Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

This Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole is all about spicing up your weekly meal plan!

Table of Contents

If you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner to spice things up, look no further! I’m constantly looking for creative meals that don’t take too much effort, and this jalapeño popper chicken casserole is one of my new favorites.

If you’re familiar with my recipes you know I’m all about a meal that takes minimal prep, minimal dishwashing, and minimal ingredients, and that’s one reason I’ve been keen on easy casseroles lately. And by the way, FFF has no shortage of ideas – just check out these 45 Healthy Casserole Recipes next time you’re looking for dinner options!

This casserole took inspiration from my recent recipe for Grilled Jalapeño Poppers. They were sooo delicious, and such a hit at my football kickoff party! I wanted to bring that dish’s creamy, decadent filling and chile-pepper heat to other meals. And then it hit me: why not a casserole? Try and succeed I did! I already know this spicy casserole is going to be a go-to dinner for years to come. I love a dish with some heat, and the jalapeños in this one add just enough kick to the creamy, cheesy base. Chicken turns the fun popper concept from appetizer to main dish, and few can resist a little garnish of bacon!

Is Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole Healthy?

The delicious creaminess of the casserole comes from cream cheese and cheddar, two ingredients that are high in fat. On the plus side, it contains a generous amount of lean chicken breast that contributes to an impressive 30 grams of protein per serving. I recommend you enjoy it in moderation and add healthy sides like crunchy green beans or a refreshing salad. You can also try a meatless version by ditching the chicken, adding black beans and rice, and topping it with breadcrumbs instead of bacon for a different kind of crunch.

What’s A Casserole, and What’s So Great About It?

A casserole is a one-dish meal that’s served in the same oven-proof dish that it’s baked in – a dish that is itself known as a casserole. For me, a casserole is typically creamy and loaded up with goodness. What I love about them, aside from their invitation to get creative with your food, is that you can essentially just throw everything together, place it in the oven, and be done with cooking! And talk about convenient: You can almost always assemble casseroles ahead and leftovers are usually super-easy to reheat.

INGREDIENTS

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, chopped into cubes
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
10 ounces jalapeño peppers, seeded and sliced
3/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1/3 cup cooked bacon, crumbled

INSTRUCTIONS

Sear

Season chicken and brown it in a skillet with oil.

Layer

Layer chicken with cream cheese, jalapeños, and cheddar in a casserole.

Bake

Cook until chicken is done, adding bacon towards the end.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store

You can assemble this jalapeño popper chicken casserole a day or two ahead of time, cover it and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake and serve it up. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days and easily reheat in the microwave or oven.

WHAT ARE JALAPEñO POPPERS?

Jalapeño poppers are a popular appetizer or snack food made of jalapeños stuffed with a creamy, cheesy filling and baked. Try this version made with cream cheese.

USE SHARP CHEDDAR

In this recipe, using sharp cheddar is the key to reaching the desired cheesy flavor. You can experiment with adding other cheeses, but sharp cheddar is essential for the dish’s signature flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Jalapeño popper chicken casserole is a great main or side dish and is perfect to take to your next potluck or holiday gathering. If you’re making it for weeknight dinner I recommend serving it with light, refreshing sides to offset its richness. A simple Vegan Caesar Salad is crisp and tangy, and I also love serving my casserole with Sweet Vegan Cornbread!