Description
Spicy pioneer woman jalapeno popper chicken casserole brings creamy comfort with zesty southwestern flair. Ranch-seasoned chicken mingles with crisp bacon and melted cheese for a hearty meal perfect for weekend gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 18 oz (510 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon
- 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tbsps salted butter, melted
- 4 tbsps olive oil, divided
- 6 jalapeño peppers, stemmed, halved, and seeded
- ½ cup crispy fried jalapeños
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tsps chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- ¼ cup chicken stock
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preparation and Roasting: Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange chicken breasts on one side of a baking sheet, coating with olive oil and seasoning with chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Place jalapeños on the opposite side, drizzling with oil and seasoning lightly. Simultaneously, spread bacon slices on another baking sheet in a single layer.
- Cooking Proteins: Roast both sheets for 25 minutes, ensuring chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature and bacon becomes crisp and golden. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Cheese Mixture Creation: In a large mixing bowl, whisk cream cheese, cheddar, sour cream, chicken stock, and paprika until smooth and well-combined. Dice roasted chicken and crumble bacon, then gently fold half the bacon and all chicken into the creamy base.
- Layering Casserole: Transfer half the chicken-cheese mixture into an 8-inch baking dish. Arrange roasted jalapeño peppers across the first layer, then cover with remaining chicken mixture and additional jalapeño slices.
- Finishing Touch: Combine panko breadcrumbs, remaining bacon crumbles, and fried jalapeño pieces. Drizzle with melted butter and toss until evenly coated. Sprinkle this crunchy topping over the casserole. Bake for 25-27 minutes until golden-brown and bubbling at the edges.
Notes
- Spice Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches exactly 165°F for perfect food safety and juicy texture.
- Bacon Crispiness Pro Tip: Position bacon slices with slight spacing to ensure even golden-brown crunchiness without soggy spots.
- Cheese Blending Strategy: Mix cheese ingredients at room temperature for smoother, lump-free incorporation and more consistent flavor distribution.
- Jalapeño Heat Management: Remove jalapeño seeds for milder taste or keep them for extra spiciness, depending on personal heat preference.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg