Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole

Name: Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 1 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup chicken broth (regular or low-sodium); 8 ounces cream cheese (softened); 1 cup diced jalapeno (fresh or pickled); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided); 4-5 cups shredded cooked chicken; seasoning salt or salt and black pepper (amount as desired); 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon; 1 cup crushed tortilla chips or corn chips (for topping); Optional Garnish: chopped fresh cilantro, green onions, sliced fresh jalapenos

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This Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole has all the flavors of the classic appetizer in one easy bake that’s delicious as a main course. It only takes 10 minutes to prep this casserole and it can even be made in advance. It’s spicy, creamy, and cheesy all in one bite!

A serving of jalapeño popper casserole on a plate.

Whether you are hosting a party or tailgate, or just looking for an easy dinner recipe, this Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole is a dish that will be gone in seconds. Everyone loves this recipe and always asks for more. It’s the perfect appetizer or main course for a sports event, tailgate, or truly any gathering.

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We developed this bake originally because our family loves jalapeno poppers, but they are time consuming to make. This casserole has all the same flavors as the classic recipe, but takes only 10 minutes to prep. It’s become one of my son’s favorite recipes to make for his friends (which means it’s foolproof too!).

You can assemble it in advance to store in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Give this jalapeno chicken popper casserole a try and you’ll be everyone’s favorite chef that day! If you love comfort food recipes, give our Tamale Pie and Taco Cups a try.

This was absolutely delicious and it was so easy to make! Picky husband approved!
I love watching your videos, Laura. You have the sweetest personality! – Debbie

Getting a serving of jalapeño popper casserole on a plate.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

Appetizer or main course. Make this as a delicious app or serve as a main course with beans, rice, and taco toppings. It’s one of our family’s favorite things!
10 minute prep time. With just ten minutes you can combine all of the ingredients and bake it off. Alternatively, it’s also great to assemble in advance, store in the fridge and then bake right before guests arrive for a party.
Comforting classic flavors. If you love a jalapeno popper, this is a recipe for you. Anyone can master this simple recipe; the ingredients are easy to source and affordable too!

Ingredients

Scroll Down for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Recipe Card Below

Sour cream: The creamy base for the casserole.
Chicken broth regular or low-sodium: Adds that rich chicken flavor in the sauce.
Cream cheese: Makes the right creamy consistency in every bite.
Jalapeno (fresh or pickled): Spicy and fresh flavors that give the chicken dish it’s signature flavor.
Garlic powder and onion powder: Infuse each bite with the garlicky onion flavor we all love.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Gives the cheesy top layer to the bake.
Shredded cooked chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for ease or this is a great way to use leftover chicken too.
Bacon: Adds a smokiness and richness to the bake that pairs nicely with the cheddar and jalapeno.
Crushed tortilla chips or corn chips for topping: We love to add crushed chips on top for a bit of extra crunch!
Optional Garnish: chopped fresh cilantro, green onions, sliced fresh jalapenos. There are so many routes to go for this, we love all the fresh flavors these garnishes bring.

The ingredients to make jalapeño popper casserole.

Tools You’ll Need

How to Make Jalapeno Popper Casserole

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 13×9-inch casserole dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, chicken broth, cream cheese, diced jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoning salt or salt and black pepper, and 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix with a hand mixer or spatula until well combined.

Whipping cream cheese, broth and cheese in a bowl.

Fold the chicken into the mixture.

Adding chicken to a bowl with cream cheese and broth.

Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Spreading a base for a cream cheese casserole in a baking dish.

Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and bacon over the top.

Sprinkling bacon and cheese on a casserole.

Cover with aluminum foil and bake 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Evenly sprinkle crushed tortilla chips or corn chips and the remaining cheese over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the chips are slightly toasted and the cheese is melted.

Sprinkling fritos, cheese and bacon on a casserole.

Let it cool for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions or fresh jalapeño slices, if desired, and serve warm.

Adding jalapeños to a jalapeño popper casserole.

Expert Tips

Use rotisserie chicken as a shortcut. If you want to avoid having to cook and shred chicken from scratch, pick up a rotisserie chicken. It makes the prep time that much faster!
Remove the jalapeno seeds for a mild bake. If you like the dish spicy, keep the seeds in the jalapeno and if you prefer mild then remove the seeds.
Be sure to layer the ingredients correctly. This is essential to making sure the tortilla chips on top are toasted and crispy and not soggy.
Grate the cheese from a block rather than buying pre-shredded. The pre-shredded cheese is coated in a powder that doesn’t allow it to melt as well.

I lover jalapeño popper ANYTHING and these Smoked Jalapeno Poppers are incredible! Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Chicken is another yummy version of these flavors!

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the fridge or the oven for a few minutes until warmed through.

We don’t recommend freezing any leftovers as it can change the texture of the sauce.

For making this casserole in advance, mix all of the ingredients together and place into the baking dish. Cover and keep in the fridge up to overnight prior to baking and serving.

FAQs

Can I substitute hot sauce for jalapeno?

You can, it may change the texture of the sauce a bit since it’s a liquid and also may be more spicy.

Can you freeze this casserole?

We recommend not freezing it as it can compromise the texture. You can assemble the casserole in advance and bake right before a party.

What is best to serve with Jalapeno popper chicken casserole?

We love to serve it with rice and toppings for a taco bar at parties. It makes a delicious main course or appetizer.

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