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For this dish, you will need: - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup diced jalapeños, fresh or pickled - 1/2 cup sour cream - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1 tablespoon garlic powder - 1 tablespoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly ground black pepper - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced You can add these for a twist: - 1/2 cup diced tomatoes, for freshness To enhance the flavor, I suggest using: - Garlic powder and onion powder for depth - Smoked paprika for a subtle smokiness - A sprinkle of salt and black pepper to taste - Panko breadcrumbs create a crispy topping - Green onions for a bright finish {{ingredient_image_2}} First, make sure your oven is hot. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish with olive oil. This keeps the casserole from sticking. A light coat works great and helps with clean-up. In a big bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and shredded chicken. Add the sharp cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, and sour cream. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to blend until smooth. Make sure all the ingredients are well mixed. This is where the flavors come together. Next, add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well again to combine everything. Once your chicken filling is ready, transfer it to the greased casserole dish. Spread it evenly across the bottom. In another bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with a splash of olive oil. This gives them a nice crunch. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mix over the chicken filling. If you want, add diced tomatoes on top for color and taste. Now, it's time to bake! Place the casserole in your preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the top turns golden brown and bubbly. Once done, carefully take it out of the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Top with sliced green onions for a fresh touch. To make your filling extra creamy, start with soft cream cheese. This makes it easy to mix. Combine it well with shredded chicken and sour cream. If you want more creaminess, add a bit more sour cream. You can also try using a mixer for a smoother texture. Mixing by hand works too, but it takes a bit longer. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature. This helps them blend without lumps. For that crunchy top, use panko breadcrumbs. They give the best texture. Before adding them, coat them lightly with olive oil. This way, they brown nicely in the oven. Spread the panko evenly over the casserole. If you want more crunch, you can mix in some grated cheese with the breadcrumbs. Bake until the top is golden brown and bubbling. Keep an eye on it, so it doesn’t burn. Serving is just as fun! Bring the casserole straight from the oven to the table. Garnish with fresh green onions for color. If you like, add extra sliced jalapeños on top. For an extra treat, serve with a dollop of sour cream on the side. This adds creaminess to each bite. Another great idea is to sprinkle diced tomatoes on top before baking. They add color and a fresh taste. Enjoy every bite of your creation! Pro Tips Use Fresh Jalapeños: Opt for fresh jalapeños for a more vibrant flavor and extra crunch. If you prefer less heat, remove the seeds before dicing. Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese, like pepper jack or mozzarella, for a unique twist on the classic flavor. Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Just pop it in the oven when you're ready to bake! Serve with a Side Salad: Pair this casserole with a fresh side salad for a balanced meal that complements the rich and cheesy flavors. {{image_4}} You can make a tasty vegetarian version of this casserole. Start by swapping out the chicken for cooked quinoa or chickpeas. Both options add protein and texture. Next, use more jalapeños for that spicy kick. You can also add black beans for extra fiber. Replace cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese or a cashew-based sauce. This keeps the creamy texture while making it plant-based. If you love heat, you can easily amp up the spice. Add more diced jalapeños to the filling. For an extra kick, try using serrano peppers or even habaneros, if you dare. You can also mix in some hot sauce or chili powder for flavor. Just remember, more spice means you may want to balance it with more cream cheese or sour cream. Cheese lovers can play around with different types of cheese. Swap sharp cheddar for pepper jack to add more flavor and spice. You can mix in mozzarella for a gooey texture. Try adding crumbled feta for a tangy twist. Don't forget to adjust the amounts to keep the casserole creamy and delicious. To keep your Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole fresh, let it cool first. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. Label the container with the date to track freshness. Make sure to use a shallow dish for better cooling. This helps it stay tasty for later meals. When reheating, I suggest using the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warm. You can also use the microwave for a quicker option. Just make sure to cover it to avoid drying out. Heat in short bursts, checking often. To freeze your casserole, let it cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Place it in a freezer-safe container for best results. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat it using the oven for the best taste. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it first. Cooked chicken works best. If you use raw chicken, you will need to adjust the cooking time. Aim for safe cooking temperatures. To make it spicier, add more jalapeños. You can use fresh or pickled ones. Also, try adding diced serrano peppers. For extra heat, include a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce in the mix. Just remember to balance the flavors. Some great sides include a light salad or garlic bread. You can also serve it with rice or quinoa for a hearty meal. Chips and salsa make a fun snack too. Choose sides that balance the richness of the casserole. Yes, you can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt. It gives a similar creamy texture. Cottage cheese is another option, but it may change the flavor slightly. For a vegan option, use cashew cream or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. In this post, I covered how to make Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole. We talked about key ingredients and how to mix them well. I shared tips for a creamy filling and a crunchy top, plus ways to make it your own. Remember to store leftovers properly to enjoy later. This dish is fun to make and even better to share. Enjoy creating your own version of this tasty casserole!

Fiery Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

A spicy and cheesy chicken casserole with jalapeños and a crunchy topping.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 cup diced jalapeños
  • 0.5 cup sour cream
  • 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 0.25 cup green onions, thinly sliced
  • 0.5 cup diced tomatoes (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish with a light coat of olive oil.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded chicken, sharp cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, and sour cream. Mix vigorously until smooth.
  • Add the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until evenly incorporated.
  • Transfer the chicken mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil, mixing until lightly coated. Sprinkle over the top of the casserole.
  • If desired, scatter the diced tomatoes on top of the breadcrumbs.
  • Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is bubbling and golden brown.
  • Once cooked, allow to cool for a few minutes and garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

Notes

Serve with a dollop of sour cream for added richness.
Keyword casserole, cheesy, chicken, jalapeño