A close-up of a fork holding a cheesy cauliflower and broccoli mix over a plate, reminiscent of the creamy goodness found in jalapeno popper chicken casserole.

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.

A close-up of the jalapeno popper chicken casserole with broccoli, topped with melted cheese in a blue dish, showcases its savory delight, while a serving is elegantly presented on a plate in the foreground.

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.

  1. Assemble the casserole up to the baking step.
  2. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, or use a freezer-safe lid.
  3. 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

A plate of cheesy jalapeno popper chicken casserole with vegetables, including broccoli and olives, topped with melted cheese, next to a blue baking dish with a serving spatula.
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Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole with Broccoli

This high protein, low carb recipe is full of flavor and nutrition and it's a crowd pleaser. We have been making it for months and everyone begs for it over and over again!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: broccoli, chicken casserole, jalapeno, jalapeno popper, jalapeno popper casserole, jalapeno popper chicken casserole with broccoli, popper
Servings: 4
Calories: 509kcal
Author: Christina

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

Calories: 509kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 54g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 114mg | Sodium: 1264mg | Potassium: 1588mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 2246IU | Vitamin C: 298mg | Calcium: 466mg | Iron: 4mg
Several aluminum trays filled with frozen broccoli florets and the ingredients for a jalapeno popper chicken casserole are displayed on a kitchen counter.
Aluminum trays filled with Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole, featuring cooked broccoli and chicken pieces, arranged in rows on a kitchen counter.
Five foil containers filled with broccoli, chicken, and a dollop of cheese mix, resembling a delicious Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole, are neatly placed on a granite countertop.
Aluminum trays filled with a Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole, featuring shredded chicken, broccoli, and a creamy cheese mixture.
Close-up of three foil trays filled with Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole, topped with chopped bacon, shredded cheese, green peppers, and onions.
Savor the zesty Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole, a baked dish with melted cheese, bacon, green vegetables, and fiery peppers in a metal pan.

For more great bulk freezer ideas, check these out:

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:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. 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.
  3. Layer Broccoli: Divide the broccoli among three 9 x 9 baking pans, spreading it evenly across the bottom of each pan.
  4. Add Cream Cheese Layer: Divide the cream cheese mixture among the pans, spreading it over the broccoli.
  5. Top with Cheddar: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top of each casserole.
  6. Add Jalapenos and Bacon: Divide the chopped jalapenos and bacon among the three pans, sprinkling them on top.
  7. 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.
A plate of cheesy jalapeno popper chicken casserole with vegetables, including broccoli and olives, topped with melted cheese, next to a blue baking dish with a serving spatula.

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:

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