Description
Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole is creamy, spicy, and cheesy ! This dish combines tender chicken, fiery jalapeños, crispy bacon and cheese for a comforting meal. It's a perfect balance of heat and creaminess, ideal for those who love bold flavors!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 5-6 jalapeño peppers, diced
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded ( about 3-4 chicken breasts)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, optional ( add only if you prefer your casserole to have a more soupy consistency)
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup crumbled crispy bacon
- 1/2 heaping cup crumbled pretzels
- Sliced jalapeño pepper for topping
- Fresh parsley or cilantro to garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the oven rack in the middle of the oven.
- You can use an 8-inch cast-iron skillet (or an ovenproof pan) for the entire cooking process, or use a regular pan for sautéing initially and then transfer the mixture to an 8-inch casserole dish later.
- Melt the BUTTER on medium-high heat, add the GARLIC and JALAPENO PEPPERS to the pan. Stir well to coat them with the garlic-infused butter and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the cooked CHICKEN and season with PAPRIKA, CUMIN, SALT and PEPPER; mix until combined.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the CREAM CHEESE, stirring until fully combined. Remove it from the heat, mix in the SOUR CREAM and HEAVY CREAM (if using), and generously sprinkle the CHEDDAR CHEESE on top ( or transfer the mixture to a casserole dish first and then sprinkle the cheese).
- Bake for 10-15 minutes. Remove from the oven 5 minutes before it finishes cooking, and scatter BACON, crumbled PRETZELS and sliced JALAPENO PEPPER over the top. Then, place it back in the oven to finish cooking for the remaining time.
- Add a finishing touch to by garnishing it with freshly chopped CILANTRO or parsley. Enjoy your meal!
Notes
Refrigerate in an Airtight Container: Allow to cool down to room temperature. Transfer to an airtight container. If you have a large amount, you might want to divide it into smaller portions for easier reheating. Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Freezing (Optional): If you want to store it for a longer period, you can freeze it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating: When you're ready to eat it, reheat the casserole in the oven or microwave. If it's frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: Chicken Casserole Recipes
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 589 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 449 mg
- Fat: 39 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 51 g
- Cholesterol: 190 mg