Jalapeño Popper Casserole – Creamy, Cheesy, and Comforting with a Spicy Kick

If you love jalapeño poppers but want them in a hearty, family-style dish, a Jalapeño Popper Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. This dish transforms the classic appetizer into a creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy baked casserole, perfect for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or game-day feasts. It combines tender chicken (or a vegetarian alternative), cream cheese, jalapeños, cheddar, crispy bacon, and a buttery topping for layers of flavor that satisfy every craving.

Below, you’ll find a step-by-step guide to making this indulgent casserole at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed; rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
6–8 fresh jalapeños, seeded and diced (leave some seeds for extra heat)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar works best)
1 cup shredded mozzarella
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons butter, melted
Optional garnish: chopped green onions, fresh parsley, or extra jalapeño slices

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Cook and shred the chicken if not using pre-cooked.
Cook bacon until crispy, then crumble it.
Seed and dice jalapeños (remember to wear gloves if you’re sensitive to the oils).

Having all the ingredients ready makes assembling the casserole quick and easy.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

Cream cheese (softened for easier mixing)
Sour cream
Garlic powder
Smoked paprika
A pinch of salt and pepper

Stir until smooth and well blended. This forms the creamy, tangy base of the casserole.

Step 3: Add the Main Components

Fold the shredded chicken, diced jalapeños, crumbled bacon (reserve a little for topping), and half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese into the creamy mixture. Mix until everything is evenly coated.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Spread the mixture evenly into the dish.
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella on top for a melty, golden finish.