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Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole: A Spicy, Cheesy Comfort Classic

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole is the perfect marriage of comfort food and bold flavor. Inspired by the popular appetizer—jalapeño poppers—it features the rich creaminess of cheese, the smoky kick of jalapeños, and the hearty base of seasoned chicken. This dish is a crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners, potlucks, and even game days.

Here’s how to make it from scratch, step by step.

Ingredients (Serves 6)

For the Casserole Base:

3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste

Creamy Cheese Layer:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1–2 fresh jalapeños, diced (remove seeds for less heat)
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Topping:

1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or pork rinds (low-carb option)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons melted butter

Equipment Needed

9×13-inch casserole dish
Mixing bowls
Spatula or wooden spoon
Oven

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Base

In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Spread the seasoned chicken evenly over the bottom of the casserole dish.

💡 Tip: You can use rotisserie chicken to save time or cook boneless chicken breasts in advance.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Cheese Filling

In a separate bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
Fold in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, diced jalapeños, and smoked paprika.
Spread this creamy mixture evenly over the chicken in the casserole dish.

💡 Spice Note: Adjust the number of jalapeños depending on how spicy you want the casserole. You can even add a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.

Step 4: Add the Crunchy Topping

In another bowl, mix the crushed crackers (or pork rinds), crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, and melted butter.
Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

💡 Texture Tip: The combination of buttery crumbs and crispy bacon gives a satisfying contrast to the creamy base.

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