Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

$- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup diced jalapeños - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 cup sour cream - 1/2 cup crumbled tortilla chips - Sliced green onions for garnish - Salt and black pepper to taste The main ingredients form the heart of the dish. I love using cooked chicken; it adds great protein. The cream cheese gives the casserole a smooth base, while the cheddar and mozzarella add richness and meltiness. The flavor enhancers bring everything together. Diced jalapeños can be fresh for heat or pickled for tang. Garlic and onion powder add depth, while smoked paprika gives a hint of smokiness. For extra creaminess, I include sour cream. Crumbled tortilla chips provide a nice crunch. I always use sliced green onions for garnish; they add color and a fresh taste. Don't forget salt and black pepper to suit your taste. {{ingredient_image_2}} Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating helps cook the dish evenly. In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of sour cream, and the spices. Add diced jalapeños. Blend until smooth and creamy. This mixture gives the casserole its rich base. Next, gently fold in 2 cups of shredded chicken. Add half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir well to combine. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread half of the crumbled tortilla chips at the bottom. Pour your chicken mixture over the chips, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining tortilla chips on top of the chicken mixture. Then, add the rest of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. This creates a delicious, cheesy layer. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for a bubbly and golden crust as a sign that it’s ready. Once done, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh touch. Now, it's ready to enjoy! When picking jalapeños, think about the flavor you want. Fresh jalapeños bring heat and a crisp bite. They add warmth to dishes. If you want a tangy taste, use pickled jalapeños. They offer a different flavor that some love. Pickled jalapeños can also add a nice crunch. Choose based on your tastes or the dish you want. To make the casserole even crunchier, add extra crumbled tortilla chips. When you sprinkle them on top, they create a delightful crunch. This extra layer makes each bite interesting. The crunch pairs well with the creamy chicken and cheese. It’s a simple trick that boosts texture and flavor. For the best melted cheese topping, use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella. Shred the cheese yourself for better melting. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents, which can affect meltiness. Spread the cheese evenly across the top. Bake until bubbly and golden for a perfect finish. This gives you that gooey, cheesy goodness we all love! Pro Tips Use Fresh Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños will add a more intense heat compared to pickled ones, enhancing the flavor of your casserole. Adjust the Cheese: Feel free to mix in your favorite cheeses like pepper jack or gouda for a unique twist on this classic dish. Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking for an easy meal on a busy day. Serve with Sides: Pair the casserole with a fresh salad or guacamole to balance the rich flavors and add freshness to your meal. {{image_4}} If you love heat, you can spice up your casserole. Simply add more jalapeños to the mix. You can use fresh jalapeños for a fiery kick. If you prefer, choose spicy cheese like pepper jack for more flavor. This way, every bite brings a punch of spice. You can adjust the heat to suit your taste. For a veggie twist, swap out the chicken in the recipe. Use a mix of beans and veggies instead. Black beans and corn work great together. You can also add bell peppers and zucchini for color. This option keeps the flavors while making it meat-free. It’s a tasty way to enjoy the dish without chicken. If you want a low-carb version, you can ditch the tortilla chips. Replace them with cauliflower rice instead. It adds a nice texture and keeps it light. Cauliflower rice soaks up the flavors well. This swap helps you enjoy the dish while sticking to your diet. Plus, it’s still creamy and delicious! To store leftover casserole in the fridge, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh and prevents odors. Make sure to eat it within 3 to 4 days for the best taste. For freezing, cool the casserole completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot. When stored properly, the casserole lasts in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. If frozen, it can last up to 3 months. Always check for any signs of spoilage before enjoying your leftovers. Yes, you can! To make it easier, prepare the casserole a day ahead. Mix the cream cheese, sour cream, and spices. Add the chicken and cheese. Then, layer it in the baking dish but don’t bake yet. Cover and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just bake it straight from the fridge. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This casserole goes great with simple sides. Try serving a fresh garden salad for crunch. Corn on the cob adds sweetness. You can also serve rice or a nice warm bread. These sides will balance the flavors nicely. To reheat leftovers, use your oven for the best results. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. This method helps keep the texture and flavor just right. You can also use the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it. Of course! While cheddar and mozzarella work well, feel free to get creative. Try using pepper jack for more spice, or gouda for a smoky flavor. Mixing different cheeses can really enhance the taste of your casserole. Just make sure to keep the total amount the same. The spice level can be adjusted. Jalapeños add heat, but you can control it. Use fresh jalapeños for more heat or pickled ones for less. If you want it milder, remove the seeds. You can also serve it with sour cream to cool it down for those who prefer less spice. This article guides you through making a delicious Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole. We covered ingredients, cooking steps, and storage tips for easy meal prep. Remember, you can adjust spice levels and swap ingredients to suit your taste. Whether you prefer a spicy kick or a lighter version, this dish is versatile. Enjoy creating a flavorful casserole that your friends and family will love!$

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

A creamy and cheesy casserole featuring shredded chicken, jalapeños, and a crunchy tortilla chip topping.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
0.5 cup diced jalapeños
0.5 cup sour cream
0.5 cup crumbled tortilla chips
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
to taste salt and black pepper
for garnish sliced green onions

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, and diced jalapeños. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Gently fold in the shredded chicken along with half of each cheese (cheddar and mozzarella). Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread half of the crumbled tortilla chips across the bottom. Pour the chicken mixture over the chips and spread evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining crumbled tortilla chips over the chicken mixture. Then, distribute the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Remove from the oven and cool for a few minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

Notes

Serve directly from the baking dish and consider offering extra jalapeño slices and sour cream on the side.

Keyword casserole, cheesy, chicken, comfort food, jalapeño