Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole – Homemade Hooplah

What ingredients are in jalapeno popper chicken casserole?

Before you can bake up this spicy and savory chicken casserole, you’ll need to have the following ingredients on hand:

• Cream Cheese: Serves as the creamy base of this casserole, giving it a rich and velvety texture.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Kicks up the creaminess by mixing with the cream cheese to create a delicious sauce.
• Garlic Powder: Because everything tastes better with a dash of aromatic garlic flavor.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky depth that makes the dish pop, not just with its vibrant hue but also with its rich flavor.
• Onion Powder: Brings a subtle hit of onion flavor that helps round out the savoriness of this casserole.
• Cooked and Shredded Chicken: The hearty star of this casserole, some tender cooked chicken helps make this casserole hearty. Feel free to make your own chicken just for this casserole or use leftover chicken.
• Bacon: Cooked and crumbled, a little dash of bacon is like a salty, crunchy, and smoky confetti in this casserole that contrasts well with the creamy base.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Mixed in the casserole and baked on top, the cheddar cheese is a classic ingredient with any “popper” style dish. Feel free to use any type of cheddar cheese you’d like for this, whether it be mild, medium, or sharp.
• Jalapeno Pepper: The zesty kick this casserole is named for! Chopped and seeded, jalapenos bring a mild heat that jalapeno poppers are known for. Feel free to adjust the jalapenos to your own tastes.
• Green Onion: Used as a garnish, green onion brings a fresh, crisp flavor and a pop of color.

Should you shred your own cheese?

Pre-shredded cheese can be highly convenient, but it contains some preservatives (such as potato starch) that help keep the shredded cheese separated in the bag. And while this is great for grabbing a quick pinch of shredded cheese, it will also cause the melted cheese to appear lumpy or harden faster than usual.

So, if you’re a cheese lover like me and want the creamiest experience possible for your casserole, I highly recommend shredding a block of cheese. It’s more work, but the improved consistency is worth the effort.

What else can you add?

While this casserole does an amazing job of capturing everything that’s delicious about a jalapeno popper, there are a few more ingredients you could add to tailor it to your own tastes, such as:

• Red Pepper Flakes (1/2 teaspoon): If you enjoy a spicy kick, sprinkle these in along with the garlic powder to infuse the dish with a bit of heat.
• Fresh Cilantro (1/4 cup, chopped): Add cilantro on top of the casserole before serving to introduce a fresh, herby brightness that contrasts the rich flavors.
• Crumbled Feta Cheese (1/2 cup): Sprinkle over the top before the last 5 minutes of baking to add a tangy twist that complements the creamy and spicy components.
• Panko Bread Crumbs (1/2 cup): Mix with a tablespoon of melted butter and sprinkle over the top before baking to add a crunchy texture to your creamy casserole.
• Sour Cream (to serve): Offer a dollop of sour cream on the side or a light spread over the top after baking for an extra creamy and tangy note. Sour cream can also come in handy for negating some of the heat from the jalapenos without sacrificing flavor.
• Lime Zest (1 teaspoon): Sprinkle over the casserole after baking to add a zesty, citrusy note that will brighten up the rich flavors.
• Smoked Gouda (1 cup, shredded): Mix this in with the cheddar cheese for a deeper, smokier flavor profile.

Can you make this in advance?

Absolutely! This casserole is perfect for preparing ahead of time. You can fully assemble the casserole, cover the dish, and store it in the refrigerator up to 24 hours in advance to ensure the best presentation.

How long is it good for?

Once prepared and cooled, jalapeno popper chicken casserole can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Can you freeze it?

Yes, this casserole can be frozen. To do it, just follow these steps:

• Before freezing, allow the casserole to cool down completely.
• Wrap the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap, then again with aluminum foil. This double layer helps prevent freezer burn and preserves the flavors and textures.
• Jalapeno popper chicken casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Note: When ready to eat, thaw the frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator.

How to reheat this casserole

Reheating leftover jalapeno popper chicken casserole is a breeze and can be done using various cooking devices. Here are step-by-step instructions for each:

Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F.
• Transfer the refrigerated casserole to an oven-safe dish if it’s not already in one. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
• Once heated, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes to crisp up the top layer.

Toaster Oven

• Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F.
• Transfer the refrigerated casserole to an oven-safe dish if it’s not already in one. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
• Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes to crisp up the top layer.

Air Fryer

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
• Place the refrigerated casserole in an oven-safe dish that fits inside the air fryer basket.
• Cook for 10-15 minutes, checking as needed.

Microwave

• Transfer individual portions of the refrigerated casserole to microwave-safe plates or dishes. Loosely cover each plate with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel, leaving a small vent.
• Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes per portion or until heated through, rotating and stirring halfway through if necessary.

Notes & tips for jalapeno popper chicken casserole

• When preparing the jalapenos, be sure to wear food safety gloves while handling them and avoid any contact with your eyes while you work. Also, you have a crucial choice to include the jalapeno seeds or remove them. The seeds are where this pepper gets its trademark fire, so only include them if you want the extra kick. For a full tutorial on cutting jalapeno peppers, check out How to Cut a Jalapeno Pepper the Right Way.

Step 1 – Set your oven to 350°F and prep your 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.

Step 2 – In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, combine cream cheese, heavy cream, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder until smooth.

Step 3 – Remove the bowl from the mixer, then use a spatula to fold in the chicken, bacon, half the cheddar, and the jalapenos.

Step 4 – Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, smooth it out into an even layer, then top with the remaining cheddar.

Step 5 – Bake!

Step 6 – After baking, let it rest, then garnish with green onions and more jalapenos if desired.

Step 7 – Serve and enjoy!