Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole Recipe

Are you a fan of the spicy, cheesy goodness of jalapeño poppers? Then you’re going to love this Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole! This dish combines tender chicken, spicy jalapeños, crispy bacon, and creamy cheese, all baked together into a comforting casserole that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or potlucks. It’s rich, flavorful, and has the perfect amount of heat. Plus, it's easy to make, keto-friendly, and sure to be a hit with your family and friends!

this Recipe

What is a “Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole”?

A Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole is a rich, creamy dish inspired by the flavors of jalapeño poppers. It combines shredded or cubed chicken, cream cheese, jalapeños, crispy bacon, and a mixture of cheeses, all baked until bubbly and golden. It's like eating your favorite party appetizer, but in a more substantial, hearty form. This casserole is loaded with flavor, featuring spicy, smoky, and cheesy notes that will leave you wanting more.

Ingredients List for Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole:

1. 4 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed, rotisserie chicken works great)
2. 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
3. ½ cup sour cream
4. ½ cup mayonnaise (optional, for extra creaminess)
5. 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
6. 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or Monterey Jack)
7. 5-6 jalapeños (seeded and diced, adjust for spice level)
8. 8 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
9. ½ teaspoon garlic powder
10. ½ teaspoon onion powder
11. ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
12. Salt and pepper to taste
13. ¼ cup green onions (optional, for garnish)
14. Fresh cilantro (optional garnish)

Ingredients List for Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole (Low-Carb/Keto Option)

For a low-carb or keto version, use these ingredients (most of them already are low-carb):

1. 4 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or cubed)
2. 8 oz full-fat cream cheese (softened)
3. ½ cup sour cream (full-fat)
4. ½ cup mayonnaise (full-fat)
5. 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
6. 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or Monterey Jack)
7. 5-6 jalapeños (seeded and diced, adjust for heat)
8. 8 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
9. ½ teaspoon garlic powder
10. ½ teaspoon onion powder
11. ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
12. Salt and pepper to taste
13. Green onions and cilantro for garnish (optional)

Substitutions and Variations

This casserole is very adaptable, and you can easily tweak it to suit your preferences:

• Cheese Options: You can use Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Colby cheese for a different flavor. Feel free to mix and match cheeses for a cheesy twist.
• Spice Level: If you want more heat, leave the seeds in the jalapeños or add diced serrano peppers. For a milder version, reduce the amount of jalapeños or use canned green chilies.
• Bacon Alternatives: Turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon can be used as a lighter or vegetarian-friendly option.
• Chicken Options: Use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook and shred chicken breasts or thighs if you prefer.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make your Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

1. Cook the Bacon: In a skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then crumble it into small pieces. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Mixture

1. Mix the Cream Base: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise (if using). Stir until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Seasonings and Cheese: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese and ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix until fully combined.

Step 4: Add Chicken and Jalapeños

1. Add Chicken and Jalapeños: Fold in the shredded chicken and diced jalapeños into the creamy cheese mixture. Stir until everything is well coated.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

1. Transfer to a Baking Dish: Spread the chicken mixture evenly into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Top with Cheese and Bacon: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese and ½ cup of mozzarella cheese over the top. Then sprinkle the crumbled bacon evenly over the cheese layer.

Step 6: Bake

1. Bake the Casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and golden.

Step 7: Cool and Garnish

1. Let It Cool: Allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro for garnish if desired.

How to Cook Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the Bacon: Cook the bacon until crispy and set aside for crumbling.
2. Make the Creamy Base: Combine cream cheese, sour cream, seasonings, and shredded cheese for the creamy casserole base.
3. Add Chicken and Jalapeños: Mix in shredded chicken and diced jalapeños.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Layer the mixture in a baking dish, top with more cheese and bacon, and bake until golden and bubbly.
5. Garnish and Serve: Let it cool slightly and garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not Softening the Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing to avoid lumps in the casserole.
2. Overcooking the Bacon: Cook the bacon until crispy, but not burnt, as it will cook a bit more in the oven.
3. Too Much Jalapeño Heat: If you're sensitive to spice, make sure to remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños to reduce the heat.
4. Undercooking the Chicken: Make sure your chicken is fully cooked before mixing it into the casserole to avoid undercooking in the oven.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Even though this casserole is rich and hearty, you can still make it look great with a few simple presentation ideas:

1. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped green onions or cilantro on top for a fresh, vibrant look.
2. Serve with Sides: Pair the casserole with a simple side salad, roasted veggies, or cauliflower rice to balance out the richness.
3. Add a Lime Wedge: Serve with a wedge of lime for a fresh, tangy contrast to the creamy richness of the casserole.

How to Serve Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

• Family Style: Serve the casserole directly from the baking dish at the table, allowing everyone to help themselves.
• Individual Plates: Scoop portions onto plates and garnish with extra jalapeños or green onions for a fresh look.
• With Sides: Serve with tortilla chips, a fresh salad, or even Mexican rice for a complete meal.

Presentation Ideas for Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

1. Cast Iron Skillet: Bake and serve the casserole in a cast iron skillet for a rustic, homestyle presentation.
2. Herb Garnish: Top with chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, or even a sprinkle of crispy fried onions for added crunch.
3. Extra Jalapeños: Garnish with extra slices of fresh or pickled jalapeños for visual appeal and extra heat.

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make it Ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, just add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Assemble the dish, but don’t bake it. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut! Just shred or cube it, and you’re good to go.

Q: How can I make this casserole spicier?
A: To add more heat, leave the seeds in the jalapeños, add more jalapeños, or toss in diced serrano peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Q: Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
A: Yes, you can use dairy-free cream cheese, sour cream, and cheese substitutes to make it dairy-free.

Q: Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
A: Absolutely! You can mix in veggies like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to boost the nutrition and flavor.

Q: How do I make this casserole keto-friendly?
A: This casserole is already keto-friendly, but to keep it keto, use full-fat dairy products, and avoid any breadcrumbs or flour-based toppings.

Conclusion

This Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole is the perfect dish for those who love a bit of heat, creamy cheese, and savory bacon in their meals. It’s simple to make, versatile, and sure to be a hit whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck. The rich, cheesy flavors paired with the slight kick from the jalapeños make every bite irresistible. Customize it with your favorite add-ins, adjust the heat to your liking, and enjoy the ultimate comfort food!

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