Jalapeño Popper Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together the irresistible flavors of creamy cheese, roasted jalapeños, and a savory casserole base. It has all the flavors you love from classic jalapeño poppers but in a delicious, hearty dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering.
The layers of spicy jalapeños, tender chicken, and rich cream cheese will have you coming back for seconds. If you love a touch of heat paired with creamy indulgence, this casserole is just what you need. Best of all, it’s a simple, no-fuss recipe that doesn’t require any frying!
Jalapeño Popper Casserole
the ultimate comfort food, bringing together the irresistible flavors of creamy cheese, roasted jalapeños, and a savory casserole base. It has all the flavors you love from classic jalapeño poppers but in a delicious, hearty dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering.
Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Oven mitts
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 6-8 fresh jalapeños seeded and diced (adjust to taste)
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips or breadcrumbs for topping
- 2 tbsp melted butter for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Jalapeños:
- If you want a milder flavor, remove the seeds from the jalapeños before dicing. Sauté the diced jalapeños in a skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, just until softened. Set aside.
- Make the Creamy Base:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Whisk until smooth and well-mixed.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread the shredded cooked chicken evenly over the bottom of the greased baking dish. Add the sautéed jalapeños on top of the chicken.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the chicken and jalapeños, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top.
- Add the Topping:
- In a small bowl, combine the crushed tortilla chips (or breadcrumbs) with the melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are coated. Sprinkle this mixture over the cheese layer.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy as a main dish or as a side with a simple green salad or rice.
- Prep Time:
- 15 minutes
- Cook Time:
- 25 minutes
- Total Time:
- 40 minutes
- Nutrition (per serving):
- Calories: 380
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Jalapeño Popper Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, with a delightful crunchy topping that adds texture. It’s the perfect dish for spice lovers who want the warmth of jalapeños paired with the richness of a casserole. Serve it for dinner, and enjoy the kick with every bite!
Kitchen Equipment Needed:
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Oven mitts
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 6-8 fresh jalapeños, seeded and diced (adjust to taste)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips or breadcrumbs for topping
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for topping)
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Jalapeños:
- If you want a milder flavor, remove the seeds from the jalapeños before dicing. Sauté the diced jalapeños in a skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, just until softened. Set aside.
- Make the Creamy Base:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Whisk until smooth and well-mixed.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread the shredded cooked chicken evenly over the bottom of the greased baking dish. Add the sautéed jalapeños on top of the chicken.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the chicken and jalapeños, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top.
- Add the Topping:
- In a small bowl, combine the crushed tortilla chips (or breadcrumbs) with the melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are coated. Sprinkle this mixture over the cheese layer.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy as a main dish or as a side with a simple green salad or rice.
Prep Time:
- 15 minutes
Cook Time:
- 25 minutes
Total Time:
- 40 minutes
Nutrition (per serving):
- Calories: 380
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
Jalapeño Popper Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, with a delightful crunchy topping that adds texture. It’s the perfect dish for spice lovers who want the warmth of jalapeños paired with the richness of a casserole. Serve it for dinner, and enjoy the kick with every bite!
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