This creamy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole layers tender chicken, penne, melty Colby Jack, and crispy bacon in a rich cream-cheese sauce. Get it on the table in about 45 minutes!
Craving jalapeño poppers but need dinner on the table fast? This jalapeno popper chicken casserole turns the game-day favorite into a yummy weeknight meal that’s so easy to make. It’s packed with shredded chicken, pasta, melty Colby Jack, and plenty of crispy bacon and smothered in a tasty cream-cheese sauce. No canned soup here; the sauce comes together in one skillet with milk and chicken broth in no time.
You can keep the heat mild by seeding the jalapeños, but if you like a lot of heat, leave them in. Short on time? Rotisserie chicken works perfectly. This creamy jalapeño popper chicken pasta bake is family-friendly, can be made ahead of time, and is just right for busy nights after school or work. Pair this easy chicken casserole with a simple veggie or light fruit salad and dinner’s done.
Ingredients
This section is meant to provide an overview of the ingredients required for the recipe. For specific amounts and instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Penne Pasta — This pasta holds its shape well in casseroles, but feel free to use a different shape if you prefer.
- Thick Sliced Bacon — Regular bacon will work, too, but you’ll need 6 slices instead of 4 if it’s not thick-cut.
- Jalapenos — These peppers give the dish its heat. You decide how much spice you want by either seeding the jalapenos or leaving the seeds in for a bit of kick.
- Cream Cheese — Used to make the creamy sauce for the pasta bake.
- Chicken Broth — This helps thin out the cheese sauce.
- Milk — We mostly use 2%, but skim or whole milk will work, too.
- Garlic Powder — Feel free to add other seasonings if you’d like.
- Colby Jack Cheese — Shredding it yourself is best for melting into a sauce, but you can use pre-shredded if you prefer.
- Cooked Chicken — You can cook and shred it yourself or use a rotisserie chicken. You’ll need about 2 cups. If you want to make it yourself, I find it easiest to put a couple of breasts in the slow cooker along with some McCormick chicken seasoning and about a cup of broth for 4 hours on low.
Kitchen Tools Needed
Before you get started, grab the following kitchen tools:
- saucepan
- large skillet
- cutting board
- knife
- a pot
- 9×13 casserole dish
How to Make Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole
This section provides a brief overview of the instructions but the steps are not detailed. For exact step-by-step instructions, refer to the recipe card below.
Step 1: Cook your penne pasta.
Step 2: In a separate skillet, cut and cook the thick-cut bacon.
Step 3: Seed and slice the jalapeno peppers while you cook the bacon and penne pasta.
Step 4: Add the cream cheese, chicken broth, and milk to a saucepan. Cook over medium-low until the cream cheese is melted. Stir often!
Step 5: Add 3/4 of the shredded cheese and all of the garlic powder to the pan, stirring until the cheese is melted.
Step 6: Either in the same skillet or in a large mixing bowl, add the pasta, chicken, and half the jalapenos. Combine everything.
Step 7: Add the ingredients to a greased casserole dish, and place in a preheated 350°F oven to bake for 15 minutes.
Step 8: Remove the casserole from the oven, top with the rest of the jalapenos and bacon, and put the dish back in the oven for 5 more minutes.
Enjoy! You’re ready to dig in.
Serving Suggestions
Wondering what to serve with this delicious chicken pasta bake? Try one of these ideas!
- Roasted Broccoli – Toss florets with olive oil, garlic, and a squeeze of lime; roast until the edges are crisp.
- Skillet Green Beans with Garlic – Quick sauté with minced garlic and a splash of chicken broth; finish with flaky salt. Snappy, simple, and kid-friendly.
- Mexican-Style Street Corn – Char frozen or fresh corn in a skillet; toss with a little mayo, lime, chili powder, and cotija. Serve warm or room temp.
- Cucumber–Avocado Salad – Diced cucumbers, avocado, red onion, and lime. Cool and creamy without more cheese.
- Pico de Gallo or Fresh Salsa – Spoon over servings for a fresh, juicy bite. Great if you seeded the jalapeños and want a little zing.
Storage and Freezing
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave for about 60-90 seconds per portion, stirring every 30 seconds or so.
Freezing is not recommended. Cream cheese-based sauces separate in the freezer and, while it’ll still be safe to eat, the texture will be unpleasant.
Cheesy Chicken Casserole Tips and Tricks
- Do not overcook the pasta. You should undercook it by 1-2 minutes since it will get baked and you may have leftovers, and it will absorb more moisture then.
- If the cheese sauce looks too thick, you can thin it out with a splash or two of milk.
- To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free pasta and make sure that your chicken broth is also certified gluten free. Here are some brands that ARE, if you need help finding one.
Additions and Variations
Swap out the cheese. Instead of Colby Jack, try sharp cheddar or pepper jack for a little extra kick.
Boost the flavor. Stir in ½–1 tsp smoked paprika or chili powder or ranch seasoning for even more flavor.
Skip the baking step. Because the chicken and pasta are already cooked, you don’t have to bake this at all! Instead of baking it, serve it as a skillet meal.
FAQs for Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole
Can I use rotisserie chicken in jalapeno popper casserole?
Yes, that’s a great way to use up the rest of a rotisserie chicken. You’ll need about 2 cups of meat.
How can I make jalapeno popper casserole less spicy?
Seed the jalapenos if you want this dish to have less heat. You can also sub some mild green chiles for about half of the jalapenos to tone it down a bit.
Will turkey bacon work?
You bet! You may need to cook it in a little oil to get it as crispy as regular bacon, though.
More Delicious Chicken Recipes
Need a few more ideas because you’re tired of the usual chicken dinners? Here are some of our favorites.
- Healthy Orange Chicken – Takeout vibes at home: tender chicken in a bright orange-ginger sauce with veggies, ready in about 25 minutes.
- Chicken Pot Pie with Garlic Cheddar Crust – Creamy chicken and veggies tucked under a homemade garlic-cheddar crust—comfort in every bite.
- Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup – A silky, cheesy bowl loaded with chicken and enchilada sauce; on the table in roughly 20 minutes.
- Instant Pot Thai Chicken Thighs – Weeknight-easy pressure-cooked thighs in a peanut-lime sauce; great for dinner and even better as leftovers.
- Chicken-Bacon Spaghetti Squash Boats – Cheesy, creamy spaghetti squash stuffed with chicken and bacon, with easy oven or microwave prep.
Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole
Equipment
- 9×13 casserole dish
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon chopped and cooked (or use 6 regular slices)
- 5 medium jalapenos sliced and seeded for milder heat
- 8 oz cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 8 oz colby jack cheese shredded and divided
- 2 cups chicken cooked and shredded (rotisserie is fine)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F, and spray a 9×13 casserole dish with cooking spray.
- Cook your pasta according to package directions.
- Chop the bacon, add to a skillet, and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until crispy.
- Dice the jalapenos, removing the seeds if you like your food less spicy.
- Add the cream cheese, broth, and milk to a large skillet. Cook over medium low heat, stirring often, until cream cheese is melted.
- Add 3/4 of the shredded Colby Jack cheese and the garlic powder. Heat until the cheese is melted.
- Stir in the pasta, chicken, and half the diced jalapenos.
- Pour mixture into a casserole dish. Transfer the dish to the oven, and bake for 15 minutes, uncovered.
- Remove the dish from the oven, sprinkle with the remainder of the cheese, jalapenos, and bacon. Bake the casserole for an additional 5 minutes.