Description
A creamy, cheesy, flavor-packed casserole loaded with tender chicken, crispy bacon, melted cheddar, and fresh jalapeños. This Jalapeño Chicken Popper Bake transforms everything you love about jalapeño poppers into a hearty, satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (about 1 lb / 450g)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 6–8 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- 3 fresh jalapeños, seeded and diced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs (optional topping)
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar, bacon, jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy.
- Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers or panko over the top, if using.
- Bake uncovered 20–25 minutes until melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Let cool 5 minutes, then top with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken keeps prep fast and easy.
- Remove jalapeño seeds for less heat, keep some for extra spice.
- Pepper Jack cheese boosts the kick.
- Turkey bacon works as a leaner alternative.
- Cracker or panko topping adds a golden crust.
- Add spinach or bell peppers for extra veggies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Jalapeno Chicken Popper Bake