Description
This Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole brings the bold flavors of your favorite appetizer to the dinner table in a hearty, family-friendly way. With juicy baked chicken, creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and just the right amount of heat, it’s a comforting dish that’s simple to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3 to 4 pieces)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ pound fresh jalapeño peppers (about 5 to 6 peppers)
- 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- ½ cup cooked crispy bacon, crumbled
Ingredient Tip: For less heat, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños. For more spice, leave some in.
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Prepare the chicken: Arrange the chicken breasts in the dish. Sprinkle with garlic powder. Spread softened cream cheese evenly over the top of each piece.
- Add jalapeños and cheese: Slice jalapeños in half lengthwise, remove seeds and membranes (or leave some for heat), then slice into strips. Layer them over the cream cheese. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes. About 5 minutes before done, top with crumbled bacon and return to oven until cheese is bubbly and chicken is cooked through (165°F).
- Rest and serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set.
Notes
- Serving Suggestions: Pairs great with roasted vegetables, steamed green beans, rice, or a baked potato.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven or microwave until heated through.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Meat Casseroles
- Method: Baking, Oven
- Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: jalapeño popper chicken casserole, low carb chicken bake, spicy chicken bake, keto casserole, jalapeno chicken bake