Jalapeno Popper Chicken Baked Ziti

3.5
(2)

Believe it or not, this recipe came to me in a dream after discussing previous adventures with jalapeno poppers and standard baked ziti. I awoke the next morning with a desire and a vision, and thus this delicious, spicy, and creamy ziti was born.

Prep Time:
45 mins
Cook Time:
3 hrs 25 mins
Total Time:
4 hrs 10 mins
Servings:
12
Yield:
12 servings
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 12 servings

Shredded Chicken:

  • 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

  • 1 cup chicken broth

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon onion flakes

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic

Jalapeno Popper Filling:

  • 6 slices bacon, diced

  • 3 medium jalapeno peppers - stemmed, seeded, and minced

  • ¼ cup diced onion

  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • ½ cup mayonnaise

Baked Ziti:

  • 1 (16 ounce) package ziti pasta

  • 1 (16 ounce) jar Alfredo sauce

  • 1 (8 ounce) package shredded pepper Jack cheese

  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Topping:

  • ½ cup crushed buttery round crackers

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 4 tablespoons salted butter, softened

Directions

  1. Combine chicken breasts, chicken broth, salt, pepper, onion flakes, oregano, and garlic for shredded chicken in a medium slow cooker, making sure chicken is completely covered by broth.

  2. Cook until chicken is no longer pink in the center, on Low for 5 to 6 hours or on High for 3 to 4 hours.

  3. Thirty minutes before chicken is finished cooking, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

  4. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add ziti and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain and set aside.

  5. While ziti is cooking, prepare filling: fry bacon, jalapenos, and onion in a small skillet over medium-high heat until onions are tender and bacon is browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from the heat and transfer to a small mixing bowl with cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and mayonnaise; mix until well combined.

  6. Remove chicken from the slow cooker and place into a large bowl; use 2 forks to shred chicken into small pieces. Add cooked ziti and Alfredo sauce; mix well.

  7. Pour 1/2 of the chicken-ziti mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle pepper Jack cheese in an even layer over top. Spread jalapeno popper filling evenly across the dish. Pour remaining chicken-ziti mixture into the dish, and sprinkle 1/2 cup mozzarella over top.

  8. Mix crushed crackers, Parmesan cheese, and butter for topping together in a small bowl; sprinkle over the pasta dish.

  9. Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is melted and just barely starts to turn golden, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

709 Calories
46g Fat
39g Carbs
36g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 12
Calories 709
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 46g 58%
Saturated Fat 20g 98%
Cholesterol 129mg 43%
Sodium 1322mg 57%
Total Carbohydrate 39g 14%
Dietary Fiber 2g 6%
Total Sugars 4g
Protein 36g 71%
Vitamin C 2mg 2%
Calcium 328mg 25%
Iron 3mg 14%
Potassium 269mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.