What’s better than jalapeño poppers or rotisserie chicken? Combining them into one awesome dish!
These rotisserie chicken jalapeño poppers take two crowd favorites and turn them into a party snack that disappears fast. Loaded with shredded chicken, cream cheese, and just the right amount of spice, they’re perfect for game day, potlucks, or any time you need a quick appetizer. Trust me – you’ll want to make extra because these never seem to last long on the plate.
Possible Ingredient Alternatives
For the rotisserie chicken, you can use shredded cooked turkey or canned chicken as alternatives. These options maintain the protein content and savory flavor profile of the dish. Adjust cooking time if using canned chicken, as it may heat faster.
Bacon can be replaced with turkey bacon for a leaner option, or with chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a vegetarian alternative. Both provide a salty, umami flavor. Use slightly less turkey bacon, as it’s often saltier than regular bacon.
Cream cheese can be substituted with Greek yogurt or cashew cream for a lighter or dairy-free version. Greek yogurt will add tanginess, while cashew cream offers a neutral, creamy base. Use equal amounts of Greek yogurt, but reduce the quantity slightly for cashew cream as it’s richer. Blend cashews with water until smooth before using.
| Preparation Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 25-30 minutes |
| Total Time | 40-50 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 2000-2200
- Protein: 130-150 g
- Fat: 150-170 g
- Carbohydrates: 20-30 g
Ingredients
For the skillet mixture:
- 3 garlic cloves (freshly minced for best flavor)
- 4 oz shredded cheddar cheese
- kosher salt
- 1 pkg cream cheese (room temperature, I use Philadelphia)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 jalapenos (deseeded and finely chopped, about 1/4-inch pieces)
- 4 slices bacon (chopped into 1/2-inch pieces)
- 1 lb cooked rotisserie chicken (shredded or chopped)
For the garnish:
- additional jalapenos (sliced for garnish)
- chopped fresh cilantro
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Remove the breast from a rotisserie chicken and set it aside for later use.
Shred the remaining meat from the chicken, keeping the skin and bones if you wish to make homemade stock in the future.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon and Aromatics
In a medium heatproof skillet, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until it turns crispy, which should take about 6 to 8 minutes.
Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Add chopped jalapeños and minced garlic to the skillet, stirring for about 1 minute until they become fragrant.
Season with a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Lower the heat to medium and stir in the cream cheese, allowing it to melt and incorporate into the bacon mixture.
Once melted, add the shredded chicken and mix thoroughly.
Pour in the cream, stirring to combine everything into a creamy mixture.
Step 4: Assemble and Slice Chicken Breasts
Evenly top the skillet with cheddar cheese, spreading it over the mixture.
Take the reserved chicken breasts and slice them against the grain into 1/2-inch slices.
Arrange these slices in a fan-like pattern over the top of the cheese-topped mixture.
Step 5: Bake and Garnish
Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheddar cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
Once baked, remove from the oven and top with additional sliced jalapeños for extra heat and fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving.
This creamy, cheesy chicken dish is perfect on its own or can be paired with a side of your choice.
Enjoy the blend of flavors and textures in each bite!
