Creamy, rich, and loaded with spicy, hearty chicken and cream cheese flavor – this easy-baked casserole is sure to please Jalapeño popper lovers!

Don’t want all the extras in a recipe post? We provide a skip to recipe button in the top left corner, as well as a clickable table of contents, just below, to help make this page easier to navigate.

How to Make Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

To make this recipe, we will need the following ingredients:

• Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): Cream cheese brings the creamy, velvety texture that makes this casserole irresistible.
• Heavy Cream (½ c): Heavy cream enriches the sauce, creating a luscious and silky consistency.
• Chicken Stock (¼ c): Chicken stock infuses the dish with savory depth, elevating the overall flavor.
• Jalapeño Poppers (½ lb): The star ingredient! Jalapeño poppers provide the spicy kick and a burst of flavor that defines this casserole. The combination of jalapeños, cream cheese filling, and sometimes bacon creates a harmonious balance of heat and creaminess.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese (4 oz): Cheddar cheese adds a sharp and tangy flavor, along with that gooey melt-in-your-mouth texture when baked.
• Crispy Bacon (½ c crumbled): Bacon, in its crispy glory, adds a smoky and savory touch to the casserole, making it even more indulgent.

Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, we will use the following process:

• Prep. Preheat oven to 375ºF. Lay shredded chicken in a casserole dish. Season with garlic powder and salt, onion powder, and paprika. Whisk together heavy cream, cream cheese, and chicken stock. Spread the mixture even over the shredded chicken. Wash the jalapeños, cut the tops off. Remove the seeds and stems, keep more stems if you want the peppers to be more spicy. Lay the peppers on top of the chicken. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese on top.
• Bake. Bake the chicken casserole for 20 minutes or until bubbly. Remove from the oven when there is 5 minutes remaining and add the bacon on the top. 
• Serve. Garnish the casserole with chopped parsley. Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks to Perfect Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Cook and Shred Chicken Ahead: To save time, cook and shred the chicken ahead of time. You can do this a day or two before assembling the casserole.

Adjust Jalapeño Heat: If you’re sensitive to heat, you can adjust the spiciness by removing the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before using them.

Use Pre-made Jalapeño Poppers: To save even more time, you can use store-bought frozen or pre-made jalapeño poppers. Just make sure they’re cooked according to the package instructions before incorporating them into the casserole.

Soften Cream Cheese Thoroughly: Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smooth and creamy consistency.

Don’t Overcook Cream Cheese Mixture: When combining the cream cheese, heavy cream, and chicken stock, heat gently over low to medium heat to avoid curdling. Stir continuously until smooth.

Adjust Seasonings: Taste the cream cheese mixture before assembling the casserole. Adjust the seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, garlic salt) to your preference.

Layering Order: Start with a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture at the bottom of the baking dish to prevent sticking. Then layer the shredded chicken, followed by more cream cheese mixture, jalapeño poppers, and cheddar cheese.

Add Crispy Bacon: Add the crumbled crispy bacon as the final topping to maintain its crunchiness.

Cheese Coverage: Make sure the cheddar cheese covers the casserole evenly to ensure a golden and melty finish.

Tent with Foil: If you notice the top of the casserole browning too quickly while baking, you can tent it with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.

Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the flavors meld together, and it will be easier to cut and serve.

Garnish: Garnish the finished casserole with chopped fresh cilantro, green onions, or a drizzle of sour cream for a burst of color and added flavor.

Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.

Customize: Feel free to customize the casserole by adding diced tomatoes, corn, or other favorite toppings.

FAQs

What to Serve With Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Fresh Salad: A crisp and refreshing salad can help balance the heat of the casserole. Consider a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or a creamy coleslaw.

Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts offer a savory and slightly charred contrast to the creamy casserole.

Rice or Quinoa: Serve the casserole over a bed of cooked rice or quinoa to add some mild grains that absorb the flavorful sauce.

Cornbread: A classic side like cornbread provides a slightly sweet and crumbly contrast to the spicy dish.

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes can help temper the spiciness while offering a comforting and hearty component.

Cucumber or Tomato Salsa: A refreshing cucumber or tomato salsa with a touch of lime can provide a cooling contrast to the heat.

Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado slices can add a creamy and cooling element to the meal.

Tortilla Chips: Crispy tortilla chips can be used to scoop up bites of the casserole, adding an enjoyable crunch.

Garlic Bread: A slice of garlic bread or a warm roll can be a delightful accompaniment to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Fruit Salad: A fruit salad with a mix of sweet and tangy fruits can provide a refreshing contrast to the spicy dish.

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole Recipe

If you love this easy recipe please click the stars below to give it a five star rating and leave a comment! Pease also help me share on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest!

CONNECT WITH SWEET C’S!
Be sure to follow me on social media and get in on all the fun!

Only have 30 minutes to get dinner on the table? Sign up for my 30 minute dinner plans direct to your inbox!
Find and shop my favorite products in my Amazon storefront here!