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Scoop of creamy chicken casserole with a crunchy chip topping on a plate.

Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole

Jalapeno popper chicken casserole combines shredded chicken, cream cheese, and bacon in a baked dish topped with crushed tortilla chips.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup sour cream 240 ml
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth 120 ml
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened, 225 g
  • 1 cup diced jalapenos fresh or pickled, 100 g
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided, 225 g
  • 4 cups shredded cooked chicken 500 g
  • 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon 60 g
  • 1 cup crushed tortilla chips 60 g
  • Optional: chopped fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
  • In a large bowl, mix the sour cream, chicken broth, softened cream cheese, diced jalapenos, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Add 1/2 cup (55 g) of the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until well combined.
  • Fold the shredded cooked chicken into the cream cheese mixture until evenly coated. Ensure any previously cooked poultry reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  • Sprinkle 1 cup (115 g) of the shredded cheddar cheese and the crumbled bacon evenly over the top.
  • Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the edges are bubbling.
  • Sprinkle the crushed tortilla chips and the remaining 1/2 cup (55 g) of cheddar cheese over the casserole.
  • Bake for 5 to 7 more minutes until the chips are lightly toasted. Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions if desired.

Notes

Food safety: Always ensure poultry reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when cooking the chicken for this recipe.
If your cream cheese is too cold to mix, microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl for 15 seconds to soften it.
To control the heat level, remove the seeds and white membranes from the fresh jalapenos before dicing them.
Keyword baked chicken, chicken casserole, dinner, jalapeno popper, jalapeno popper chicken casserole