Bold Pioneer Woman Jalapeno Popper Chicken Recipe

Fiery jalapeño popper chicken casserole transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into a mouthwatering culinary adventure.

Comfort food lovers rejoice when bold and spicy flavors dance across their taste buds.

Creamy, cheesy goodness marries crispy textures in this irresistible dish that promises a flavor explosion.

Hearty ingredients combine to create a satisfying meal that feels both indulgent and comforting.

Unexpected heat from jalapeños adds a zesty kick that elevates traditional casserole recipes.

The combination of melted cheese, tender chicken, and crispy toppings guarantees a memorable dining experience.

How to Store and Reheat Popper Casserole

• Vacuum Seal Method: Extract all air using a vacuum sealer to prevent freezer burn and maintain optimal flavor preservation. Lock chicken casserole in specialized vacuum bags, pressing out excess air before sealing to create an airtight environment that protects against moisture and potential bacterial growth.
• Portion Separation Method: Divide casserole into individual serving sizes before storing. Transfer measured portions into separate airtight containers or freezer-safe bags, allowing easier reheating and preventing unnecessary thawing of entire dish. Label each container with date and contents for quick identification.
• Glass Container Method: Transfer cooled casserole into thick-walled glass containers with secure, leak-proof lids. Choose containers sized precisely to minimize air exposure, preventing potential flavor degradation. Stack containers strategically in refrigerator or freezer, maximizing space while protecting meal's integrity and taste profile.

Ways to Twist Up the Flavor for Next Time

• Vegetarian Jalapeño Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or roasted cauliflower, maintaining the spicy cheese mixture and crispy topping for a plant-based alternative.
• Green Chile Southwestern Style: Swap jalapeños with mild green chiles, add black beans, and incorporate corn kernels for a southwestern-inspired flavor profile.
• Protein Power Upgrade: Substitute chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken or ground turkey, enhancing protein content while keeping the creamy jalapeño essence.
• Mediterranean Fusion Approach: Incorporate feta cheese, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and add chopped kalamata olives for a Mediterranean-inspired rendition of the classic casserole.

A Spicy Finish to Your Casserole Craving

Spicy chicken casserole promises adventure for palates seeking bold flavors.

Southern comfort meets gourmet sensibility in this jalapeño-packed creation.

Crispy bacon and creamy cheese elevate familiar ingredients into extraordinary dining experiences.

Warm kitchen memories emerge from each carefully crafted bite of this irresistible dish.

Layers of complex flavors dance across taste buds with unexpected harmony.

You’ll find yourself craving seconds before finishing the first serving – so snap that perfect food photo, share this mouthwatering recipe with friends, and spread culinary joy across social media platforms.

Why Jalapeño Popper Casserole Packs Big Flavor

• Spice Up Your Comfort Food: This casserole transforms classic comfort food with a fiery jalapeño twist, delivering a bold and exciting flavor profile that'll make your taste buds dance with joy.
• Texture Explosion in Every Bite: Crispy bacon, crunchy panko topping, creamy cheese mixture, and tender chicken create a multi-dimensional texture experience that keeps every forkful interesting and satisfying.
• Easy Weeknight Winner: With straightforward preparation and just over an hour of total cooking time, this recipe offers a gourmet-style meal that's simple enough for busy home cooks to whip up without stress, making dinner both delicious and convenient.

Ingredients That Heat Up This Chicken Bake

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein base for the casserole, choose fresh and similar-sized breasts for even cooking.
• Bacon Slices: Adds smoky flavor and crispy texture, look for thick-cut for best results.

• Cream Cheese: Provides creamy base and rich texture, use full-fat for best consistency.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharp flavor and melting quality, sharp variety recommended.
• Sour Cream: Enhances creaminess and tanginess of the dish.

• Jalapeño Peppers: Brings heat and flavor, choose fresh and firm peppers.
• Crispy Fried Jalapeños: Adds extra crunch and spice to topping.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates crispy topping layer, Japanese-style breadcrumbs preferred.
• Chili Powder: Adds depth of spice to chicken seasoning.
• Cumin: Provides warm, earthy undertone to seasoning.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasoning to enhance overall flavor.
• Paprika: Adds mild smoky flavor and color.

• Olive Oil: Used for roasting chicken and jalapeños.
• Chicken Stock: Adds moisture and depth to cheese mixture.
• Melted Butter: Helps bind breadcrumb topping.

How to Make a Spicy, Creamy Popper Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat oven to 375°F. Grab a large baking sheet and prepare your workspace.

• Olive oil
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Salt
• Pepper

Place chicken breasts on one half of baking sheet and drizzle with 1st portion of olive oil. Sprinkle seasonings generously over chicken.

Step 2: Roast Jalapeños And Season

Place jalapeño peppers on other half of baking sheet. Drizzle with remaining olive oil and lightly season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Cook Bacon And Chicken

Arrange bacon slices on separate baking sheet in single layer. Place both sheets in oven. Bake for 25 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature and bacon turns crispy.

Step 4: Create Creamy Mixture

• Cream cheese
• Cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Chicken stock
• Paprika

Dice cooked chicken and chop bacon. Stir chicken and half the bacon into cheese mixture.

Step 5: Layer Casserole

Transfer half chicken mixture into 8-inch square casserole dish. Layer half roasted jalapeños over mixture. Repeat layers with remaining ingredients.

Step 6: Add Crunchy Topping

• Crispy fried jalapeños
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Remaining chopped bacon

Toss with melted butter. Sprinkle mixture evenly over casserole.

Step 7: Final Bake

Bake at 375°F for 25-27 minutes until top turns golden and edges bubble. Let cool slightly before serving.

Tips for the Perfect Jalapeño Kick

• Butter Up the Breadcrumbs: Melt butter and mix it with crispy jalapeños and crumbled bacon. This creates a golden, crunchy topping that adds texture and flavor to every bite.
• Layer Like a Pro: Create even layers of chicken and jalapeños in the baking dish. Spreading ingredients uniformly ensures each spoonful delivers maximum taste and excitement.
• Cream Cheese Hack: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature before mixing. Softened cream cheese blends smoothly, creating a luxuriously creamy sauce throughout the casserole.
• Oil Jalapeño Magic: Brush jalapeños with olive oil before roasting. This simple step helps peppers become tender and intensifies their natural smoky flavor.
• Spice Bomb Chicken: Generously rub chicken with a blend of chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Massaging these spices into the meat guarantees deep, mouthwatering flavor in every single piece.

Pioneer Woman Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Pioneer Woman Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole delivers spicy comfort with creamy, cheesy goodness. Hearty layers of chicken, crispy bacon, and jalapeños create a mouthwatering dish that brings zesty southwestern flair right to your dinner table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 18 ounces (510 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 6 slices thick-cut bacon

Dairy and Cheese:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 6 jalapeño peppers, stemmed, halved, and seeded
• ½ cup crispy fried jalapeños
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup chicken stock
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Initiate oven preheating to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Position chicken breasts on one side of a large baking sheet, generously coating with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Liberally dust with chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Arrange jalapeño peppers on the opposite side of the sheet, drizzling with remaining olive oil and lightly seasoning with salt and pepper.
2. Distribute bacon slices across a separate baking sheet in a single, non-overlapping layer. Slide both baking sheets into the oven simultaneously. Allow approximately 25 minutes of roasting time, ensuring chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) and bacon achieves a crisp, golden texture.
3. In a spacious mixing bowl, blend cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, sour cream, chicken stock, and paprika until smooth. Meticulously dice the roasted chicken and crumble the crispy bacon. Fold the diced chicken and half of the bacon fragments into the creamy mixture, ensuring thorough incorporation.
4. Carefully transfer half of the chicken-cheese blend into an 8-inch square baking dish. Create a layer of roasted jalapeño peppers atop the initial chicken mixture. Repeat the layering process with remaining chicken mixture and jalapeño slices.
5. Create a crispy topping by combining fried jalapeño pieces, panko breadcrumbs, and remaining bacon crumbles in a small bowl. Drizzle melted butter over the mixture, tossing until evenly distributed. Sprinkle this golden, crunchy topping across the casserole’s surface. Return to the oven and bake for 25 to 27 minutes, monitoring until the top achieves a beautiful golden-brown color and the edges bubble appetizingly.

Notes

• Crunch Matters Most: Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumb mixture over the top for an irresistible golden-brown texture that adds excitement to every bite.
• Layer Like a Pro: Distribute chicken and jalapeños evenly across the dish to ensure balanced flavors in each delightful spoonful.
• Cream Cheese Magic: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for smooth, effortless mixing that creates a luxurious, creamy base.
• Jalapeño Prep Trick: Brush jalapeños with olive oil before baking to enhance their softness and bring out their vibrant flavor.
• Spice Up the Protein: Massage chicken with a bold blend of chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to infuse deep, mouthwatering taste throughout the meat.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 641 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 825 mg
• Fat: 47 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 27 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 37 g
• Cholesterol: 131 mg