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
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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