Ultimate Jalapeño Bacon Cheesy Chicken Bake
Dive into the rich and savory layers of flavor with this Ultimate Jalapeño Bacon Cheesy Chicken Bake. Combining tender, diced chicken thighs with the zing of jalapeños and a creamy blend of cheeses, this dish takes the beloved flavors of jalapeño poppers and elevates them into a delightful baked dip that’s perfect for gatherings. The crispy bacon on top adds a irresistibly crunchy texture, making every bite a heavenly experience. Ideal for game day or movie night, this dish deserves a sturdy chip or fresh vegetables for scooping. Don’t be surprised if your guests keep coming back for more!
N/A
Servings
290
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
vegetable oil
to grease (used for greasing the pan)
chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
1 1/2 lbs (diced)
bell pepper
1/2 cup (diced)
jalapeño
1-4 (minced)
cream cheese
2 oz. (softened)
Mexican blend cheese
1 cup (shredded)
chili powder
1 tsp.
garlic salt
1/2 tsp.
kosher salt
1/2 tsp.
bacon
4 slices (cut into small pieces)
scallion
1/4 cup (chopped, for garnish)
celery rib
as needed (for serving)
baby carrots
as needed (for serving)
bell pepper strips
as needed (for serving)
broccoli florets
as needed (for serving)
cauliflower florets
as needed (for serving)
tortilla chips
as needed (for serving)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by greasing a 7 1/2-inch barrel cake pan or a 6-inch round cake pan (if using a smaller air fryer) with vegetable oil to ensure easy release.
2
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the boneless, skinless diced chicken thighs, diced bell pepper, minced jalapeños, softened cream cheese, shredded Mexican blend cheese, chili powder, garlic salt, and kosher salt. Mix until well incorporated.
3
3. Transfer the chicken mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly.
4
4. Cut each bacon slice into three or four even pieces. Arrange the bacon pieces on top of the chicken mixture in a circular pattern, ensuring even coverage.
5
5. Carefully place the pan in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer temperature to 400°F and cook for 15 minutes. Check the doneness of the chicken and the meltiness of the cheese; if necessary, cook for an additional 5-8 minutes until fully cooked.
6
6. After cooking, remove the pan from the air fryer. Sprinkle chopped scallions on top for a fresh finish.
7
7. Serve hot with a platter of celery ribs, baby carrots, bell pepper strips, broccoli florets, cauliflower florets, and sturdy tortilla chips for dipping.
Nutrition Information
21g
Fat
5g
Carbs
18g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Jalapeño Bacon Cheesy Chicken Bake?
It is a rich and savory baked dish or dip combining diced chicken thighs, jalapeños, and a creamy blend of cheeses topped with crispy bacon.
What type of chicken is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced.
What is the suggested pan size for an air fryer?
You can use a 7 1/2-inch barrel cake pan or a 6-inch round cake pan for smaller air fryers.
How should the pan be prepared?
Grease the pan with vegetable oil to ensure the bake releases easily.
What kind of cheese is used in the mixture?
The recipe uses 2 oz. of softened cream cheese and 1 cup of shredded Mexican blend cheese.
How many jalapeños should I add?
The recipe suggests using between 1 and 4 minced jalapeños depending on your heat preference.
What seasonings are included in the chicken mixture?
The seasonings include 1 tsp of chili powder, 1/2 tsp of garlic salt, and 1/2 tsp of kosher salt.
How do I prepare the bacon topping?
Cut 4 slices of bacon into three or four even pieces each and arrange them in a circular pattern on top of the chicken.
What temperature should the air fryer be set to?
Set the air fryer temperature to 400°F.
How long does the dish need to cook?
It should cook for 15 minutes initially, with an additional 5-8 minutes if necessary until the chicken is fully cooked.
What is the final garnish for the dish?
Sprinkle 1/4 cup of chopped scallions on top after cooking for a fresh finish.
What are the best items to serve with this bake for dipping?
Serve it with celery ribs, baby carrots, bell pepper strips, broccoli florets, cauliflower florets, and sturdy tortilla chips.
Is this recipe suitable for low-carb diets?
Yes, with only 5g of carbohydrates and 18g of protein, it fits many low-carb profiles when served with vegetables.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 290 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 21g of fat.
How much protein does this chicken bake provide?
It provides 18g of protein per serving.
Can I use bell peppers in the mixture?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 cup of diced bell pepper in the chicken mixture.
What is the texture of the dish?
It has a creamy cheese base with tender chicken and an irresistibly crunchy bacon topping.
Is this recipe good for parties?
Yes, it is described as a delightful baked dip perfect for gatherings, game days, or movie nights.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe lists a total of 17 ingredients, including items for serving.
What should I do if the chicken isn't done after 15 minutes?
Cook it for an additional 5 to 8 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through.
How do I arrange the bacon?
Arrange the bacon pieces in a circular pattern to ensure even coverage over the chicken mixture.
Does the recipe use softened cream cheese?
Yes, using softened cream cheese ensures it incorporates well into the other ingredients.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include jalapeño, cheesy chicken, bacon, air fryer, dip, appetizer, comfort food, game day, party food, and savory.
How much chili powder is used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of chili powder.
Is garlic salt included?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of garlic salt.
Can I use frozen vegetables for dipping?
The recipe recommends fresh vegetables like celery, carrots, and broccoli florets for the best experience.
Is the chicken cooked before mixing?
No, the diced raw chicken thighs are mixed with the other ingredients and then cooked together in the air fryer.
What is the total carbohydrate count?
The dish contains 5g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is vegetable oil used in the food?
Vegetable oil is primarily used for greasing the pan to prevent sticking.