Have the best of both worlds with this quick and easy jalapeno popper chicken casserole, brimming with cheese, jalapenos, chicken, and a smooth, creamy sauce!
HOW TO MAKE JALAPENO POPPER CHICKEN CASSEROLE
This next part is only a photo tutorial of the recipe steps. If you’re looking for the full recipe measurements and instructions, scroll down to Recipe Details.
Step 1 – Set your oven to 350°F and prep your 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
Step 2 – In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, combine cream cheese, heavy cream, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder until smooth.
Step 3 – Remove the bowl from the mixer, then use a spatula to fold in the chicken, bacon, half the cheddar, and the jalapenos.
Step 4 – Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, smooth it out into an even layer, then top with the remaining cheddar.
Step 5 – Bake!
Step 6 – After baking, let it rest, then garnish with green onions and more jalapenos if desired.
Step 7 – Serve and enjoy!
INGREDIENTS
- 12 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 4 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon, about 8 slices, plus more for garnish (optional)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 8 medium jalapeno peppers, chopped, seeds and ribs removed, plus more for garnish (optional)
- 1/4 cup sliced green onion, for garnish (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray, then set aside.
- Using a stand mixer (or hand mixer + large bowl), mix together cream cheese, heavy cream, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder on medium high speed until incorporated, about 2-4 minutes.12 ounces cream cheese,1 cup heavy whipping cream,1 teaspoon garlic powder,1 teaspoon smoked paprika,1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Remove bowl from mixer. Add chicken, bacon, 1 cup cheddar cheese, and jalapenos to bowl, then use a spatula to fold ingredients together until thoroughly mixed.4 cups cooked and shredded chicken,1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon,2 cups shredded cheddar cheese,8 medium jalapeno peppers
- Pour cream cheese mixture into prepared baking dish and smooth out into an even layer. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake casserole, uncovered, for 20 minutes. If you prefer a crispier top, increase oven to broil and place dish on top rack for 1-2 minutes.
- Let casserole rest for 5 minutes. Garnish top with green onion, jalapeno slices, and bacon (all optional).1/4 cup sliced green onion,8 medium jalapeno peppers
- Serve as desired.
