Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole

This creamy and delicious Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole combines all the flavors of cream cheese stuffed jalapenos with a classic pasta filled chicken casserole! A quick and easy dinner option perfect any night of the week!

If you love a good casserole, this is the recipe for you! Not only is it packed with flavor, but it is kid approved! The combination of shredded chicken, cream cheese, pasta, and jalapenos is one that just can’t be beat! Also try my Ultimate Chicken Casserole if you’re a chicken casserole recipe lover such as myself!

Why You’ll Love this Jalapeno Popper Chicken Bake

• Flavor Packed- this crowd pleasing dish is creamy and delicious! Make it spicy or keep it mild and you have a meal everyone will enjoy!
• Only a few simple ingredients needed- in fact, you may already have everything needed on hand!
• Quick to prepare- only about 10 minutes needed to assemble this casserole.
• Great for meal prep- prep this casserole ahead of time and enjoy leftovers that are just as yummy.

Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole Ingredients

For exact recipe ingredient amounts and step by step directions, check out the printable recipe card below!

• Chicken- cooked and shredded chicken breasts. To save on time, use Rotisserie chicken in this recipe!
• Cream Cheese- this adds the creamy texture to the casserole!
• Jalapenos- both canned and fresh are ideal. Canned is a bit less spicy and will be great to use in the casserole. Fresh on top adds a slightly crunchy texture that is delicious.
• Pasta- I used cooked bow tie pasta, however, any type works such as shells, rotini, Farfalle, etc.
• Cheese- you’ll need both Monterey Jack Cheese and Pepper Jack Cheese in this recipe, shredded.
• Water- this combines with the cream cheese and milk to make the sauce.
• Milk- this is part of the sauce and adds a creamy addition.
• Bread Crumbs- optional, but highly recommended for the topping.

Variations

• Meat– if you prefer to make this meatless, simply omit the chicken.
• Bacon– cook and crumbled. Add into the casserole or sprinkle on top.
• Bell Peppers– diced and added into the casserole are a great flavor/texture addition.
• Cheese– feel free to play around with cheeses and use your favorite. Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella, etc. are great options too.
• Garlic Powder or Onion Powder– add about 1-2 teaspoon to the casserole for a flavor boost. Fresh garlic works too, about 2-3 cloves minced.
• Onions– chopped or minced make a great addition into the casserole.

How to make Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Cook pasta according to package directions.
3. While pasta is cooking, melt the cream cheese, water, and milk together in a pan over medium heat. Add in the shredded Cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese, stirring until melted.
4. Add in the chicken, cooked pasta, and canned jalapenos to the cream cheese mixture. Pour mixture into a 9 x 13 casserole dish.
5. Sprinkle the diced jalapeno and bread crumbs evenly on top.
6. Cover pan with foil and place baking dish in oven to bake 20 minutes.
7. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes. Serve with some chopped green onion and enjoy!!

Recipe Tips

• Save on time by using Rotisserie chicken. You can also add chicken breasts into your slow cooker and cook on low with some chicken broth for about 6 hours. Shred and you are set. If using the Instant Pot, add chicken breast (about 1-2 lbs) with 1 cup chicken broth and any seasonings desired. Cook manual high pressure for 10 minutes followed by a 5 minute natural release.
• Control how spicy this casserole is by removing all seeds from the jalapenos. Like I mentioned above, I use both canned and fresh. You can use mild canned or spicy canned, and if using fresh jalapeno peppers, keep seeds in for added heat, or remove for a mild flavor addition.
• When picking your cheese, try to ensure you shred your own versus buying pre-shredded bags. I have found that the cheese doesn’t melt evenly as its pre-coated to prevent clumping in the bag.
• Feel free to use any pasta shape you have on hand. My kids prefer bowties, but any works.
• To make this Keto, you can omit the pasta and bread crumbs, serving over cauliflower rice.

Storage tips for Chicken Jalapeno Popper Casserole

• Once fully cooled, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave.
• To freeze, store leftovers in a freezer safe container in freezer for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw before reheating in the microwave.

Recipe FAQ’s

What is the best way to cook chicken for casseroles?

I love using Rotisserie chicken in casserole recipes, however, the Instant Pot and Slow Cooker make cooking chicken in large batches easy too. Add chicken breasts to your slow cooker with about 1 cup of broth or water and any seasonings desired. Cook on low for about 6 hours or high for about 4 hours. Remove and shred. For the Instant Pot, cook chicken breasts with 1 cup chicken broth and any seasonings. Cook on high, manual pressure for 10 minutes followed by a 5 minute natural pressure release. Shred and once cooled, you can store until needed.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely. Simply double the ingredients and use 2 9×13 baking pans. You can freeze one for a later date, although the texture changes in the pasta once it has been frozen. This is a great meal to double and feed a large crowd.

What else can I use besides cream cheese in this recipe?

You can also use some sour cream in place of up to half the cream cheese. I wouldn’t fully replace it as the consistency isn’t as creamy. You can also use 1/2 mayonnaise.

Can I make this in the crock-pot?

Yes! You can make the cream cheese mixture and spread evenly over the chicken. Cook on low for about 6 hours or high for about 4 hours. Shred chicken and stir in the cooked pasta.

More Casserole Recipes to try

BEST EVER Chicken and Rice Casserole– a classic one pan meal full of tender chicken and creamy rice, all baked together to perfection! This hearty dish requires only a few simple ingredients!

Chicken Bacon Ranch Chicken Bake – all you need on a busy weeknight. We’re talking creamy, cheesy, rice casserole loaded with ranch, chicken, and bacon!

Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole– an easy, family-friendly, and delicious twist on the classic comfort food. This delectable dish combines the savory goodness of Sloppy Joes with the comforting flakiness of biscuits, creating a homemade casserole that’s easy to make and impossible to resist.

Teriyaki Chicken Casserole– full of savory chicken, rice and vegetables. The teriyaki sauce gives it outstanding flavor. This delicious meal is one your family will love!

Creamy Beef Stroganoff Casserole– quick to prepare, and for a delightful twist, try using tender beef strips instead of ground beef!

More Jalapeno Recipes You’ll Love

Grilled Jalapeno Popper Chicken – packed with flavor and is a great, low carb way to enjoy Jalapeno Poppers! Perfect for summer grilling season

Candied Jalapenos– the perfect sweet-and-spicy condiment to liven up your favorite foods. Enjoy with cream cheese and crackers, as a topping on burgers, hot dogs, or even in your baked beans and salads!

Jalapeno Chicken Sliders– these make the perfect appetizer, snack, or meal! Flavorful, simple to make, and always a hit!

Texas Twinkies– stuffed with meat and cheese, and then wrapped in bacon. Finished with a bbq glaze for a delicious and fun party appetizer.

Sausage Stuffed Jalapenos– filled with cream cheese and baked to perfection. They’re a must-have appetizer at your next party.

 

This EASY Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole is a delicious and simple dish that will satisfy your taste buds without requiring hours in the kitchen. With its creamy and spicy flavors, it is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving comfort food, this recipe delivers all the goodness of jalapeno poppers in a convenient casserole form. So why not give it a try? Indulge in this flavorful creation and impress your loved ones with minimal effort. Enjoy!