Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole Recipe
This creamy chicken casserole bakes cooked chicken, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, fresh jalapenos, smoky bacon, and cheddar in a 9x13 dish until bubbly and lightly browned in 1 hour.
Equipment
- 9 x 13 baking dish
- Large Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked, cubed or chopped chicken meat
- 3-4 large seeded, chopped jalapeno peppers
- 8 ounces softened, cream cheese
- 3/4 cup mayonaise
- 2 tsp granulated garlic
- 2 tsp granulated onion
- 1-1/2 cups shredded, cheddar cheese
- 8 pieces cooked and chopped bacon
- 1-2 additional seeded and chopped jalapeños for garnish on top
- 1-1/2 cups this is extra cheddar cheese to sprinkle on top
Instructions
- Set the oven to 350°F and grease the bottom and sides of a 9x13 baking dish. An even coating helps keep the cheesy edges from sticking to the dish.
- Place the cooked chicken, bacon, softened cream cheese, chopped filling jalapenos, mayonnaise, granulated onion, granulated garlic, and filling cheddar in a large bowl, then fold and stir thoroughly. The mixture should look evenly coated, with no large pockets of plain cream cheese.
- Transfer the filling to the prepared dish, level the surface, and scatter the reserved topping cheddar and additional chopped jalapenos across it. An even layer allows the cheese to cover the filling rather than collect in thick piles.
- Bake without a cover for 40 minutes, checking for bubbling filling and light browning on top. The edges should bubble around the dish while the cheddar across the center looks fully melted.
Notes
Texture tip: Make sure the cream cheese yields easily to a gentle press before mixing so the filling blends smoothly without leaving firm white pockets.
Ingredient tip: Scrape out the seeds and white inner ribs from the jalapenos for a milder bake, and wear disposable gloves while trimming them.
Serving tip: Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes after baking so the molten cheese mixture thickens into more cohesive scoops.
Storage and reheating: Refrigerate or freeze leftovers in covered shallow containers within two hours, and reheat covered until the center reaches 165°F on a food thermometer.
Nutrition information is an estimate based on common ingredients and serving sizes. Values may vary depending on brands, portions, and substitutions.