Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole Recipe

If you love the spicy, cheesy flavors of jalapeño poppers, you’ll love this Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole! This dish takes all the best elements of the classic appetizer—jalapeños, cream cheese, bacon, and cheddar—and combines them into a creamy, comforting casserole with tender chicken. It’s a fantastic option for a weeknight dinner, game day, or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish. Let’s dive into the full recipe, with helpful tips, variations, and everything you need to know to make this delicious casserole.

this Recipe

What is Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole?

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole is a rich, creamy baked dish that combines shredded or cubed chicken with jalapeños, cream cheese, cheddar, and crispy bacon. It has all the spicy, cheesy goodness of traditional jalapeño poppers but in casserole form. This dish is perfect for anyone who loves a little heat and a lot of cheesy, comforting flavors.

Ingredients List for Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make this spicy and cheesy chicken casserole:

• 3-4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (use rotisserie chicken for convenience)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or mozzarella)
• 5-6 jalapeños, seeded and chopped (leave seeds in for more heat)
• 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers (or Panko breadcrumbs for topping)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (for the topping)
• Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped (optional garnish)

Substitutions and Variations for Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Here are some variations and substitutions you can try to make this dish your own:

• Lighter version: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, and substitute low-fat cream cheese and cheese to lighten up the dish.
• Extra spicy: Leave the seeds in the jalapeños or add a few dashes of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Vegetarian option: Omit the chicken and replace it with cooked quinoa, black beans, or roasted vegetables like cauliflower or zucchini.
• Cheese variety: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack, sharp cheddar, or Gouda for more flavor.
• Add pasta or rice: Mix in cooked pasta or rice to make the casserole heartier and to stretch the servings further.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make this creamy, spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole:

1. Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the bacon: In a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble and set aside.
3. Prepare the cream cheese mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar, shredded Monterey Jack, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.
4. Mix in the chicken and jalapeños: Add the cooked chicken and chopped jalapeños to the cream cheese mixture. Stir everything together until the chicken is fully coated and the jalapeños are evenly distributed.
5. Assemble the casserole: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread the chicken mixture evenly in the dish.
6. Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers (or Panko) with the melted butter. Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
7. Bake the casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
8. Add the bacon and broil: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the top. For an extra crispy topping, place the casserole under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
9. Cool slightly and serve: Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions, if desired.

How to Cook Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook and crumble the bacon.
3. Mix the cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, shredded cheese, and seasonings in a large bowl.
4. Stir in chicken and chopped jalapeños until well combined.
5. Transfer to a greased baking dish and smooth out the mixture.
6. Top with crushed crackers and melted butter.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly, then add crumbled bacon.
8. Broil for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
9. Cool slightly, garnish with cilantro or green onions, and serve.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make sure your Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole turns out perfectly, here are a few common mistakes to avoid:

1. Using cold cream cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing. Cold cream cheese can be lumpy and difficult to mix.
2. Overbaking the casserole: Keep an eye on the casserole while it bakes. Once it’s bubbly and the topping is golden, it’s ready to come out of the oven. Overbaking can make the chicken dry.
3. Not seasoning the chicken mixture: Don’t forget to season the cream cheese mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. These seasonings enhance the flavor of the casserole.

Serving and Presentation Tips

While this is a casual, comforting dish, you can make it look extra appealing with these serving tips:

• Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, parsley, or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
• Serve with a side salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole perfectly.
• Offer sour cream or ranch dressing: Serve the casserole with a side of sour cream or ranch dressing for dipping or drizzling.

How to Serve Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Here’s how to serve this delicious casserole for the best experience:

• Main dish: Serve the casserole as a main course with simple sides like a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.
• Appetizer or party dish: Serve the casserole in smaller portions as an appetizer for game day or parties. You can even offer tortilla chips or bread for dipping!
• For leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven for a quick meal.

Presentation Ideas for Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Make your Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole look as good as it tastes with these presentation ideas:

• Bake in a cast iron skillet: For a rustic, homestyle presentation, bake and serve the casserole in a cast iron skillet.
• Top with extra cheese: Before broiling, sprinkle a little extra shredded cheese on top for an extra cheesy finish.
• Serve in ramekins: For an elegant dinner, portion the casserole into individual ramekins before baking.

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole Recipe Tips

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your casserole turns out perfect every time:

1. Use rotisserie chicken: For convenience, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time. Shred or cube it before mixing it into the casserole.
2. Adjust the heat level: For a milder version, remove all the seeds from the jalapeños, or use fewer jalapeños. For more heat, leave some seeds in or add diced pickled jalapeños.
3. Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting with a cold dish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Q: How long will leftovers last in the fridge?
A: Leftover Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven before serving.

Q: Can I use canned jalapeños?
A: Yes, you can use canned or pickled jalapeños if you prefer. Just keep in mind that canned jalapeños

will be less spicy than fresh ones.

Q: Can I add pasta or rice to the casserole?
A: Absolutely! You can stir in cooked pasta or rice to make the casserole even heartier and to stretch the servings further.

Conclusion

This Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole combines all the best flavors of the classic appetizer into a creamy, cheesy, and spicy casserole that’s perfect for dinner or any gathering. With tender chicken, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and jalapeños, this casserole is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Customize it with your favorite toppings and enjoy the comfort of a delicious, fuss-free meal. Give this recipe a try today and indulge in the ultimate combination of heat and cheese!

Print