Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole

If you love bold flavors, creamy textures, and a little kick of heat, this Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole is for you! Inspired by the classic party appetizer, this dish turns spicy jalapeños, tender chicken, and cheesy goodness into a hearty, satisfying meal. It’s a low-carb comfort food that’s as easy to make as it is to devour.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy & Cheesy – Rich cream cheese and melted cheddar make every bite indulgent.
Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly – No pasta or breadcrumbs needed!
Crowd-Pleaser – A hit at family dinners and potlucks alike.
Quick Prep – Only 15 minutes of prep time and then into the oven.
Spice Level Customizable – Add more or fewer jalapeños to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Casserole Base:

• 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
• 6 slices beef bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/2 cup chopped jalapeños (fresh or pickled, seeds removed for less heat)
• 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Creamy Cheese Mixture:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

For Topping:

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped green onions or chives (for garnish)
• Extra sliced jalapeños (optional for topping)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Skillet
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Cheese grater
• Knife and cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
4. Stir in jalapeños and cook for another 2 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

1. In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise.
2. Add onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
3. Fold in cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and the sautéed jalapeño mixture.

Step 3: Combine Chicken and Cheese Mixture

1. Add shredded chicken and crumbled beef bacon to the creamy mixture.
2. Stir until everything is well coated.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with oil or cooking spray.
2. Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the dish.
3. Sprinkle with additional cheddar cheese and Parmesan on top.
4. Add sliced jalapeños if desired for extra spice.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

1. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
2. Broil for 2-3 minutes for a golden, crispy top (optional).
3. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
4. Garnish with chopped green onions or chives before serving.

Tips for Best Results
Soften Cream Cheese – Leave it at room temperature for easy mixing.
Control the Heat – Remove jalapeño seeds or use pickled for milder flavor.
Use Pre-Cooked Chicken – Rotisserie or leftover chicken saves time.
Mix Cheeses – Cheddar and mozzarella offer great flavor and texture.
Broil the Top – For an irresistible golden cheese crust.

Serving Suggestions
Side Salad – A crisp green salad balances the creamy richness.
Roasted Veggies – Serve with broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus.
Cauliflower Rice – A perfect low-carb pairing to soak up the sauce.
Cornbread or Garlic Bread – For non-keto options, both work well too.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

• Oven: Cover and heat at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Warm in 1-minute intervals until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use canned jalapeños?
   Yes! Just drain them well and chop before adding.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Absolutely. Assemble the casserole and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
3. Is it too spicy for kids?
   You can use mild jalapeños or reduce the amount to keep it kid-friendly.
4. What cheese substitutes work well?
   Try Monterey Jack, Colby, or pepper jack for a twist.

Final Thoughts
This Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole takes everything you love about the spicy appetizer and turns it into a satisfying, creamy dinner that’s low on carbs but big on flavor. It’s the perfect dish to spice up your weekly meal rotation or impress guests at your next gathering. You get all the popper goodness in a filling, family-friendly casserole.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how your dish turns out.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 360 | Protein: 29g | Carbohydrates: 6g | Fat: 25g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 480mg

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