Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole
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!
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 5-6 diced jalapeño peppers
- 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
- 1 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 1 tablespoon unsalted butter on medium-high heat, add 3 minced garlic cloves and 5-6 diced jalapeño peppers to the pan. Stir well to coat them with the garlic-infused butter and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add 2 cups cooked chicken and season with 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon cumin powder, salt and pepper; mix until combined.
- Reduce the heat to low and add 8 ounces cream cheese, stirring until fully combined. Remove it from the heat, mix in 1/2 cup sour cream and 1/2 cup heavy cream (if using), and generously sprinkle 1 1/2 cups sharp 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 1/2 cup crumbled crispy bacon, 1/2 heaping cup crumbled pretzels and 1 sliced jalapeño 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 fresh parsley or cilantro. Enjoy your meal!
Video
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.
Nutrition
Calories: 589kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 51g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 190mg | Sodium: 449mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g