Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole
With tender chicken, crispy bacon, and spicy jalapeños in a creamy, cheesy sauce, this easy Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole is one of the best casseroles ever. It is rich, filling, and the perfect comfort food.
Love peppers? Make sure to try my easy recipes for Low Carb Jalapeno Popper Dip, Bacon Jalapeño Poppers, and Keto Chile Relleno Casserole.
Before You Get Started
Here are a few tips to help your casserole turn out perfectly:
- Spiciness: You can vary the spice level. Use fewer jalapenos and remove the seeds for a milder dish. Use more and leave the seeds in for extra spicy.
- Soft cream cheese: The sauce mixes up easily with softened cream cheese.
- Any type of cooked chicken works: Use leftover chicken, store-bought rotisserie chicken, chopped chicken, shredded chicken, sliced grilled chicken, etc.
How To Make Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole
1️⃣ Make the Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, mix the cream cheese, mayo, sour cream, cheddar cheese, bacon, diced jalapeño peppers, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
👉 Tip: For a milder flavor, saute the jalapeno peppers in a little butter in a frying pan before adding them.
Raw Jalapenos vs Cooked Jalapenos: I’m not a big fan of very spicy food, the hottest I can do it medium heat. I like a little kick but not having my mouth hurt. Cooked jalapenos are milder than raw jalapenos. We really like Roasted Jalapenos.
👉 Tip: See that pic above? You can just stop here and eat that creamy mixture with a spoon if you want. Or use it as a dip. It is awesome just as is.
2️⃣ Add the Chicken
Fold in the chicken. I prefer chicken breasts in this recipe, but you can also use chicken tenderloins, boneless skinless chicken thighs, or rotisserie chicken. Mix until combined and smooth.
3️⃣ Add to a Casserole Dish
Spread the chicken mixture in a 9×13 baking dish. Add some more bacon, shredded cheese, and sliced jalapeños on top.
👉 Have raw chicken? Cook it in a cast-iron skillet. Remove and chop or shred. Make the sauce in the large skillet, add the chicken, and then pop it in the oven to brown the topping.
4️⃣ Bake the Casserole
Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes. When it’s bubbly and hot, it’s ready to serve. Garnish with more jalapenos, if desired.
Variations
- More Creamy Sauce – If you like your casseroles saucier mix in 1/2 cup of chicken broth, half and half, or heavy cream to the cream cheese mixture.
- Poblanos – We love poblano peppers. If you are looking to use mild peppers in this recipe, they are perfect.
- Onions – If you enjoy onions, you can add some onion powder or stir in sliced green onions.
Storage & Freezing
Refrigerator Storage (3-4 days) – Store any leftovers of the jalapeño popper chicken casserole in the refrigerator in an airtight container or cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil.
Freezer Storage (2 months) – You can freeze the casserole before or after baking. Simply wrap tightly with plastic wrap and pop in the freezer.
Serving After Freezing – Let thaw overnight in the fridge. Bake until hot when ready to serve.
Common Questions
How to Cook Chicken for Casseroles
To cook the chicken for this jalapeno popper chicken casserole, I put it in a 9 x 13 casserole dish, cover it with foil, and bake it at 350 degrees until it is 160 degrees on a meat thermometer. Ideally, use a leave-in thermometer and check it often. These were huge chicken breasts. You may need to adjust the time depending on the size of your chicken.
The main trick for chicken casseroles is not using dry chicken. Make sure to take the chicken out of the oven once it reaches 157 degrees and let it rest to go up to 160. That way, your chicken casserole will not be dry!
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Video
Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
Casserole Ingredients
- 2 lb chicken breasts cooked and chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar
- 1/2 cup bacon crumbles
- 1/2 cup jalapeno or poblano pepper seeded and diced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Topping Ingredients
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar
- 1/4 cup crumbled bacon
- 1 thinly sliced and seeded jalapeno optional
Instructions
- Combine the casserole ingredients (except the chicken) in a large bowl. Mix until smooth.
- Fold in the cooked chicken.
- Put into a greased casserole dish. Top with the reserved cheddar, bacon, and sliced jalapenos (if using).
- Bake at 350 for 35 minutes or until bubbly and hot.
Notes
Nutrition
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Originally Published December 2, 2016. Revised and Republished on December 10, 2025.
Definitely one of my favorite recipes!
Super delicious! It’s been added to my arsenal!
This Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole recipe looks absolutely delicious and easy to make. The combination of chicken, creamy cheese sauce, bacon, and jalapenos sounds just perfect! Great recipe idea!
Olivia Dawson
Have you prepared this in a crockpot?
If so, any instructions/ tips?
I have a whole blog post on this –> https://joyfilledeats.com/casseroles-to-crock-pot/
Love this recipe. One of the favourites in our house
Creamy, chicken-y goodness! We loved this casserole. I did leave the seeds in my jalapeno for a spicy kick, but otherwise made everything just as your recipe is written. Scrumptious!