Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

🌶️🧀 Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

A creamy, cheesy, slightly spicy comfort dish inspired by classic jalapeño poppers — packed with chicken, bacon, cream cheese, and plenty of melty cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.

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🛒 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

• 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1 cup mayonnaise

• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 4–6 fresh jalapeños, diced (seeds removed for less heat)

• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• Salt & pepper to taste

• ½ cup crushed pork rinds or breadcrumbs (optional topping)

• 2 tbsp melted butter (if using topping)

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🔥 Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Mix the creamy base: In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and mayo until smooth.

3. Add flavor: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

4. Fold in the good stuff: Add shredded chicken, jalapeños, bacon, and 1 cup cheddar + ½ cup mozzarella. Mix well.

5. Assemble: Spread mixture evenly into baking dish.

6. Top it off: Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.

7. Optional crunchy topping: Mix crushed pork rinds or breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over casserole.

8. Bake 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

9. Rest 5–10 minutes before serving.

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🌶️ Heat Level Tips

• Mild: Remove all seeds and membranes from jalapeños.

• Spicy: Leave some seeds or add a pinch of cayenne.

• Extra smoky: Add a few diced chipotle peppers in adobo.

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🥦 Make It Low-Carb / Keto

• Use pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.

• Double-check your mayo and bacon for added sugars.

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🍽️ Serving Ideas

• Serve over cauliflower rice

• Pair with a simple green salad

• Spoon into lettuce wraps

• Enjoy with tortilla chips