Spicy Jalapeño Popper Baked Chicken Casserole 🌶️🍗

This comforting casserole takes the beloved flavors of jalapeño poppers and transforms them into a hearty and creamy dish. It features tender chicken, a cheesy and spicy filling, and a crispy topping that will have your taste buds dancing! Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings with friends, this recipe is sure to impress.

Pair it with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal! 🥗💃

Ingredients

For the casserole

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh jalapeños (adjust based on your spice preference)
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups cooked rice (white or brown)

For the topping

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded chicken, sour cream, chopped jalapeños, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

🥄 Ensure that the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing—remove it from the fridge about 30 minutes before you start!

3. Stir in the cooked rice and half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses into the chicken mixture until everything is evenly incorporated.

4. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

5. In a separate bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, garlic powder, and paprika together until the breadcrumbs are well coated.

6. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the chicken casserole, then top with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.

8. Let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

🍽️ Garnish with additional chopped green onions or a dollop of salsa for an extra kick!

Variations

• Low-carb/Keto: Substitute the rice with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. Just sauté the cauliflower rice first to remove excess moisture.
• Vegetarian: Replace the chicken with black beans or chickpeas, and add in diced bell peppers for added flavor and texture.
• Extra cheesy: For cheese lovers, feel free to add more types of cheese like pepper jack or cream cheese dollops for added creaminess.
• Spicy level: If you want an extra spicy kick, include diced jalapeño seeds or top with sliced fresh jalapeños before baking.

Enjoy this spicy, creamy delight at your next meal, and watch as everyone comes back for seconds! 🍽️🌶️