Enjoy all the flavors of jalapeño poppers in a delicious and comforting casserole! This Jalapeño Popper Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and has just the right amount of spice, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
📋 Ingredients:
- 🍗 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 🌶️ 4-6 jalapeños, seeded and diced
- 🥓 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 🧀 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 🧀 1 cup sour cream
- 🧀 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 🧀 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 🧂 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 🧂 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 🌿 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 🧂 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 🌿 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 🌿 1/2 cup crushed pork rinds or breadcrumbs (for topping)
- 🧈 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
- 🌿 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
📝 Directions:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken and diced jalapeños. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared bak ing dish.
- Make the Creamy Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Stir in half of the cooked and crumbled bacon.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread the creamy mixture evenly over the chicken and jalapeños in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Prepare the Topping:
- In a small bowl, combine the crushed pork rinds or breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are well coated.
- Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with the remaining crumbled bacon and chopped fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6-8 servings
Calories: 450 kcal per serving
💡 Notes:
- For a milder dish, you can use fewer jalapeños or substitute with bell peppers.
- This casserole pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.