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Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

is a creamy, spicy, and satisfying dish that combines the best of two beloved favorites: the irresistible flavors of jalapeño poppers and hearty, comforting chicken casserole. It’s the perfect balance of cheesy, creamy goodness with a touch of heat from the jalapeños. This casserole is not too heavy and will delight your taste buds without being overly spicy.
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Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowls 
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Spatula

Ingredients
  

  • - **For the casserole**:
  • - 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cooked and shredded)
  • - 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • - 1 cup sour cream
  • - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • - 4-5 fresh jalapeños seeded and diced (adjust to taste)
  • - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • - 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • - Salt and pepper to taste
  • - **For the topping**:
  • - ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • - ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • - ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs optional for a crispy topping
  • - 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions
 

  • **Preheat the oven** to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
  • **Cook and shred the chicken**:
  • - If your chicken breasts aren’t already cooked, you can poach or bake them until fully cooked through. Shred the cooked chicken using two forks.
  • **Prepare the creamy mixture**:
  • - In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well-combined.
  • **Mix in the chicken and jalapeños**:
  • - Fold in the shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and diced jalapeños. Make sure everything is evenly distributed.
  • **Assemble the casserole**:
  • - Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
  • **Add the topping**:
  • - Sprinkle the additional cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
  • - If using Panko breadcrumbs, mix them with the melted butter and sprinkle them on top of the cheese for an extra crispy texture.
  • **Bake the casserole**:
  • - Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.
  • **Cool and serve**:
  • - Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to slice and serve.
  • ---
  • ### Prep Time:
  • - 20 minutes
  • ### Cook Time:
  • - 25 minutes
  • ### Total Time:
  • - 45 minutes
  • ---
  • ### Nutrition (per serving):
  • - Calories: 420
  • - Protein: 30g
  • - Carbohydrates: 6g
  • - Fat: 30g
  • - Fiber: 1g
  • - Sugar: 2g
  • This **Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole** is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and spicy in one bite. It's an excellent dish for dinner parties or weeknight meals and pairs wonderfully with a side of salad or roasted vegetables. For those who prefer a little less heat, simply reduce the amount of jalapeños or opt for the milder variety.