the casserole.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 523 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 42 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg