Back to school and fall seasons are perfect for trying new casseroles. This delicious Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole combines all the flavors of the delicious appetizer that we love and adds protein with the chicken and becomes one of those easy meals in your rotation. The simple ingredients are a winning part of this delicious dish. It’s also great for game day!
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Jalapeño poppers have become a beloved staple in American cuisine, known for their bold blend of spicy and savory flavors. Originating from the Tex-Mex tradition, these appetizers consist of jalapeño peppers stuffed with a creamy mixture of cheese, often combined with spices or herbs, and then breaded and deep-fried or baked. The crispy exterior contrasts delightfully with the smooth, melty interior, creating a taste experience that’s both fiery and indulgent. Traditionally enjoyed at gatherings, tailgates, and casual get-togethers, jalapeño poppers embody a festive spirit and a love for bold, comforting flavors, making them a quintessential part of modern American party fare.
The jalapeño poppers I know and love are not fried, and made up of cream cheese in sliced, deseeded jalapeño peppers, wrapped in bacon and either grilled or baked. There are many different variations to this, and there is not a wrong way to make them. Adding cheddar cheese, monterey jack cheese, or pepper jack cheese would be delicious, too, if you like it extra spicy.
Can you use a different kind of chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs, rotisserie chicken, or any kind of chicken that you prefer. You can even use shredded chicken if you like that better in your casseroles.
What do I serve with this jalapeño popper chicken casserole recipe?
Serve tortilla chips, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, Mexican rice, refried beans, or just a simple side salad with this recipe!
What can I do to make this less spicy?
You can get mild jalapeños from the farmer’s market or a local gardener. You can also remove the seeds, but that never guarantees that you won’t still have spicy jalapeños. If your family really does not like spicy peppers, you can swap bell peppers for the jalapeños and add sliced jalapeños or salsa on the portion that is for people who love spice!
What kind of toppings go well with jalapeño popper chicken casserole?
You could add a crunchy topping like crushed tortilla chips or green onions. It really stands alone, but if you prefer more heat, try adding some hot sauce on top.
Your family will love this flavorful meal!
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole - Easy Recipe
This Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole is easy, under 1 hour to make, and simply delicious! The seasoned chicken mixing together with the cream cheese mixture, topped with yummy jalapeños with a sprinkle of cheese and bacon right on top and baked until golden and perfect.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or fresh garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup of heavy cream
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 6-7 jalapeño peppers
- 4 oz block of cheddar cheese, grated
- ½ cup of bacon, cooked
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F
- In a medium bowl, add cubed chicken breast and season with the garlic salt and paprika, stir.
- In a large pan on the stovetop, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil or spray the pan, add the chicken and cook on a medium to high heat until cooked through.
- Once the chicken is done, add it to a 9x13 casserole dish.
- In a medium bowl add the cream cheese, chicken broth and heavy cream, stir until everything is mixed together and no longer chunky.
- Pour all over the chicken in the baking dish.
- Slice the peppers either into long strips without the seeds or you can slice them into circles with the seeds for more heat. (using plastic gloves is recommeded)
- Lay the sliced peppers all over top the cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle the freshly grated cheddar cheese all over top.
- Crumble the cooked bacon into small pieces then sprinkle on top.
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden. (optional: top with more jalapeños if you’d like.)
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days
- iff you don’t want this super spicy, remember to have no seeds left on the peppers.
- serving over rice is a good option
- ccan shred a rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken.
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