Jalapeno Popper Casserole

This Jalapeno Popper Casserole is like your favorite jalapeno poppers turned into a full-on, crowd-pleasing meal. Crispy tater tots form the base, then get topped with a rich, creamy layer of cream cheese, sour cream, chicken, bacon, cheddar, and fresh jalapeños. It’s spicy, cheesy, and super comforting—perfect for game day, potlucks, or a fun twist on weeknight dinner. You can serve it as a main dish with a simple salad on the side or as a hearty party side that everyone will keep coming back to. Plus, it reheats really well, so leftovers are a bonus.

Ingredients

• 2 lb tater tots
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, shredded
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 cups Mexican blend cheese
• 6 green onions, chopped
• 6 jalapeno peppers, deseeded and finely chopped

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish well.
2. Arrange the tater tots in an even layer in the bottom of the baking dish.
3. Bake the tater tots for 15 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside.
4. While the tater tots bake, cook the bacon until crispy and crumble it.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, ¾ of the crumbled bacon, 1 ½ cups of the Mexican blend cheese, half of the chopped green onions, and the chopped jalapeños; stir until well mixed.
6. Fold the shredded chicken into the cream cheese mixture until evenly combined.
7. Spread the chicken jalapeño mixture evenly over the partially baked tater tots.
8. Sprinkle the remaining cheese, green onions, and bacon over the top.
9. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted.
10. Let rest for a few minutes before serving so it sets slightly, then enjoy.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 1150 kcal | Servings: 8

Tips

For the best texture and flavor, make sure the cream cheese is very soft before mixing so the filling turns out smooth and creamy and coats the chicken evenly.

Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes before scooping so it holds together better; store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven or air fryer so the tater tots crisp back up.

FAQ

How spicy is this casserole?
With 6 deseeded jalapeños, it has a noticeable kick but isn’t usually overwhelming; for less heat, use fewer peppers or remove every bit of membrane and seeds.

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and makes the prep even faster—just shred and measure about 2 cups.

Can I make this ahead of time?
You can assemble the cream cheese/chicken layer and cook the bacon ahead, but for the best texture, bake the tater tots and assemble right before the final bake so they stay crisp.

Can I use a different potato base?
Hash brown patties or shredded hash browns can work in a pinch, but tater tots give the best crispy, “loaded” bite.

What can I serve with Jalapeno Popper Casserole?
A simple green salad, coleslaw, or roasted veggies pair nicely to balance the richness, or serve it with rice or cornbread for an extra-hearty meal.