Pioneer Woman Chicken Jalapeno Popper Casserole Recipe

This Pioneer Woman Chicken Jalapeno Popper Casserole is a cheesy and creamy recipe, which is made with cream cheese and crispy bacon. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 45 minutes.

Jump to Recipe

Pioneer Woman Chicken Jalapeno Popper Casserole Recipe Ingredients

• Three 6-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 6 jalapeño peppers, stemmed, halved, and seeded
• 6 slices thick-cut bacon
• 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 cup grated Cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup chicken stock
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1/2 cup fried jalapeños (such as French’s Crispy Jalapeños)
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted

How To Make Pioneer Woman Chicken Jalapeno Popper Casserole

1. Prep and roast the components: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On one half of a baking sheet, place the chicken breasts, drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and season with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. On the other half, arrange the jalapeño halves and drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil. On a second baking sheet, lay out the bacon slices. Bake both sheets for about 25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy.
2. Make the cheese mixture: In a large bowl, combine the room temperature cream cheese, grated Cheddar, sour cream, chicken stock, and sweet paprika.
3. Assemble the casserole: Once cooked, dice the chicken and chop the crispy bacon. Add the diced chicken and half of the chopped bacon to the cream cheese mixture and stir to combine.
4. Layer the casserole: Spread half of the chicken mixture into an 8-inch square casserole dish. Top with half of the roasted jalapeños. Layer the remaining chicken mixture on top, followed by the rest of the jalapeños.
5. Add the topping and bake: In a small bowl, toss the crispy fried jalapeños, panko breadcrumbs, and the remaining chopped bacon with the melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole. Bake for 25 to 27 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Recipe Tips

• How do I control the spice level? For a milder casserole, make sure you remove all the seeds and white membranes from the jalapeños. For a spicier kick, you can leave a few of the seeds in.
• How do I get a smooth, lump-free filling? The key is to use cream cheese that is fully softened to room temperature. This allows it to mix easily and smoothly with the other ingredients, preventing any lumps.
• Why is it important to use crispy bacon? Cooking the bacon until it’s very crispy ensures that it will stay crunchy and provide a great texture contrast, even after being mixed into the creamy filling and baked.
• Why should I let the casserole rest? Letting the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes after it comes out of the oven is an important step. It allows the creamy, cheesy filling to set up, making it much easier to cut into clean slices that hold their shape.

What To Serve With Chicken Jalapeno Popper Casserole

This rich and hearty casserole is a meal in itself, but it pairs well with simple, fresh sides that can cut through the richness:

• A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette
• A side of cilantro-lime rice
• Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli
• A dollop of sour cream or sliced avocado on top

How To Store Chicken Jalapeno Popper Casserole

Refrigerate: Store leftovers tightly covered or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the entire casserole dish back in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

Chicken Jalapeno Popper Casserole Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Sodium: 850mg

Nutrition information is estimated per serving and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Try More Recipes:

• Pioneer Woman King Ranch Chicken Recipe
• Pioneer Woman Italian Chicken Meatballs Recipe
• Pioneer Woman Chicken Satay Recipe