This Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, family-style baked dish inspired by classic jalapeno poppers. It’s comforting, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying without complicated steps.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy texture with just the right amount of heat
- Simple prep using everyday ingredients
- Family-friendly and great for gatherings
- Easy to customize for spice level or dietary needs
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 pound turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 16 ounces rotini pasta (use gluten-free pasta if needed)
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded Mexican Cheddar Jack cheese, divided
- 6 jalapeno peppers, deseeded and diced
- 6 green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the chicken pieces until fully cooked. Add cooked turkey bacon and stir to combine. Remove from heat.
- In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, milk, 1½ cups shredded cheese, diced jalapenos, and most of the green onions.
- Add pasta and chicken mixture to the casserole dish. Pour sauce over everything and mix gently to coat.
- Top with remaining cheese, reserved turkey bacon, and green onions.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden. This Chicken Casserole should rest 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Tricks
- Remove all jalapeno seeds for a mild dish
- Add cooked mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies
- Swap rotini for penne or fusilli if needed
- For extra creaminess, use whole milk
Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Halal-friendly, gluten-free option
Notes
Serve with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. This casserole also works well as a make-ahead meal for busy weeks.
Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 28g
FAQ
Can I make this Chicken Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it fully, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Is this casserole spicy?
It’s mildly spicy. Reduce jalapenos for less heat.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, freeze unbaked or baked for up to 2 months.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar Jack melts beautifully, but mozzarella or Colby Jack also work.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless skinless thighs are a great substitute.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers up to 4 days in an airtight container
- Freezer: Freeze portions up to 2 months
- Reheating: Warm in oven at 350°F or microwave until heated through
Similar Recipes
Chicken Casserole with Jalapeno Popper Flavors
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 pound turkey bacon cooked and crumbled
- 16 ounces rotini pasta use gluten-free pasta if needed
- 16 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded Mexican Cheddar Jack cheese divided
- 6 jalapeno peppers deseeded and diced
- 6 green onions thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the chicken pieces until fully cooked. Add cooked turkey bacon and stir to combine. Remove from heat.
- In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, milk, 1½ cups shredded cheese, diced jalapenos, and most of the green onions.
- Add pasta and chicken mixture to the casserole dish. Pour sauce over everything and mix gently to coat.
- Top with remaining cheese, reserved turkey bacon, and green onions.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden. This Chicken Casserole should rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Conclusion
This creamy, cheesy Chicken Casserole delivers bold flavor with simple ingredients and minimal effort. It’s comforting, versatile, and guaranteed to become a repeat favorite at your table.