Chicken Jalapeno Popper Casserole

The garden is starting to produce this year, and one of those items coming out of the garden is peppers.  We love jalapeno poppers at our house, especially when done outside on the grill.  But, how about if you did the ingredients in a casserole, and added chicken.  Then you have a complete main dish.  Let me show you how I do it.

You will need:
2 pounds chicken boneless, skinless chicken breast, (or tenderloins)
garlic powder
salt  and pepper
onion powder
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
jalapeno peppers
4 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup crumbled crispy bacon

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.  Spray a rectangle casserole dish with baking spray.

First, fry the bacon and allow to drain on a paper towel.
Crumble the bacon in bite sized pieces.  Set aside, this will go on top at the end.

Wash, remove the seeds, and slice the jalapeno peppers.
You will need at least 2, and can use as many as your family likes.  If you want the casserole with a little more heat, you can leave in a few seeds.  I like my poppers on the mild side, so I remove all the seeds and the membrane, (this is what holds the seed pocket in place inside the pepper).

Lay the chicken in a casserole dish along the bottom.  Today, I happen to have tenderloins on hand, so that is what I am using.  If you are using chicken breast, you will want to slice them in half or even chunks, to make them even for better baking.  You could even use skinless, boneless thighs.

Season the chicken with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder - to taste.

Spread the softened cream cheese over the chicken.

Layer the jalapeno peppers over the casserole.

Sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the top.

You can use sharp cheddar cheese, or medium cheddar cheese - your choice.  I have even made this with a Mexican blend cheese.

Bake in the 375 degree preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes.

Remove from oven, add the bacon, and return for 5 more minutes.

I test the temperature of the chicken to make sure it registers 165 degrees.

Your casserole is now ready to serve.

WOW is this ever good.  You get the moist seasoned chicken, the cream cheese cools any heat from the peppers, and of course cheese and bacon together make anything better.  This casserole doesn't last long around our house.

So next shopping trip, buy a few peppers and give this casserole a try.

Enjoy !