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For this tasty dish, you need: - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese - 1/2 cup sour cream - 1/2 cup jalapeños, sliced (adjust to taste) - 1 tablespoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup crushed tortilla chips (for topping) - Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional) You can swap some items if needed. Use cooked turkey instead of chicken for a tasty twist. If you don’t have cream cheese, try using Greek yogurt. For cheese, mozzarella works well too. You can use fresh tomatoes if you want to skip the canned ones. If jalapeños are too spicy, bell peppers can be a great choice. When picking chicken, look for bright color and no smell. For tomatoes, choose firm ones with smooth skin. Fresh jalapeños should be bright green with no wrinkles. When buying cheese, go for blocks instead of pre-shredded. They melt better. Always check the date on sour cream to ensure freshness. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, diced tomatoes with green chilies, cream cheese, and sour cream. Add garlic powder, onion powder, and sliced jalapeños to the mix. You can adjust the jalapeños based on how spicy you want your dish. Stir in half of the cheddar cheese and all the pepper jack cheese. Make sure everything blends well. Season this mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Now, spread the mixture evenly in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. This helps it cook evenly. Top the casserole with the remaining cheddar cheese and crushed tortilla chips. This adds a nice crunch on top. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for bubbly cheese and lightly golden edges. When it's done, take it out carefully. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes. This helps it set and makes serving easier. Garnish with fresh cilantro if you like. It adds a fresh touch and looks nice. Now, it's ready to enjoy! This dish is perfect for family meals or gatherings. To make your casserole even creamier, use more cream cheese. You can also mix in a bit of heavy cream. This extra creaminess adds richness to each bite. Another tip is to let your cream cheese soften well. If it’s too cold, it won’t blend smoothly. You can adjust the spice levels to fit your taste. If you like it mild, use fewer jalapeños. You can even omit them. For extra heat, add more sliced jalapeños or use fresh ones. Mixing in some hot sauce can also give it a nice kick. Always taste your mixture before baking to get it just right. Meal prep can save time on busy days. Cook your chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge. You can also mix the casserole ingredients a day before. Just cover it and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready, bake it straight from the fridge. This can save you a lot of time! Pro Tips Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of jalapeños or use pickled jalapeños for less heat. Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you're ready to cook. Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends, such as Monterey Jack or Gouda, to customize the flavor to your liking. Crunchy Topping: For an extra crispy topping, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Just watch it closely to prevent burning! {{image_2}} You can easily make a vegetarian version of Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole. Simply replace the chicken with a mix of beans, like black beans and pinto beans. This gives you protein and great texture. Use the same creamy ingredients, like cream cheese and sour cream. You can also add more veggies, such as corn or bell peppers. These add color and flavor. For a low-carb variant, swap the crushed tortilla chips for crushed pork rinds or almond flour. This keeps the crunch while cutting carbs. You can also use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. It blends well into the casserole and adds a nice bite. Make sure to check the ingredients in your canned tomatoes. Some have added sugars. Feel free to mix in extra flavors! Try adding cooked bacon for a smoky taste. If you like it spicy, toss in some diced habaneros or chipotles. Fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions can brighten up the dish. You can also change the cheese blend. Use Monterey Jack or gouda for a different twist. Each option gives the casserole a unique flavor. To keep your jalapeño popper chicken casserole fresh, let it cool first. Then, transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cover the dish tightly to keep moisture in. This helps keep the flavors intact. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 20 minutes or until it's warm all the way through. You can also microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes. Just make sure to check the heat. To freeze your casserole, let it cool completely. Then, cut it into portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it in the oven or microwave. This method keeps the dish tasting fresh and delicious! Yes, you can use raw chicken, but it needs more time to cook. If you choose raw chicken, cut it into small pieces. Cook it in the oven for 40-50 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving. This method gives you juicy chicken in the casserole. To spice things up, add more jalapeños. You can also use hot sauce. Try mixing in diced serrano peppers or cayenne pepper for extra heat. Another option is to use spicy pepper jack cheese instead of regular cheese. Adjust the spices to your taste for that perfect kick. Serve this casserole with simple sides. A fresh green salad adds crunch and balance. You can also serve it with rice or quinoa for a filling meal. Cornbread or tortilla chips work great too. These sides make your meal more colorful and enjoyable. Understanding the right ingredients and steps helps you make a great casserole. Follow the tips for fresh picks and shortcuts. Use the variations to match your taste and dietary needs. Storing and reheating properly keeps your leftovers tasty. Remember, cooking can be fun and creative. Enjoy making your casserole just how you like it!

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

A creamy and cheesy casserole loaded with shredded chicken, jalapeños, and topped with crunchy tortilla chips.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
  • 1 2 sour cream
  • 0.5 cup jalapeños, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
  • optional fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced tomatoes with green chilies, cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, sliced jalapeños, half of the cheddar cheese, and pepper jack cheese. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
  • Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Top the casserole with the remaining cheddar cheese and crushed tortilla chips, giving it a nice crunch.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the edges are slightly golden.
  • Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and enjoy!

Notes

Adjust the amount of jalapeños to your taste for spiciness.
Keyword casserole, cheesy, chicken, comfort food, jalapeño