Description
Spicy jalapeno popper chicken casserole blends creamy comfort with bold southwestern flavors in one irresistible dish. Melted cheese, crisp bacon, and zesty peppers create a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 4 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
- 8 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
Dairy and Cheese:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Seasonings and Produce:
- 4–5 fresh jalapenos (diced)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- 2–3 green onions (thinly sliced)
Optional Topping:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Prepare oven at 375°F, ensuring rack is positioned in the center for even cooking.
- Create a robust seasoning blend by combining salt, pepper, paprika, garlic, and onion powder, then thoroughly coat each chicken breast.
- Arrange seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer within a spacious baking dish, ensuring they do not overlap.
- Craft a creamy mixture by gently folding softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar, diced jalapenos, and half the crispy bacon pieces until well incorporated.
- Carefully spread the rich, spicy mixture across the chicken, creating an even, luxurious coating that covers each breast completely.
- For added crunch, sprinkle a light layer of breadcrumbs over the top, which will transform into a golden, crisp surface during baking.
- Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, monitoring until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the cheese becomes gloriously melted and slightly bubbling.
- Remove from oven and enhance the presentation by scattering remaining bacon bits and freshly chopped green onions across the surface, then serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Swap jalapenos with bell peppers for a mild, kid-friendly version that maintains the creamy, cheesy essence of the dish.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to reduce calories and boost protein content while keeping the same tangy flavor profile.
- Cut chicken breasts into smaller pieces for faster cooking and more even cheese distribution, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
- Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld together for an even more delicious meal when baked later.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 485 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg