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- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 2 cups cream cheese, softened - 1 cup sour cream - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled) For this casserole, I always start with the main ingredients. Shredded chicken is key. It adds protein and makes the dish hearty. I love using a mix of cream cheese and sour cream. This blend gives the casserole a rich, creamy texture. Next, I add cheddar and mozzarella. These cheeses melt beautifully and add great flavor. For the jalapeños, you can choose fresh or pickled. Fresh jalapeños bring a crisp bite, while pickled ones offer a tangy twist. - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste Seasonings are vital for bringing out the best flavors. I use garlic and onion powder for depth. Smoked paprika adds a nice, warm flavor. Don’t forget salt and pepper. They balance everything and enhance the taste. - 1 cup crushed tortilla chips - Fresh cilantro, chopped For toppings, I always add crushed tortilla chips. They create a crunchy layer that contrasts perfectly with the creamy filling. Fresh cilantro is my go-to garnish. It adds a pop of color and freshness. This combination really elevates the dish. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need cooked chicken. You can boil, bake, or grill it. Once cooked, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This makes it easy to mix into the casserole. Next, soften the cream cheese. You can do this by letting it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you're in a hurry, you can microwave it for 15 seconds. Just make sure it’s soft enough to blend well. In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until you have a smooth, creamy blend. Now, add the shredded chicken and diced jalapeños into the bowl. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. You want everything to be well-mixed and coated in that creamy goodness. Transfer your mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly so every bite gets that great flavor. Next, top it with the remaining cheeses and sprinkle crushed tortilla chips over the top. This adds a nice crunch. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden brown. After baking, let it cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy your delicious creation! To get the right spice level, adjust the amount of jalapeños. If you like heat, use fresh jalapeños. For less spice, pickled jalapeños work well. You can also remove the seeds to tone it down more. For a creamier dish, feel free to add more cheese. I love mixing in extra cheddar or mozzarella. This adds flavor and makes the casserole even richer. You can prep this dish in advance to save time. Mix the casserole filling and store it in the fridge. This way, you only need to bake it when you're ready. If you want, you can also store the uncooked casserole in the fridge overnight. Just cover it well to keep it fresh. Bake it the next day without any hassle. This casserole pairs nicely with simple side dishes. Try serving fresh veggies or a green salad. They balance the rich flavors of the casserole. For presentation, serve it hot from the baking dish. Garnish with chopped cilantro for a fresh touch. This makes it look even more inviting! Pro Tips Use Rotisserie Chicken: To save time, consider using store-bought rotisserie chicken. It adds flavor and makes preparation quicker. Customize Heat Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeños based on your heat preference. You can also mix in some diced bell peppers for a milder flavor. Make it Ahead: Prepare the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just bake it when you're ready to serve for a hassle-free meal. Experiment with Cheeses: Try adding different types of cheese like pepper jack or gouda for a unique twist on the classic flavors. {{image_2}} You can get creative with your Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole. One easy swap is to change the cheese. Try pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick. Or use cream cheese blended with goat cheese for a tangy twist. You can also switch the protein. Instead of chicken, turkey or beef works well too. Cooked ground beef or shredded turkey adds a new flavor. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free tortilla chips for the topping. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty dish. For a vegetarian version, consider using black beans or tofu instead of chicken. The beans add protein, while tofu soaks up flavors well. You can also add more vegetables, like corn or bell peppers, for extra nutrition. Toppings can make your casserole even better. Try adding sliced avocado on top for creaminess. You can also spoon on some fresh salsa for a burst of flavor. Layer in extra veggies, like spinach or zucchini, for a healthy twist. These toppings not only enhance taste but also make the dish look appealing. After enjoying your Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole, store leftovers in the fridge. Use an airtight container. It stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Portion it into smaller containers for easy meals. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing it in a freezer bag. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat your casserole, use an oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes or until hot. If you're in a hurry, the microwave works too. Just heat it on medium power for about 2 to 3 minutes. Check to ensure it’s warm all the way through. Like any dish, your casserole can spoil. Look for signs like a sour smell or mold. If it smells off or looks strange, throw it away. In the fridge, it lasts about 3 to 4 days. In the freezer, it can stay good for 3 months. Always use your best judgment when it comes to food safety. To kick up the heat, add more jalapeños. Use fresh ones for a bold flavor. You can also mix in some hot sauce or crushed red pepper. If you want a smoky taste, try adding chipotle powder. These changes will make your casserole even more exciting! Yes, rotisserie chicken works great! It saves you time and adds rich flavor. Simply shred the chicken and mix it in. It’s a quick way to get that tasty base for your casserole, letting you focus on the fun toppings. This casserole pairs well with fresh veggies or a crisp salad. You can also serve it with rice or warm tortillas. For drinks, try a light beer or a refreshing lemonade. These sides will balance the rich and spicy flavors of the casserole beautifully! You learned how to make a tasty Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole. We covered the key ingredients, from shredded chicken to the cheese blend and spices. You now know how to prepare, mix, and bake this dish for maximum flavor. Don’t forget the topping and serving tips to impress your guests! Experiment with variations to suit your taste, and enjoy the leftovers. This casserole is fun and easy to make. You can share it with family or friends for any occasion.

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

A creamy and cheesy casserole featuring shredded chicken, jalapeños, and topped with crunchy 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

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 2 cups cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup diced jalapeños
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
  • to taste fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  • Add in the shredded chicken, diced jalapeños, and half of both the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  • Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  • Top the casserole with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, and sprinkle the crushed tortilla chips over the top for a crunchy finish.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden brown.
  • Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.

Notes

Serve hot, directly from the baking dish, with a side of sliced fresh vegetables or a simple green salad.
Keyword casserole, cheesy, chicken, comfort food, jalapeño