Jalapeño popper chicken casserole
Ingredients:
4 cups diced chicken breasts
1 (16 oz) container of cream cheese, softened
1 cup real bacon bits
4-6 fresh jalapeños, diced (adjust to your spice preference)
2 cups shredded cheese of your choice (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Chicken: Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Mix with Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken with the softened cream cheese until well incorporated.
Add Bacon and Jalapeños: Add the real bacon bits and diced jalapeños to the chicken and cream cheese mixture. Adjust the amount of jalapeños based on your desired level of spiciness. Mix everything thoroughly.
Layer in Baking Dish: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Bake First Round: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
Add More Cheese and Bread Crumbs: After 30 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the top with an additional layer of shredded cheese and seasoned bread crumbs.
Broil to Golden Brown: Turn on the broiler to low and place the casserole back into the oven. Broil until the top is golden brown and bubbly, which should take just a few minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole!
