Description
Spicy jalapeño popper casserole delivers creamy, cheesy comfort with a kick of heat. Crispy bacon and zesty peppers create a mouthwatering dish you won’t be able to resist.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 4 cups shredded chicken
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4–5 jalapenos, diced
Dairy and Creamy Components:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Seasoning and Topping:
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
- Crisp the chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until golden and rendered, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the bacon bits to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and heavy cream until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Fold the shredded chicken, diced jalapenos, crispy bacon pieces, and shredded cheddar cheese into the creamy mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper over the mixture, gently stirring to season thoroughly.
- Transfer the creamy chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a uniform layer.
- Generously scatter panko breadcrumbs across the top of the casserole, creating a crunchy golden topping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the breadcrumb topping turns a rich, golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and make cutting easier.
Notes
- Swap jalapenos for milder poblano peppers if you prefer less heat, maintaining the zesty flavor profile without overwhelming spiciness.
- Consider using rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation method, which saves time and adds extra flavor to the casserole.
- Reduce carbohydrate content by substituting panko breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds for a low-carb, keto-friendly version of the dish.
- Enhance meal prep by assembling the casserole ahead of time and refrigerating, then baking when ready to serve, allowing flavors to meld together.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg