Copycat Chick-fil-A Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich Casserole (Print version)

A family-style casserole inspired by the Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich, with crispy chicken, toasted buns, pimento cheese, honey, and jalapenos.

# Ingredients:

For the chicken and buns

01 - 2 lb (900 g) frozen or refrigerated breaded chicken tenders
02 - 6 soft sandwich buns, cut into 1-inch cubes
03 - 4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter, melted

For the pimento cheese

04 - 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
05 - 1/3 cup (75 g) mayonnaise
06 - 2 cups (225 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
07 - 1 jar (4 oz or 115 g) diced pimentos, drained
08 - 1 can (4 oz or 115 g) mild diced green chiles, drained
09 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
10 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
11 - 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

For finishing

12 - 1/3 cup sliced pickled jalapenos, patted dry
13 - 2-3 tablespoons honey, plus more for serving
14 - Dill pickle chips, for serving (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - Heat the oven to 400 F. Bake the chicken tenders on a sheet pan until very crisp and cooked through, following the package timing or until the centers reach 165 F. Let rest for 3 minutes, then chop into bite-size pieces.
02 - Lower the oven to 375 F. Toss the bun cubes with melted butter on a sheet pan and bake for 8-10 minutes, stirring once, until lightly golden at the edges.
03 - In a bowl, stir the cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth. Fold in cheddar, pimentos, green chiles, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt until thick and evenly mixed.
04 - Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Add about two-thirds of the toasted bun cubes, then scatter the chopped chicken over the top. Spoon the pimento cheese in small dollops and tuck in most of the jalapenos.
05 - Bake uncovered for 18-22 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the edges are bubbling. Scatter the remaining toasted bun cubes over the top during the last 5 minutes.
06 - Drizzle the hot casserole with honey and top with the remaining jalapenos. Serve right away with extra honey and dill pickle chips if using.

# Good to know:

01 - Best served hot while the chicken coating and bun topping still have crisp edges.
02 - Prep the chicken, bun cubes, and pimento cheese ahead, then assemble just before baking.
03 - Use a 9x13-inch dish for the best balance of creamy center and crisp topping.

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