Making Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole is a breeze when following these simple steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.

2. Prepare Chicken: In a large bowl, add the shredded cooked chicken. Make sure it’s evenly shredded for a consistent texture.

3. Mix Creamy Base: In another bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.

4. Add Cheese and Jalapeños: Fold in the cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, diced jalapeños, and green onions into the creamy mixture. Stir until all ingredients are fully combined.

5. Combine with Chicken: Add the cheesy jalapeño mixture to the bowl with shredded chicken. Mix until the chicken is well-coated.

6. Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the chicken and cheese mixture evenly in a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.

7. Add Topping: Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips over the top for added crunch and flavor.

8. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.

9. Cool and Serve: Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the layers set slightly.

10. Garnish (Optional): Serve with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or sliced jalapeños on top.

With these steps, you’ll create a casserole that is not only beautiful but also packed with flavor!