Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
A Comforting Keto Favorite
If you love the spicy, cheesy flavor of jalapeño poppers, this Keto Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Tender shredded chicken is mixed with a creamy cheese sauce, smoky bacon, and fresh jalapeños, then baked until hot and bubbly. It’s a satisfying low-carb dinner that’s easy to make and perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 fresh jalapeños, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a small amount of butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Bacon
Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside.
Step 3: Dice the Jalapeños
Wash the jalapeños thoroughly and slice them in half. Remove the seeds if you prefer a milder casserole, or leave some in for extra heat. Finely dice the peppers and set them aside.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Stir until smooth and creamy. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well so the seasonings are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Add the Chicken
Place the shredded chicken into the bowl with the cream cheese mixture. Stir until every piece of chicken is coated with the creamy sauce.
Step 6: Mix in the Flavorings
Add the diced jalapeños, half of the crumbled bacon, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Fold everything together until the ingredients are evenly mixed.
Step 7: Fill the Casserole Dish
Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, making sure the surface is smooth.
Step 8: Add the Cheese Topping
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and all of the mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole. Finish by scattering the remaining bacon pieces across the cheese layer.
Step 9: Bake Until Golden
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges.
Step 10: Let It Rest
Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the casserole set and makes serving easier.
Step 11: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for a fresh burst of flavor and color. Serve warm and enjoy.
Tips for Success
- Rotisserie chicken works great and saves time.
- For extra spice, leave some jalapeño seeds in the mixture.
- Add a little diced avocado on top when serving for extra healthy fats.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 30g
- Net Carbs: 4g
This Keto Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole is creamy, cheesy, slightly spicy, and packed with flavor, making it an excellent low-carb meal the whole family can enjoy.
