All the flavors of cream cheese jalapeño poppers are packed into this jalapeño popper chicken casserole! It’s like taking your classic jalapeño appetizer and turning it into a full-blown meal.
Casseroles have been a lifesaver for me lately. I love how you can just throw everything in one dish and let the oven do the work! I’ve been playing around with all sorts of casserole recipes, and I’m always amazed at how it’s done cooking before I know it, every time! And what I love the most about it is that the leftovers are just as good the next day!
This jalapeño popper chicken casserole recipe is no exception. It’s the ultimate comfort food with a spicy twist, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. It combines the creamy, spicy kick of jalapeño poppers with tender, juicy chicken and the satisfying crispy bacon, all in one dish!
Whether you’re looking to spice up your dinner routine or need a dish that will wow at your next potluck, this jalapeño popper casserole is always a hit.
So, if you’re a fan of the classic jalapeño appetizer, get ready to experience it in a whole new way with this jalapeño chicken pasta casserole recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients Needed For Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 4 thick slices pork bacon, chopped
- 5 medium fresh jalapeño peppers, chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 8 oz Colby Jack cheese, shredded
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
Step-by-Step Preparation With Pictures
1. Start by preheating the oven to 350° F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Half-cook the penne pasta over medium-low heat for 5-6 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large pan or skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until crispy, stirring occasionally. Remove from the skillet and set aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil. Leave the bacon grease in the pan.
4. Slice the jalapeños into small pieces, and choose whether you want to keep the seeds based on your desired spice level. Remove the seeds if you want the dish to be less spicy.
5. To the same large skillet with bacon grease add cream cheese, chicken broth, and milk. Cook over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes. Stir continuously until the cream cheese mixture is completely melted and smooth.
6. Add in three-quarters of the shredded Colby Jack cheese and the garlic powder. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
7. If your skillet is large enough, stir in the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and half of the sliced jalapeños. Alternatively, use a large bowl. Mix well until everything is combined.
8. Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish and spread it into an even layer. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes.
9. After 15 minutes, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top.
10. Then scatter the rest of the sliced jalapeños and chopped bacon on the top. Return to the oven for additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
11. Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped green onion or chopped parsley and get ready to dig in! Enjoy!
Variation Ideas
If you want to switch things up, here are a few ideas you can mix and match to customize your jalapeño poppers chicken casserole.
- Low-Carb Delight: If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, you can easily adapt this jalapeño poppers chicken casserole recipe. Swap the pasta for cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or spiralized veggies for a lower-carb alternative. You can also use low-fat heavy cream instead of milk or sour cream to lighten up the creamy sauce.
- Cheese Variations: Mix in different types of cheese like sharp cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack to add a depth of flavor and a creamier texture to your chicken pasta bake.
- Extra Crunch: To add an extra crunch to your spicy chicken pasta casserole, sprinkle some crushed pork rinds or low-carb bread crumbs mixed with parmesan cheese for the last 5 minutes of baking for a crispy finish.
- Protein-Packed: Not a fan of chicken? No problem! While this recipe calls for chicken, feel free to use leftover turkey, or even switch to turkey bacon instead of regular bacon for a lighter version. If you’re vegetarian, you can also substitute the meat with large chunks of mushrooms or tofu.
- Spice Level Adjustments: Control the heat by adjusting the amount of spicy jalapeños and whether you leave the seeds in or out. But if you like your jalapeño poppers chicken casserole extra spicy, add some cayenne pepper or buffalo sauce. If your kids don’t like spicy at all, you can add jalapenos only to one-half of the dish.
Serving Suggestions
While this jalapeño poppers chicken casserole is a great meal on its own, you can pair it with your favorite sides! Here are some options that will perfectly complement this casserole dish.
- Green Side Salad: A fresh, crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette dressing complements the richness of the casserole perfectly, making it a full meal.
- Garlic Bread: Who can say no to garlic bread? It makes a perfect side for dipping into the creamy sauce!
- Roasted Veggies: A side of roasted seasonal vegetables drizzled with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt complements the spicy and creamy flavors of the casserole. Plus, it adds a nutritious twist to your meal!
- Simple Soup: Pair your jalapeño poppers chicken casserole with a simple tomato or chicken broth-based soup for a cozy, comforting meal ideal for chilly evenings.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook The Pasta: Since the pasta will continue to cook in the oven, make sure not to overcook it on the stove. Aim for al dente.
- Precooked Chicken: This dish is perfect for using up that leftover chicken. Whether it’s rotisserie chicken, chicken thighs or shredded chicken you’ve cooked ahead of time, having your protein ready to go can save you a lot of time.
- Adjust the Heat: Jalapeño peppers can vary in heat. So, taste them before adding them to adjust the spiciness of the casserole to your liking.
Storage
Store: This jalapeño poppers chicken casserole tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or those days when cooking is the last thing on your mind! Simply cool any leftovers before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the jalapeño poppers chicken casserole in portions. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the microwave or oven. Cover with aluminum foil when reheating in the oven to prevent drying out.
One Last Thing
The beauty of this delicious jalapeño popper chicken casserole lies not just in its bursting flavor but also in its simple preparation.
This dish is practically cooking itself so it’s perfect for those busy weeknights.
Plus it’s super customizable, so feel free to tweak the recipe to suit your preference. Whether you want to add extra spice, adjust the creaminess, or experiment with different toppings, don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own!
This recipe is perfect for beginners or anyone trying their hand at a casserole recipe for the first time. And if you can’t get enough of pasta meals, try this super delicious shrimp tomato pasta next!
Your Turn
If you make this jalapeño poppers chicken casserole recipe, please take a moment to let me know how you liked it by leaving a rating and a comment below on the recipe card.
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Creamy Jalapeno Poppers Chicken Casserole with Bacon
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 4 thick slices pork bacon chopped
- 5 medium fresh jalapeño peppers chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 8 oz Colby Jack cheese shredded
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded
Instructions
- Start by preheating the oven to 350° F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Half-cook the penne pasta over medium-low heat for 5-6 minutes. Drain and set aside.8 oz penne pasta
- In a large pan or skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until crispy, stirring occasionally. Remove from the skillet and set aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil. Leave the bacon grease in the pan.4 thick slices pork bacon
- Slice the jalapeños into small pieces, and choose whether you want to keep the seeds based on your desired spice level. Remove the seeds if you want the dish to be less spicy.5 medium fresh jalapeño peppers
- To the same large skillet with bacon grease add cream cheese, chicken broth, and milk. Cook over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes. Stir continuously until the cream cheese mixture is completely melted and smooth.8 oz cream cheese, 1 cup chicken broth, 1 cup milk
- Add in three-quarters of the shredded Colby Jack cheese and the garlic powder. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.8 oz Colby Jack cheese, 1 tsp garlic powder
- If your skillet is large enough, stir in the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and half of the sliced jalapeños. Alternatively, use a large bowl. Mix well until everything is combined.2 cups cooked chicken
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish and spread it into an even layer. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top.
- Then scatter the rest of the sliced jalapeños and chopped bacon on the top. Return to the oven for additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped green onion or chopped parsley and get ready to dig in! Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Tamara Tsaturyan is the owner and writer of Thriving In Parenting, a website focused on providing simple tips for busy parents — easy and healthy recipes, home decor and organization ideas and all things P A R E N T I N G.
Comments & Reviews
Frank says
Could i use jarred jalapenos & could I make ahead of time and put in frig
Tamara Tsaturyan says
Yes, jarred jalapeño will taste just as fine, Frank. And making ahead also works, you can even freeze in portions for easy thawing. This casserole is perfect for meal prep.
Wendie says
This was a huge hit my hubby devoured it. I added an extra jalapeño we like things spicy. The leftovers were just as delicious, definitely keeping this one on the dinner rotation.
Tamara Tsaturyan says
Oh, I’m so glad to hear that, Wendie! Thank you for letting me know 🙂