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Jalapeño Popper Chicken Hash Brown Casserole

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Hash Brown Casserole

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Hash Brown Casserole is a creamy, spicy, and cheesy baked dish that combines tender cooked chicken, crispy hash browns, sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and jalapeños for a comforting and flavorful one-dish meal. Perfect for family dinners, weekend brunches, or make-ahead meals, this casserole offers bold, cozy flavors with an adaptable heat level to satisfy everyone.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 4 cups frozen hash browns (thawed slightly)
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 23 jalapeños, diced (fresh or pickled, seeds removed if less heat desired)

Creamy Mixture

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4 green onions, chopped
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Topping (Optional)

  • ½ cup crispy breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup additional shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare the Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Gather all ingredients including frozen hash browns, cooked chicken, jalapeños, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, sour cream, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Slightly thaw hash browns for easier mixing.
  2. Mix the Creamy Base: In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and chopped green onions to build flavor.
  3. Incorporate Chicken and Jalapeños: Add cooked chicken and diced jalapeños to the creamy mixture. Stir gently to evenly distribute the ingredients, ensuring a consistent spicy and cheesy taste throughout.
  4. Combine with Hash Browns: Fold the hash browns gently into the creamy chicken and cheese mixture, being careful not to overmix to avoid mushiness. The hash browns will absorb the flavors and create a soft yet slightly crispy texture after baking.
  5. Transfer to a Casserole Dish and Bake: Grease a casserole dish and spread the mixture evenly inside. If desired, top with breadcrumbs and extra shredded cheddar cheese for a crunchy, cheesy crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on the edges.

Notes

  • Use fresh jalapeños carefully by removing seeds to reduce heat or leaving them in for extra spice.
  • Gently fold ingredients instead of beating to maintain hash browns’ texture.
  • Let the casserole rest 5-10 minutes after baking for easier slicing and flavor melding.
  • Choose a good quality sharp cheddar cheese to complement creaminess and spice.
  • Customize the crunchy topping with crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeño popper, chicken casserole, hash browns, creamy, spicy, cheesy, comfort food, one-dish meal