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Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole

Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole for Cozy Weeknight Dinners

Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole mixes the delightful zing of jalapeno poppers with the comfort of chicken pasta, making it a family favorite.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Quick Meals
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Casserole
  • 1 pound boneless/skinless chicken cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 pound bacon cooked and crumbled
  • 16 ounces rotini pasta substitute with gluten-free pasta as needed
  • 2 packages cream cheese softened at room temperature
  • 1 cup sour cream Greek yogurt can also be used as a substitute
  • 1 cup milk any milk or milk alternative can be used
  • 2 cups Mexican Cheddar Jack cheese divided, other melting cheeses can be used
  • 6 jalapeno peppers deseeded and diced; adjust based on desired heat level
  • 6 green onions thinly sliced; can substitute with chives for a milder flavor

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • 12x9 casserole dish
  • medium bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 12x9 casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 16 ounces of rotini pasta according to the package instructions, about 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and transfer back to the pot.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound of chicken and 1 pound of crumbled bacon for about 8-10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and golden and the bacon is crispy.
  4. Mix together 2 packages of softened cream cheese, 1 cup sour cream, and 1 cup milk in a medium bowl until smooth. Stir in 1.5 cups Mexican Cheddar Jack cheese, diced jalapenos, and most of the green onions.
  5. Spread the cooked rotini pasta at the bottom of the greased casserole dish. Then add the sautéed chicken and bacon mixture.
  6. Spoon the cheese and jalapeno mixture over the layered pasta and chicken, gently stirring to combine without over-mixing.
  7. Sprinkle the remaining 0.5 cup of Mexican Cheddar Jack cheese, reserved bacon, and the rest of the green onions on top.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Assemble the casserole in advance and store it in the refrigerator overnight or freeze it for up to three months. Reheat when ready to enjoy.

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