🌶️ Jalapeño Popper Casserole
Servings: 6–8
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30–35 minutes
Total time: ~50 minutes
⭐ Ingredients
Base
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (about 2 large chicken breasts)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4–6 fresh jalapeños, seeded and diced (leave some seeds for more heat)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Topping
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or pork rinds (keto option)
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- ½ cup shredded cheddar (optional for extra cheesiness)
- Sliced jalapeños for garnish (optional)
🥣 Instructions
1. Prep
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine:
- Cream cheese
- Sour cream
- Cheddar + mozzarella
- Jalapeños
- Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper
Mix until fully blended and smooth.
3. Add Chicken
Stir in the shredded or cubed chicken until everything is evenly coated.
4. Spread in Baking Dish
Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish and smooth the top.
5. Make the Topping
In a small bowl, combine:
- Crushed crackers/pork rinds
- Melted butter
- Crumbled bacon
Sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole. Add extra cheddar on top if desired.
6. Bake
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly with a golden top.
7. Garnish & Serve
Let rest for 5 minutes.
Top with fresh sliced jalapeños if desired.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve with rice, roasted veggies, or a simple green salad.
- Works great as a dip with tortilla chips or crusty bread too!
🔄 Variations
Keto / Low-Carb: Substitute pork rinds for crackers.
Extra Spicy: Leave in jalapeño seeds or add diced serranos.
Loaded Style: Add green onions and a drizzle of ranch after baking.
Vegetarian: Use roasted cauliflower instead of chicken.