Imagine biting into something warm, gooey, and loaded with cheese — now add tender, savory chicken and a hint of jalapeño heat. That’s exactly what you get with these Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken Squares. They’re the kind of appetizer that vanishes the second they hit the table, and they’re as easy to make as they are satisfying to eat.
Perfect for game day, parties, brunches, or whenever you want to serve something crave-worthy, this recipe brings together the best of bold flavor, cheesy comfort, and just the right amount of spice. It’s baked, not fried, and packed with real ingredients for a homemade bite that’s impossible to resist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Loaded with flavor – Sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, tender chicken, and jalapeños make every bite sing.
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Easy to prepare – Just mix, bake, cool, and slice.
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Feeds a crowd – Perfect for parties, potlucks, or family snacking.
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Customizable heat – Control the spice level by using more or fewer jalapeños.
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Great hot or room temp – Ideal for make-ahead entertaining or casual gatherings.
Tip: You can find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
Ingredients
Cheese & Flavor Base
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16 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
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16 oz Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
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1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or finely chopped
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½ cup pickled jalapeños, diced
Wet Ingredients
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½ cup all-purpose flour
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15 oz evaporated milk
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2 large eggs
Instructions
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Mix the Cheese Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, cooked chicken, and diced jalapeños. Stir until evenly mixed. -
Prepare the Wet Mixture:
In a separate bowl, whisk together evaporated milk, flour, and eggs until smooth with no lumps. -
Combine Everything:
Pour the wet mixture into the cheese and chicken bowl and stir thoroughly to form a thick, spreadable batter. -
Prepare Your Baking Dish:
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour in the cheesy mixture. Spread evenly. -
Bake:
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. -
Cool and Slice:
Let it cool for at least 10 minutes to set, then slice into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.
Variations
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Milder flavor: Use mild cheddar and reduce or omit the jalapeños.
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Spicier version: Add fresh diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the batter.
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Different protein: Use rotisserie chicken, shredded turkey, or leftover cooked chicken.
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Add herbs: Stir in chopped green onions or fresh parsley for extra flavor.
Heating and Storage
Storage:
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Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
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Warm individual squares in the microwave for 20–30 seconds, or reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until hot.
Freezing:
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Freeze cooled squares in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in the oven for best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh jalapeños instead of pickled?
Yes, fresh jalapeños work great. Keep in mind they may add more heat and less tang than pickled ones.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake it a day in advance and reheat before serving, or even slice it cold — it’s delicious either way.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Sharp cheddar adds bite, and Monterey Jack melts beautifully. You can experiment with pepper jack or mozzarella as well.
Can I make it vegetarian?
For a vegetarian option, skip the chicken and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms or spinach instead.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild to moderate kick, depending on how many jalapeños you use. You can reduce or increase the amount based on your heat tolerance.
Can I use milk instead of evaporated milk?
Evaporated milk gives a creamier texture, but regular whole milk can work in a pinch. Your squares may be slightly softer.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
What can I serve with these squares?
They’re great on their own, but also pair well with sour cream, salsa, or a drizzle of hot honey.
How long should I cool it before slicing?
Let it sit for at least 10 minutes after baking. This allows the squares to firm up and makes slicing cleaner.
Can I cut this recipe in half?
Definitely. Just use an 8×8-inch baking dish and reduce the bake time slightly (start checking around 25 minutes).
Conclusion
These Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken Squares combine tender chicken with rich cheeses and a touch of heat to create an irresistible baked snack. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, these squares bring comfort, spice, and cheesy goodness in every bite.
Print
Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken Squares
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 squares
- Diet: Halal
Description
These savory Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken Squares are loaded with gooey cheddar, Monterey Jack, tender chicken, and a spicy jalapeño kick. Baked until golden and bubbly, they’re the perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cheese & Flavor Base:
16 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
16 oz Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
½ cup pickled jalapeños, diced
Wet Ingredients:
½ cup all-purpose flour
15 oz evaporated milk
2 large eggs
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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In a large bowl, combine cheddar, Monterey Jack, chicken, and jalapeños.
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In a separate bowl, whisk evaporated milk, flour, and eggs until smooth.
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Pour wet mixture over cheese and chicken, stir to combine.
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Pour into prepared dish and spread evenly.
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Bake 35–40 minutes until golden and set.
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Cool 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Adjust jalapeños for desired heat.
- Use leftover or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Great for make-ahead and reheats well.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
