Pioneer Woman Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Indulge in the comforting flavors of the Pioneer Woman’s Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole—a delightful fusion of tender chicken, spicy jalapeños, crispy bacon, and creamy cheeses. This hearty casserole brings together the beloved taste of jalapeño poppers in a satisfying main dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings.​

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Fusion: Combines the spicy kick of jalapeños with creamy cheeses and savory chicken for a mouthwatering experience.​
• Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for potlucks, parties, or family meals, this casserole is sure to be a hit.​
• Customizable Heat: Easily adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of jalapeños used.​Belles Best Bites

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts​
• Olive oil​
• Chili powder​
• Ground cumin​
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper​Fiddlers Choice Farm+1foodnetwork.com+1
• Fresh jalapeño peppers​Eatwell101+5Pinterest+5foodnetwork.com+5
• Thick-cut bacon​Pinterest+3foodnetwork.com+3Fiddlers Choice Farm+3
• Cream cheese​The Pioneer Woman+7Fiddlers Choice Farm+7Pinterest+7
• Shredded cheddar cheese​
• Sour cream​
• Chicken stock​Allrecipes+4foodnetwork.com+4Fiddlers Choice Farm+4
• Sweet paprika​Eatwell101+2Fiddlers Choice Farm+2foodnetwork.com+2
• Fried jalapeños (optional)​The Pioneer Woman+7foodnetwork.com+7Allrecipes+7
• Panko breadcrumbs​Allrecipes+7The Pioneer Woman+7Fiddlers Choice Farm+7
• Salted butter​Pinterest+2Fiddlers Choice Farm+2foodnetwork.com+2

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).​foodnetwork.com+3Log in or sign up to view+3Belles Best Bites+3
2. Prepare the Chicken and Jalapeños: Place the chicken breasts on one half of a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. On the other half, arrange the halved jalapeños and drizzle them with olive oil.​foodnetwork.com
3. Bake: Cook the chicken and jalapeños in the oven until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the jalapeños are tender, about 25 minutes.​
4. Cook the Bacon: While the chicken and jalapeños are baking, lay the bacon slices on a separate baking sheet and bake until crispy, approximately 15-20 minutes.​
5. Prepare the Creamy Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chicken stock, and paprika until smooth.​Fiddlers Choice Farm+2foodnetwork.com+2Pinterest+2
6. Combine Ingredients: Dice the cooked chicken and chop the crispy bacon. Stir the diced chicken and half of the chopped bacon into the cream cheese mixture.​foodnetwork.com
7. Assemble the Casserole: In a casserole dish, layer half of the chicken mixture, top with half of the roasted jalapeños, then repeat the layers.​
8. Add Topping: Mix the fried jalapeños (if using), panko breadcrumbs, remaining chopped bacon, and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the casserole.​
9. Bake Again: Return the assembled casserole to the oven and bake until bubbly and golden brown, about 25-27 minutes.​

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6​Pinterest+2foodnetwork.com+2Log in or sign up to view+2
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes​Pinterest+2Pinterest+2Allrecipes+2
  • Active Preparation: 30 minutes​foodnetwork.com
  • Cooking Time: 40 minutes​

Variations

• Lower Carb Option: Omit the panko breadcrumbs and fried jalapeños for a keto-friendly version.​foodnetwork.com+3Fiddlers Choice Farm+3Eatwell101+3
• Extra Heat: Leave some seeds in the jalapeños or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the cream cheese mixture.​Belles Best Bites+2The Pioneer Woman+2Eatwell101+2
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a unique flavor twist.​

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.​
• Freezing: Wrap the cooled casserole tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.​
• Reheating: Warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent over-browning.​

FAQs

How can I make this casserole less spicy?

To reduce the heat, remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapeños, as they contain most of the spice. You can also substitute some or all of the jalapeños with milder peppers like bell peppers.​Belles Best Bites

Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?

Yes, using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken can save time. Simply shred the cooked chicken and proceed with the recipe as directed.​

Is there a substitute for panko breadcrumbs?

If panko isn’t available, you can use regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for the topping.​

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before placing it in the oven.​Belles Best Bites

What can I serve alongside this casserole?

This dish pairs well with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or a side of rice to balance the richness.​

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, to make it gluten-free, ensure all ingredients, including the breadcrumbs, are certified gluten-free.​

How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The casserole is ready when it’s bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown

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