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Best Cheesy Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole Recipe

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This Cheesy Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole is a creamy, spicy, and crunchy comfort food that comes together in about 45 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, it uses simple ingredients and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (about 3 medium) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • ½ cup pickled jalapeños, drained and chopped
  • 1 fresh jalapeño, sliced thin (for topping, optional)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup crushed pork rinds (or panko breadcrumbs or crushed tortilla chips)
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • ¼ cup sliced green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or cooking spray.
  2. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
  3. (Optional but recommended) Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. It will not be cooked through.
  4. In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, 1 cup shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, chopped pickled jalapeños, and a pinch of salt. Mix until well combined.
  5. Place seared (or raw) chicken breasts in the prepared dish in a single layer. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top of each piece.
  6. In a small bowl, mix crushed pork rinds (or breadcrumbs) with melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer. Top with remaining 1 cup shredded cheddar.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C) and topping is golden and bubbly. If topping browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.
  8. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh jalapeño slices and green onions before serving.

Notes

For best results, grate your own cheese and soften cream cheese properly. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set. The topping can be made with pork rinds, panko breadcrumbs, or crushed tortilla chips.

Nutrition

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