This Chicken Casserole with Pickled Chili, Mozzarella & Pepper Jack is a bold, flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken, creamy melted cheese, and a spicy kick from pickled chili peppers. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive dish to serve guests, this casserole is an excellent choice. The perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and savory goodness makes it a must-try recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Casserole
- Spicy & Creamy: The pickled chili peppers add a tangy heat, while mozzarella and pepper jack create a melty, rich texture.
- One-Pan Meal: Cook everything in a single skillet, then bake to perfection. Making it a perfect and easy family meal!
- Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This dish is perfect for leftovers and tastes even better the next day!
Table of Contents
Variations & Dietary Adaptations
Ingredients You Will Need To Make Chicken Casserole with Pickled Chili, Mozzarella & Pepper Jack
To create this Chicken Casserole with Pickled Chili, Mozzarella & Pepper Jack recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Creating The Casserole Base
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), sliced
- ½ cup pickled chili peppers, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Making The Creamy Cheese Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
The Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra pickled chili slices
Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Casserole with Pickled Chili, Mozzarella & Pepper Jack
1. Preheat & Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then rub them with olive oil.
- In a small bowl, mix paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken.
2. Sear the Chicken
- Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add a tablespoon of olive oil and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and pickled chili peppers, cooking for another 2 minutes.
4. Assemble the Casserole
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet, placing them among the sautéed vegetables.
- Pour in the heavy cream, ensuring it evenly coats the ingredients.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and pepper jack cheese over the top.
- Add red pepper flakes for extra spice, if desired.
5. Bake & Finish
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. The cheese should be bubbly and golden, and the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra pickled chili slices before serving.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Casserole with Pickled Chili, Mozzarella & Pepper Jack
- Balance the Spice: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of pickled chili or mix in some mild roasted red peppers. This will help to reduce the spice.
- Enhance the Creaminess: Add a dollop of sour cream or a little cream cheese for extra richness.
- Make It a Complete Meal: You can easily serve this dish over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Storage & Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm.
Variations & Dietary Adaptations
This Chicken Casserole with Pickled Chili, Mozzarella & Pepper Jack is a versatile dish that can be modified to suit various dietary preferences. Below are detailed adaptations, including exact ingredient substitutions and step-by-step instructions for making gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and low-carb versions.
Gluten-Free Version
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but some store-bought ingredients may contain hidden gluten. Follow these adjustments to ensure a completely safe meal:
Gluten-Free Ingredients Needed
- Gluten-Free Seasonings – Check that your paprika, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder are labeled gluten-free.
- Butter Substitute (Optional) – Use 1 tablespoon ghee or olive oil instead of regular butter, as some processed butter brands may have additives containing gluten.
- Thickening Option (If you prefer a richer sauce) – Mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder with 2 tablespoons water.
Gluten-Free Method
- Follow the original recipe but double-check all ingredient labels for gluten.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch or arrowroot powder with water and stir it into the heavy cream before pouring it over the chicken.
- Bake as instructed and enjoy a fully gluten-free meal.
Dairy-Free Version
To create a creamy and cheesy dairy-free version without losing flavor, swap out the dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives.
Dairy-Free Ingredients Needed
- Cheese Substitute – Use 1 cup dairy-free mozzarella and 1 cup dairy-free pepper jack cheese (brands like Violife or Daiya work well).
- Heavy Cream Alternative – Swap with ½ cup full-fat coconut cream or ½ cup cashew cream.
- Butter Alternative – Replace butter with 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegan butter.
Dairy-Free Method
- Follow the original instructions, but instead of regular butter, use olive oil or vegan butter for sautéing.
- When assembling the casserole, pour the coconut cream or cashew cream over the chicken instead of heavy cream.
- Use dairy-free shredded mozzarella and pepper jack cheese on top before baking.
- Bake as usual, ensuring the dairy-free cheese melts properly. If needed, broil for 2 minutes at the end for a golden finish.
Vegan Version
To make this dish completely plant-based, substitute the chicken with a hearty, protein-rich alternative and adjust the sauce accordingly.
Vegan Ingredients Needed
- Chicken Substitute – Use 2 cups jackfruit (drained and shredded) or 2 cups oyster mushrooms (sliced) for a meaty texture.
- Cheese Substitute – Use 1 cup dairy-free mozzarella and 1 cup dairy-free pepper jack cheese.
- Cream Substitute – Swap ½ cup full-fat coconut cream or ½ cup blended cashew cream.
- Butter Substitute – Use 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegan butter.
- Additional Flavoring – Add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for a deeper umami taste.
Vegan Version Of A Chicken Casserole with Pickled Chili, Mozzarella & Pepper Jack
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté the jackfruit or mushrooms for 5-7 minutes until tender.
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Follow the original method for sautéing onions, bell peppers, and pickled chili.
- Return the jackfruit or mushrooms to the skillet and pour over the coconut cream or cashew cream.
- Sprinkle with dairy-free mozzarella and pepper jack cheese.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Low-Carb & Keto Adaptation
This dish is naturally low-carb, but you can further reduce the carbs by making small modifications.
Low-Carb Ingredients Needed
- Cheese Options – Stick to full-fat mozzarella and full-fat pepper jack (avoid pre-shredded cheeses with added starches).
- Cream Substitute – Use ½ cup heavy cream or ½ cup unsweetened almond milk for a lower-calorie option.
- Vegetable Adjustments – Reduce the bell peppers to 1 cup total and increase the amount of pickled chili for more flavor without extra carbs.
Low-Carb Method
- Follow the original recipe but reduce the quantity of bell peppers.
- Use full-fat dairy products for better keto macros.
- If you want a thicker sauce without adding carbs, stir in ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum to the cream before adding it to the dish.
- Bake as instructed and serve with cauliflower rice or a fresh salad.
This Chicken Casserole with Pickled Chili, Mozzarella & Pepper Jack is a standout dish with bold flavors and a creamy, spicy twist. It’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for both casual meals and special occasions. Give it a try and enjoy the perfect balance of heat, cheesiness, and savory goodness in every bite!
