This Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole upgrades the beloved appetizer to a whole meal. Get ready for your taste buds to thank you.
Jalapeno popper chicken casserole
This jalapeno popper chicken casserole is packed full of flavors, textures, and is so quick and easy. Perfect for your next party, tailgate, or just your week night dinner. It is high protein, spicy (but not too spicy), creamy, and delicious.
I love jalapeno poppers and I have always dreamed of one day attempting to create a casserole version. This casserole is a realization of that dream.
What is a jalapeño popper?
Great question. A jalapeno popper is a classic appetizer of our time, thought to have originated in the 1970s in Texas. As we know, many wonderful things have come from the 70s, laser printing, post-it notes, and mobile phones, just to name a few. And of course - the jalapeno popper.
To answer this question literally, a jalapeno popper is a jalapeno hollowed out, filled with cream cheese, wrapped in bacon, and then fried to crispy perfection. The cream cheese balances the spice of the pepper, the crispy outer shell is a perfect match for the smooth filling. No wonder this is one of America's favorite appetizers.
Jalapeño popper chicken casserole ingredients
- chicken
- jalapeños
- green bell pepper
- neufchatel cheese
- plain greek yogurt
- shredded cheddar cheese
- bacon
- panko breadcrumbs
- garlic powder
- paprika
- salt & pepper
Substitution ideas
- Neufchatel cheese: You can substitute real cream cheese or dairy free cream cheese.
- Greek yogurt: Use sour cream as a great alternative to Greek yogurt.
- Cheese: Use dairy free cheese or a different type of shredded cheese other than cheddar.
Adjusting the heat level of this recipe
If you are nervous about the spiciness of the jalapeno, have no fear! Simply adjust the ingredients and you'll be good to go.
For a spicier dish, use more jalapeño and less bell pepper, keeping the total amount (100 grams) the same. For less spice, use all bell peppers.
How to make jalapeño popper casserole
- Grease an 11 x 13 casserole dish with cooking spray.
- Put the block of neufchatel cheese in a microwave-safe bowl & microwave for 45 seconds to soften. Add the greek yogurt and seasonings to the bowl and mix well.
- Place the shredded chicken in a separate large bowl.
- Pour the neufchatel mixture into the bowl with the shredded chicken. Mix until all chicken is evenly coated.
- Distribute the chicken mixture evenly into the casserole dish.
- Layer on jalapeños & bell peppers. Next, layer bacon and then cheese.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top and lightly spritz with cooking grease.
- Bake at 375 for 20 minutes.
- Serve with the base of your choice (potatoes, greens, tortilla chips, etc.)
What to serve with jalapeño popper casserole
Some fresh fruit would be a perfect side to this casserole. The sweetness of the fruit will help balance out the spiciness of the dish. I'll never argue against some delicious fresh vegetables as a side, either!
Storing & reheating instructions
Store your leftovers in an airtight container. Place in your fridge for up to 5 days. If you're meal prepping, you can place 1 serving size in 5 different containers for convenience.
To reheat, simply place in the microwave on high for 1-2 minutes. You could also reheat in the oven (especially if the casserole is stored in the original baking dish) or on the stove top.
How many carbs are in a jalapeño popper casserole?
Typically casseroles aren't the most carb-friendly dish, but this jalapeno popper casserole has only 6 carbs!
More easy dinner recipes
If you love this casserole, leave a review and try out some other recipes here at Jordo's World:
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole
Equipment
- casserole dish
- oven
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken cooked & shredded (24 oz)
- 2 jalapeños seeds removed & diced (50 grams)
- ½ green bell pepper diced (50 grams)
- 1 block neufchatel cheese (8 ounces)
- 1 cup plain greek yogurt (8 ounces)
- ¼ cup cheddar cheese shredded (28 grams)
- 4 slices bacon cooked & chopped (40 grams)
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs (20 grams)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Grease an 11 x 13 casserole dish with cooking spray.
- Put the block of neufchatel cheese in a microwave-safe bowl & microwave for 45 seconds to soften. Add the greek yogurt and seasonings to the bowl and mix well.
- Place the shredded chicken in a separate large bowl.
- Pour the neufchatel mixture into the bowl with the shredded chicken. Mix until all chicken is evenly coated.
- Distribute the chicken mixture evenly into the casserole dish.
- Layer on jalapeños & bell peppers. Next, layer bacon and then cheese.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top and lightly spritz with cooking grease.
- Bake at 375 for 20 minutes.
- Serve with the base of your choice (potatoes, greens, tortilla chips, etc.)
Notes
- For a spicier dish, use more jalapeño and less bell pepper, keeping the total amount (100 grams) the same. For less spice, use all bell peppers.
- For a lower fat option, use low fat cheddar cheese and turkey bacon.
- To meal prep: Make according to instructions. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can split into 6 containers (one serving each) or store in a big container and serve as needed.
- To make GF: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit.
- To make DF: Use dairy free cheese and yogurt.
- To track on MyFitnessPal and MacrosFirst: Search Jordo’s World + Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole
Chris
Sunday 21st of May 2023
Meal prepped this for my lunch last week and it was delicious! Next time I will use all jalapenos as there wasn't enough kick for me, but it was tasty and filling. I served over riced cauliflower. I can't eat cheese so used dairy-free cheese, and it worked great. Really appreciated the high protein and low carb stats for my current macro targets! Highly recommend!