Go Back

Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole - Creamy, Cheesy, and Comforting

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 3 cups cooked, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great)
  • Cream cheese: 8 ounces, softened
  • Sour cream: 1/2 cup
  • Mayonnaise: 2 tablespoons (optional for extra richness)
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: 1 1/2 cups, divided
  • Shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella: 1 cup
  • Jalapenos: 4–6 fresh, seeded and diced (adjust for heat)
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • Green onions: 2, thinly sliced (optional)
  • Cooked bacon: 6 slices, crumbled
  • Cream or milk: 2–3 tablespoons to loosen the mixture, if needed
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Smoked paprika or chili powder: 1/2 teaspoon (optional)
  • Topping: 1 cup crushed buttery crackers or pork rinds, or 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • Butter: 2 tablespoons, melted (to mix with topping)

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep: Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Soften the base: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Stir in sour cream and mayonnaise until creamy.
  3. Add flavor: Mix in garlic, half the cheddar, all the Monterey Jack, half the bacon, and half the jalapenos. Add green onions if using. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
  4. Loosen if needed: If the mixture feels too thick, stir in 2–3 tablespoons of cream or milk until spreadable.
  5. Fold in chicken: Add the cooked chicken and stir until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Assemble: Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining cheddar and the rest of the jalapenos.
  7. Make the topping: Combine crumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole, then top with the remaining bacon.
  8. Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden.
  9. Rest and serve: Let it sit for 5 minutes. Garnish with extra green onions or a squeeze of lime if you like. Serve warm.