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- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup sour cream - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese The main ingredients in this casserole create a rich and creamy base. The cooked chicken gives it protein and heartiness. Cream cheese and sour cream blend to form a smooth texture. Cheddar and mozzarella bring flavor and help with that cheesy pull we all love. - 1 cup pickled jalapeños, chopped (adjust to taste) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste Flavor enhancers make this dish pop. Pickled jalapeños add a spicy kick. Garlic and onion powders give depth without overpowering. Smoked paprika adds a warm, smoky taste. Salt and pepper balance the flavors. Adjust spice levels based on your taste buds. - 1 cup crushed tortilla chips - Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish Toppings add crunch and freshness. Crushed tortilla chips create a crispy layer on top. Fresh cilantro or green onions brighten the dish. They make it look pretty and add a fresh taste. This garnish is the cherry on top of your casserole! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step warms the oven for even baking. Next, in a large bowl, combine 1 cup of softened cream cheese and 1 cup of sour cream. Mix them until smooth and creamy. This base gives the casserole its rich texture. Now, add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika to the bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to combine all the flavors. Gently fold in 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken and 1 cup of chopped pickled jalapeños. Make sure everything is well mixed but do not overwork it. Next, prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by greasing it lightly with cooking spray or butter. Pour the chicken mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly. This helps ensure that every bite is delicious. Now, sprinkle 1 cup of crushed tortilla chips evenly over the top of the casserole. This adds a great crunch! Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You want the top to be golden and bubbly. Once finished, let it cool for a few minutes. Before serving, top with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions for a pop of color and flavor. - Adjusting spice levels: Start with a small amount of pickled jalapeños. You can add more if you like it spicier. Taste as you go. - Ensuring creamy texture: Mix cream cheese and sour cream well. This makes it smooth. If it's too thick, add a splash of milk. - Ensuring even cooking: Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish. This helps it cook at the same rate. - Best sides to pair: Serve with a fresh salad or some roasted veggies. They balance the richness of the casserole. - Presentation tips: Serve directly from the dish. Add a sprinkle of cilantro or green onions on top for color. - Alternatives for cream cheese: You can use Greek yogurt for a lighter option. It gives a nice tang too. - Dairy-free options: Try a plant-based cream cheese. It works well and keeps it creamy. - Low-carb modifications: Use cauliflower rice instead of tortilla chips. It keeps the flavors while cutting carbs. Pro Tips Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of jalapeños or use sweet peppers instead. Make it Ahead: Prepare the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate. Just bake it when you're ready to serve! Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix different cheeses like pepper jack or Monterey Jack for extra flavor. Garnish Ideas: Top with diced tomatoes or avocado for a fresh twist and added color. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Just swap the cooked chicken for a plant-based protein. Some good options include shredded jackfruit, tofu, or chickpeas. Each of these will soak up the flavors well. This way, you still enjoy that creamy goodness without meat. Want to amp up the taste? Consider adding extra spices or herbs. Try cumin or chili powder for a kick. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can add freshness too. You can also mix in different cheeses. Creamy goat cheese or pepper jack will add rich flavors and textures. Need to change the size of your casserole? You can double the recipe for a big crowd. If you want less, just half the ingredients. Use a smaller baking dish for a smaller batch. Always watch the baking time. Smaller casseroles bake faster, and larger ones may need a bit more time. To keep your leftovers fresh, place them in an airtight container. Make sure the casserole cools down before sealing. This helps avoid sogginess. In the fridge, your casserole lasts about 3 to 4 days. You can enjoy it again without worry! If you want to freeze your casserole, let it cool completely first. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. After that, add a layer of aluminum foil for extra protection. This method keeps your casserole fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For the best taste, reheat your casserole in the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 20 minutes. This method warms it evenly and keeps it crisp. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Heat it on medium power, checking every minute until hot. Enjoy your creamy jalapeño popper chicken casserole! You can serve many tasty sides with this casserole. Here are some great options: - Garden salad: A fresh salad balances the creamy casserole. - Rice: Fluffy white or brown rice soaks up flavors well. - Cornbread: Sweet cornbread adds a nice touch to your meal. - Grilled vegetables: Colorful veggies bring more nutrients and flavor. - Guacamole: Creamy guacamole adds a fun twist to each bite. Yes, you can prepare this casserole ahead! Here’s how: - Mix the ingredients: Combine everything as directed in the recipe. - Store it: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil in the fridge. - Bake later: When ready, bake it straight from the fridge. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time. This method is great for busy days or meal prep! To add more heat, try these tips: - More jalapeños: Add extra chopped pickled jalapeños for a kick. - Fresh peppers: Use fresh jalapeños instead for a bolder flavor. - Hot sauce: Stir in a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce. - Spicy cheese: Consider using pepper jack cheese instead of regular cheddar. These options let you control the spice level to your taste! This blog post shared a simple recipe for Creamy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole. You learned about the main ingredients, flavor enhancers, and toppings. I explained easy steps for prepping, mixing, layering, and baking. You also got tips for perfecting your casserole and ways to adjust the recipe. Finally, I covered how to store leftovers and answered common questions. Enjoy making this tasty dish and feel free to experiment with flavors or cooking methods. Happy cooking!

Creamy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

A delicious and creamy chicken casserole with a spicy kick from jalapeños and topped with crispy tortilla chips.
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 sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup pickled jalapeños, chopped
  • 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh cilantro or green onions

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
  • Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper.
  • Gently fold in the shredded chicken and chopped jalapeños until well combined.
  • Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with a little cooking spray or butter.
  • Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  • Sprinkle the crushed tortilla chips evenly over the top of the casserole.
  • Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
  • Once done, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before topping with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions.

Notes

Serve directly from the baking dish with lime wedges for an extra zesty touch.
Keyword casserole, cheese, chicken, comfort food, jalapeño