Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole Recipe

Name: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 6 oz. cream cheese, softened; 3/4 cup sour cream; 3/4 cup milk; 3 1/2 to 4 cups shredded cooked chicken (from 1 purchased roasted chicken); 1 1/2 ½ cups shredded mild cheddar cheese, divided (6 oz.); 6 jalapeño peppers, seeded and chopped; 4 green onions, sliced, divided (1/2 cup); 1/2 lb. bacon, crisp cooked, divided (about 8 slices); 1 tsp. garlic powder; 1 tsp. onion powder; 16 to 20 oz. frozen fried potato nuggets (1/2 of a 32-oz. bag)

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

6 ounces cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup sour cream
3/4 cup milk
3 cups shredded cooked chicken (from rotisserie chicken)
1 cups shredded mild Cheddar cheese, divided
6 jalapeo peppers, seeded and chopped
4 green onions, sliced, divided
8 slices bacon, crisp cooked and divided
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
16 ounces frozen fried potato nuggets

Directions

Step 1: Gather all ingredients.

Step 2: Preheat the oven to 400F (200C).

Step 3: In a 2-quart baking dish, stir together the cream cheese, sour cream, and milk until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Add the shredded chicken, 1 cup of Cheddar cheese, chopped jalapeos, half of the sliced green onions, half of the cooked bacon, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir everything together until fully combined.

Step 5: Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish.

Step 6: Arrange the frozen potato nuggets on top of the mixture in a single layer.

Step 7: Bake uncovered for about 35 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden and crispy.

Step 8: Once baked, sprinkle the remaining cup of Cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon over the top. Cover the dish loosely with foil and let it sit for 5 minutes.

Step 9: Before serving, sprinkle the remaining green onions on top for added flavor and freshness.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 673 per serving
Total Fat: 43g (55% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 19g (95% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 165mg (55% Daily Value)
Sodium: 1174mg (51% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrates: 30g (11% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 3g (9% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 5g
Protein: 43g (86% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 8mg (9% Daily Value)
Calcium: 337mg (26% Daily Value)
Iron: 2mg (12% Daily Value)
Potassium: 920mg (20% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. If following a medically restrictive diet, consult your doctor or a registered dietitian before preparing this recipe.

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole Recipe

The Story Behind Jalapeo Popper Chicken Casserole

Jalapeo Popper Chicken Casserole is a modern American comfort dish that blends the beloved flavors of jalapeo poppers with a hearty, family-friendly casserole. The concept of jalapeo poppers originated in the United States during the late 20th century, primarily in Texas and other Southern states, where stuffed and fried jalapeos became a popular appetizer in casual dining and bar food culture. Combining these spicy, cheesy bites with chicken and a creamy casserole base is a natural evolution, designed to turn a snack into a filling main dish suitable for weeknight dinners or potlucks.

Regional Variations and Influence

While the dish has roots in Southern cuisine, it has been embraced across the United States, especially in regions that favor spicy foods. In Texas, for instance, the jalapeo component is often paired with smoked bacon and sharp cheddar cheese, while other areas might experiment with different peppers, cheeses, or even crushed tortilla chips as a topping. Some Southwestern versions incorporate corn, black beans, or green chiles for additional texture and flavor, reflecting the culinary influences of the American Southwest and Mexican-American fusion cuisine.

Differences from Similar Dishes

At first glance, Jalapeo Popper Chicken Casserole might seem similar to classic chicken casseroles or cheesy chicken bakes, but it stands out due to its signature combination of cream cheese, sour cream, fresh jalapeos, and bacon. Unlike standard casseroles that rely primarily on breadcrumbs or pasta for structure, this dish often uses potato nuggets or tater tots, giving it a crisp, golden topping reminiscent of the crunchy exterior of traditional jalapeo poppers. The inclusion of both spicy and creamy elements in one cohesive dish differentiates it from milder, one-dimensional baked chicken recipes.

Where Its Typically Served

This casserole is most commonly enjoyed as a comforting home-cooked meal, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. It also makes frequent appearances at potlucks, tailgate parties, and holiday leftovers reinventions, as it can be prepared ahead of time and easily scaled for large groups. Restaurants with a focus on Tex-Mex or Southern cuisine occasionally feature similar variations, often under creative names like Stuffed Jalapeo Chicken Bake or Cheesy Jalapeo Chicken Delight.

Interesting Facts About the Dish

Despite its indulgent appearance, this casserole can be a practical way to use leftover rotisserie or roasted chicken.
The dish combines three popular textures in one bite: creamy, cheesy filling, tender chicken, and crunchy potato topping.
It has inspired countless adaptations, from vegetarian versions using cauliflower or jackfruit to extra-spicy renditions featuring habanero or serrano peppers.
Its rise in popularity parallels the broader trend of loaded comfort foods in American cuisine, where classic appetizers are transformed into full meals.
Many home cooks report that this dish becomes even more flavorful when allowed to sit for a few hours or overnight, allowing the spices and cheeses to meld perfectly.

FAQ about Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole Recipe

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option.

Yes, this casserole can be frozen. To freeze, cool the casserole completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place it in an airtight freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes.

Yes, you can substitute the chicken with other proteins such as turkey, pork, or even a vegetarian protein like tofu or tempeh. Just make sure the substitute is cooked before adding it to the casserole.

Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese. A sharp cheddar will give a stronger flavor, while mozzarella will provide a milder taste and gooey texture. You could also try a combination of cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a bit of spice.

To make the casserole spicier, you can add more jalapeños or include other spicy ingredients like hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or even a spicier cheese like Pepper Jack. You could also experiment with adding other chili peppers, such as serrano or poblano, for a different heat profile.

This casserole is quite hearty on its own, but it pairs well with a fresh salad or some roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with a side of rice or crusty bread to help balance the rich flavors.

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Just follow the recipe up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge and bake as directed.

To reheat the casserole, it's best to use the oven to preserve the texture. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the texture may be slightly different.

Yes, you can use fresh potatoes if you prefer. Cut them into small cubes or thin slices, and pre-cook them (either by boiling or roasting) before adding them to the casserole. However, frozen fried potato nuggets add a crispy texture that may be difficult to replicate exactly with fresh potatoes.

To adjust the heat, you can either add more jalapeños or remove the seeds to make the dish milder. If you're looking for a milder flavor overall, you can reduce the number of jalapeños or opt for milder peppers like banana peppers.

Comments

HardyKiwi5294

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

It was very tasty but my husband felt like it was more of a side instead of a dinner by itself. Flavor and ease of preparation was wonderful!

Anthony Wright

04/29/2025 10:48:38 AM

I’ll be making this again, no doubt.

Carolyn Hill

02/16/2025 08:09:17 PM

Perfect recipe for beginners.

Eliza Gellis

12/05/2024 04:40:37 AM

I've made this twice already since I saw the recipe a couple weeks ago and I'm obsessed! I don't even particularly like chicken, but this is a great way to dress it up. You can throw in extra hot peppers besides jalapenos if you have them and you can adjust the amount of chicken to your liking (e.g., I added less) without affecting the taste. I used a slightly smaller dish and it still worked out just fine. I made this with leftover turkey after Thanksgiving and my parents LOVED it -- it was a great way to use up leftovers without it feeling too Thanksgiving-y. This recipe is definitely staying on our rotation!