Easy Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole Recipe
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This Easy Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole Recipe is creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy and brings the flavors of jalapeno poppers into a comforting, hearty casserole. It is the perfect easy dinner idea for tonight.
Perfect for using up extra jalapenos, this casserole is packed with chicken, broccoli, cheese, and bacon, making it a family-friendly meal that’s low-carb and freezer-friendly. Here’s how to make it, plus options for preparing a single batch or a triple batch to serve a crowd or freeze for later.
Freezer Chicken Casserole
One of the great things about casseroles is how well they freeze! If you’re making this Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole, consider preparing a triple batch so you can freeze the extra for busy nights.
How to Freeze:
This casserole recipe is another perfect way to use up those extra jalapenos, adding flavor and spice to a delicious dish. For more ideas on how to use up excess hot peppers, check this out.
- Assemble the casserole up to the baking step.
- Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, or use a freezer-safe lid.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
To Cook: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake at 350°F for 30-40 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Jalapeno Poppers the Easy Way!
This casserole captures the essence of jalapeno poppers—spicy, cheesy, and savory—in a much easier format. Instead of individually stuffing and wrapping each jalapeno, this casserole layers the flavors in a quick, convenient dish.
How to Make Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole
Here’s the full recipe for a single batch (9 x 9 pan) and a triple batch (great for meal prep or freezing).
Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole Recipe
Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole with Broccoli
Ingredients
- 1 pound cooked chicken
- 2 bags frozen broccoli
- 12 ounces softened cream cheese
- 1 8 ounce block of cheddar cheese grated
- 1 clove crushed garlic
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup chicken stock
- 1 cup chopped jalapeno peppers Or poblanos are great as well
- 5 strips of bacon cooked and chopped into small pieces
Instructions
- Mix 2/3 of the cheese with cream cheese, garlic, thyme, salt, and chicken stock.
- Place broccoli in the bottom of a 9 x 9 pan
- Spread cream cheese layer over the top
- Sprinkle remaining cheddar on top
- Top with chopped jalapenos
- Sprinkle bacon bits over top
- Bake at 350 for 30 minutes
Nutrition
For more great bulk freezer ideas, check these out:
- BBQ Make-Ahead Freezer Meatloaf
- Make Ahead Freezer Chicken Burritos
- Frozen Meatball Recipe for Bulk Cooking
- Make Ahead Freezer Stir Fry
- Daycare Freezer Meals
- Freezer Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
- Make-Ahead Freezer Meals
Triple Batch (for Meal Prep or Freezing)
Yield: 3 casseroles (9 x 9 pans)
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 6 bags frozen broccoli (about 12 cups), thawed
- 32 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3 8-ounce blocks of cheddar cheese, grated (divided)
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1½ teaspoons dried thyme
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 3 cups chopped jalapeno peppers (or substitute poblanos)
- 1 package of bacon, cooked and chopped
Directions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, mix 2/3 of the grated cheddar cheese with the softened cream cheese, crushed garlic, dried thyme, salt, and chicken stock until smooth and well combined.
- Layer Broccoli: Divide the broccoli among three 9 x 9 baking pans, spreading it evenly across the bottom of each pan.
- Add Cream Cheese Layer: Divide the cream cheese mixture among the pans, spreading it over the broccoli.
- Top with Cheddar: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top of each casserole.
- Add Jalapenos and Bacon: Divide the chopped jalapenos and bacon among the three pans, sprinkling them on top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until hot, bubbly, and golden on top.
Tips for Making the Perfect Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole
- Adjust Spice Level: For a milder casserole, substitute poblanos or use fewer jalapenos. If you love spice, add an extra jalapeno or two!
- Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken works well for convenience, or you can quickly poach, bake, or grill chicken breasts for this recipe.
- Customize the Veggies: Swap the broccoli with cauliflower, spinach, or even bell peppers if preferred.
- Shredded Cheddar: Pre-shredded cheddar can be used for convenience, but freshly grated cheese will melt smoother and has a richer flavor.
Serving and Storing
This Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole is perfect on its own or served with simple sides like a green salad, steamed rice, or crusty bread. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Enjoy the delicious flavors of jalapeno poppers in this easy, hearty casserole that’s sure to be a family favorite!
What To Do With Excess Jalapenos
If you have an abundance of jalapenos, there are plenty of ways to use them beyond traditional jalapeno poppers. Here are a few ideas:
- Freeze: Chop jalapenos and freeze them for later use in soups, stews, or casseroles.
- Pickle: Make pickled jalapenos to add a spicy kick to sandwiches, salads, and tacos.
- Dehydrate: Dehydrated jalapenos make a great seasoning powder when ground.
- Add to Sauces: Blend jalapenos into homemade sauces or salsas for a spicy boost.
For more jalapeno inspiration, check these out: