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Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole

If you’re looking for an easy dinner that’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavor, this Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole is the perfect choice. Made with tender chicken, crispy bacon, rotini pasta, cream cheese, cheddar jack cheese, and fresh jalapeños, it’s a comforting baked pasta dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, meal prep, and potlucks. This easy recipe is loaded with comforting flavors and makes one of the best dinner ideas for anyone who loves cheesy casseroles with a little heat.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 16 ounces rotini pasta
  • 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 cups Mexican cheddar jack shredded cheese, divided
  • 6 jalapeño peppers, deseeded and diced
  • 6 green onions, thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the rotini until al dente and drain.
  3. Cook and crumble the bacon.
  4. Cook the chicken until browned and fully cooked.
  5. Stir cream cheese, sour cream, and milk into the skillet until smooth.
  6. Add 1½ cups of shredded cheese and stir until melted.
  7. Mix in the jalapeños and green onions.
  8. Fold in the cooked pasta, chicken, and bacon until evenly coated.
  9. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
  10. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
  11. Bake for 20–25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
  12. Garnish with the remaining green onions, rest for 10 minutes, and serve.

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest, creamiest sauce.
  • Cook the pasta just until al dente so it doesn’t become soft after baking.
  • Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving for easier slicing.
  • Author: Emmy Carter
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

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