Craving something creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor? This Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole delivers all that and more! Combining tender chicken, smoky bacon, spicy jalapenos, and a rich, cheesy sauce, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser perfect for family dinners or potlucks. It’s like enjoying your favorite jalapeno popper appetizer in a hearty, satisfying meal. Read on to discover how to make this deliciously easy casserole that’s sure to become a favorite in your household!
What Is Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole?
Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole is a baked dish that combines shredded or cubed chicken with cream cheese, cheddar cheese, jalapenos, and crispy bacon, all in one creamy, cheesy casserole. It’s inspired by the flavors of jalapeno poppers but turned into a full meal. The heat from the jalapenos is balanced by the creaminess of the cheeses, while the bacon adds a delightful smoky crunch. This casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners, and it’s keto-friendly, low-carb, and gluten-free for those looking for a health-conscious option.
Ingredients List for Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole:
- 3-4 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed, rotisserie chicken works great)
- 6 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)
- 4-5 fresh jalapenos (seeds and membranes removed for less heat, diced)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- ¼ cup sliced green onions (for garnish)
- ¼ cup crushed pork rinds or breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is flexible, allowing you to adjust the heat level or modify ingredients based on your preferences:
- Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or substitute with leftover grilled or baked chicken breasts or thighs.
- Bacon: For a vegetarian version, you can omit the bacon or use turkey bacon. If you love extra crunch, try adding bacon bits as well.
- Jalapenos: Control the heat by removing the seeds and membranes. For more heat, leave some of the seeds in or substitute with hotter peppers like serrano or habanero.
- Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella work well, but you can also use Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheeses for a richer flavor.
- Mayonnaise: If you prefer a lighter version, swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or use light mayonnaise.
- Topping: For a crispy topping, use crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly option, or opt for breadcrumbs or panko for a more traditional finish.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole step by step:
- Preheat your oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside.
- Prepare the chicken: If you’re using uncooked chicken, cook it until fully done and shred or cube it. If using rotisserie or leftover chicken, shred it into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix the creamy sauce: In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt). Stir until smooth and creamy. Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Add the cheese and jalapenos: Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese (if using), and the diced jalapenos. Mix until combined.
- Assemble the casserole: In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spread the shredded or cubed chicken evenly across the bottom. Pour the creamy jalapeno mixture over the chicken, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with bacon and cheese: Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the creamy chicken mixture. Then, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. If you want extra crunch, sprinkle the crushed pork rinds or breadcrumbs on top of the cheese.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
How to Cook Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a quick recap to help you make the perfect Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole:
- Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble and set aside.
- Prepare the chicken by shredding or cubing it.
- Mix the creamy sauce with cream cheese, sour cream, and seasonings.
- Combine the cheese and jalapenos with the sauce for a rich, flavorful mixture.
- Layer the chicken, sauce, bacon, and cheese in a baking dish.
- Bake until bubbly, then garnish and enjoy!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when making Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole:
- Overcooking the chicken: If you’re using pre-cooked chicken, be careful not to bake the casserole too long, as the chicken can dry out.
- Not adjusting the heat level: Jalapenos can vary in heat, so taste-test a small piece before adding them to the dish. You can remove the seeds and membranes for less heat, or add more if you like it spicy.
- Not softening the cream cheese: Be sure to soften the cream cheese before mixing it with the other ingredients. Cold cream cheese will be difficult to blend and can result in a lumpy sauce.
- Skipping the resting time: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to serve neat portions.
Serving and Presentation Tips
This Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole is a hearty, flavor-packed meal, but you can elevate it with these serving ideas:
- Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley, cilantro, or sliced green onions adds a fresh, vibrant touch.
- Serve with side dishes: Pair the casserole with a light salad, roasted vegetables, or cauliflower rice for a well-rounded meal.
- Add some crunch: If you love extra texture, serve with tortilla chips or crushed pork rinds on the side for scooping up the cheesy, creamy casserole.
How to Serve Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to complement the dish:
- Salads: A crisp green salad, Caesar salad, or cucumber salad adds a refreshing balance to the rich flavors.
- Vegetables: Serve with roasted or steamed vegetables like green beans, asparagus, or broccoli to round out the meal.
- Bread: Warm, crusty bread or garlic bread can be served on the side to scoop up the creamy sauce.
Presentation Ideas for Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole
While this casserole is a casual dish, you can still make it visually appealing with a few simple touches:
- Garnish with green onions or cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds color and brightens the dish.
- Serve in individual portions: Spoon the casserole into individual bowls and garnish each with extra bacon crumbles, cheese, or jalapeno slices for a more polished presentation.
- Bake in a beautiful dish: A colorful or ceramic baking dish can make the casserole look more inviting when you bring it to the table.
Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole Recipe Tips
To make sure your Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole comes out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This makes it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
- Freeze for later: This casserole freezes well. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Adjust the heat: If you’re serving people with different spice preferences, you can serve the diced jalapenos on the side or add extra jalapenos as a topping for those who like it spicier.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole
and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it perfect for meal prepping or a busy weeknight dinner.
Q: Can I freeze Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole?
A: Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. Let it cool completely, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Q: How can I make this dish spicier?
A: To increase the heat, leave the seeds and membranes in the jalapenos or add extra spicy peppers like serranos or habaneros. You can also add cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the creamy mixture.
Q: Can I make this casserole keto-friendly?
A: Yes, this casserole is naturally keto-friendly as long as you use keto-approved ingredients like full-fat cream cheese, sour cream, and crushed pork rinds for the topping instead of breadcrumbs.
Conclusion
This Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food with a spicy kick. Combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and the heat of jalapenos, it’s a flavorful, satisfying meal that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb dinner or simply a crowd-pleasing dish, this casserole delivers on flavor and ease. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the bold, cheesy goodness that will leave everyone coming back for seconds!
PrintJalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole Recipe
This Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole is a spicy, creamy, and cheesy dish that combines tender chicken with the bold flavors of jalapenos, cream cheese, and bacon. It’s a low-carb, keto-friendly dinner option perfect for those who love a bit of heat in their meals. Easy to prepare, it’s a great family-friendly casserole with a kick!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cooked and shredded)
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 4-5 jalapenos (seeded and diced)
- 8 slices cooked bacon (crumbled)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup shredded cheddar (for topping)
- ¼ cup crushed pork rinds (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the cooked, shredded chicken, diced jalapenos, and half of the crumbled bacon.
- Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish.
- Top with remaining shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, and crushed pork rinds (if using).
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and the top is golden.
- Let cool for 5 minutes, then serve.
Notes
- You can adjust the heat by leaving the seeds in the jalapenos or adding more for extra spice.
- This dish is perfect for a low-carb or keto diet, and you can substitute pork rinds for breadcrumbs if not following keto.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 950mg
Leave a Reply