Introduction
Chicken dishes are versatile and delicious, and this creamy bacon jalapeño chicken casserole is no exception. Combining tender chicken breasts with a rich cream cheese mixture, topped with crispy bacon and melty cheddar cheese, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s an ideal dish for family dinners, potlucks, or any gathering where comfort food is the star of the show.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
⅓ cup sour cream
2 cloves garlic, minced
3-4 green onions, sliced
8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
3-5 jalapeños
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: Serves 4-6
Cooking Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, minced garlic, sliced green onions, and crumbled bacon.
3. Place the chicken breasts in the prepared casserole dish. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the chicken.
5. De-seed and slice the jalapeños lengthwise. Lay them on top of the chicken.
6. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
8. If the cheese starts to brown too much, cover the dish with foil.
9. Remove from the oven and garnish with extra sliced jalapeños and green onions if desired.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, minced garlic, sliced green onions, and crumbled bacon. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in the prepared casserole dish. Season with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring an even coating.
Step 4: Spread the Cream Cheese Mixture
Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well covered.
Step 5: Prepare the Jalapeños
De-seed and slice the jalapeños lengthwise. Lay the jalapeño slices on top of the chicken and cream cheese mixture.
Step 6: Add Cheddar Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the jalapeños.
Step 7: Bake the Casserole
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 8: Monitor the Cheese
If the cheese starts to brown too much during baking, cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven. Garnish with extra sliced jalapeños and green onions if desired before serving.
Notes
Note 1: Chicken Thickness
Ensure that the chicken breasts are of even thickness for consistent cooking. If necessary, you can pound them down slightly.
Note 2: Jalapeño Heat Level
Adjust the number of jalapeños based on your heat preference. For less heat, remove the seeds carefully.
Note 3: Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Note 4: Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Cook techniques
Preparation of Chicken
Ensure the chicken breasts are boneless and skinless for even cooking. Season them generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
Mixing Cream Cheese Mixture
Soften the cream cheese beforehand to make it easier to mix with sour cream, minced garlic, sliced green onions, and crumbled bacon for a creamy texture.
Layering Ingredients
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the seasoned chicken to ensure even distribution of flavors. Layering with jalapeños and cheddar cheese on top will enhance taste and presentation.
Baking
Bake the dish at 375ºF for 45 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F for safety.
Preventing Over-Browning
If the cheese starts to brown excessively during baking, cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent burning while allowing the chicken to cook thoroughly.
Garnishing
After baking, enhance the dish’s visual appeal by garnishing with additional sliced jalapeños and green onions before serving.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
It’s best to use thawed chicken breasts for even cooking. If using frozen, ensure they are completely thawed before preparation.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
You can substitute Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for a similar creaminess with a slightly different flavor profile.
How spicy is this dish with jalapeños?
The spiciness of jalapeños can vary. For a milder dish, remove the seeds and membranes, as they contain most of the heat.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
What side dishes pair well with this recipe?
This dish pairs well with a simple green salad, rice, or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the casserole.
Conclusion
This creamy and flavorful chicken dish combines the richness of cream cheese and sour cream with the savory notes of garlic, green onions, and bacon, all topped with spicy jalapeños and melty cheddar cheese. It’s a delightful meal that is sure to satisfy and impress your family or guests. Enjoy this delicious recipe as part of your weekly dinner rotation!
More recipes suggestions and combination
Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Try stuffing chicken breasts with the cream cheese mixture and spinach for an added layer of flavor.
Chicken Nachos
Shred the cooked chicken and serve it over tortilla chips, topped with cream cheese, cheddar, and jalapeños for a tasty nacho platter.
Chicken Quesadillas
Use the mixture to fill flour tortillas, grill until crispy, and serve with salsa and guacamole.
Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites
Wrap small pieces of the chicken, stuffed with the cream cheese mixture, in bacon and bake for bite-sized appetizers.
Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken Dip
Blend the ingredients together and serve warm as a dip with tortilla chips or crackers for a crowd-pleasing snack.
Chicken Salad
Mix shredded chicken with the cream cheese mixture for a creamy chicken salad, perfect for sandwiches or wraps.
