Keto Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Short Description

Keto Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole is a rich, creamy, and slightly spicy dish perfect for a low-carb diet. This satisfying meal combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and spicy jalapeños with a luscious cheese sauce, creating a dish that’s packed with flavor and keto-friendly ingredients. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or potlucks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Keto-Friendly & Low Carb – This casserole is ideal for those following a ketogenic diet, with minimal carbs but plenty of satisfying fats and protein.
• Creamy & Spicy Flavor – A perfect balance of cheesy goodness with a kick of heat from fresh jalapeños.
• Easy to Make – Requires minimal preparation, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Great for Meal Prep – Stores and reheats well for leftovers throughout the week.
• Family-Friendly – Even non-keto eaters will love the creamy, cheesy goodness of this dish.

Ingredients

• Chicken breast or thighs, cooked and shredded
• Cream cheese, softened
• Cheddar cheese, shredded
• Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• Jalapeños, sliced
• Bacon, cooked and crumbled
• Heavy cream
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Butter

Directions

1. Preheat Oven – Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
2. Prepare Chicken – If not already cooked, bake, boil, or pan-fry chicken until tender. Shred the chicken and place it in the prepared baking dish.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce – In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add cream cheese, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth.
4. Assemble the Casserole – Pour the cheese sauce over the shredded chicken and mix well. Top with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
5. Add Jalapeños & Bacon – Sprinkle sliced jalapeños and crumbled bacon evenly over the top.
6. Bake – Place the casserole in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve – Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your keto-friendly, spicy, and cheesy delight!

Variations

• Extra Crunch – Add crushed pork rinds on top for a crispy texture.
• More Heat – Use extra jalapeños or add cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
• Different Cheese – Swap out Monterey Jack for Pepper Jack to enhance the spice level.
• Lower Dairy – Substitute heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
• Veggie Boost – Add chopped bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrients.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave in 30-second increments until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that saves time and adds flavor.

2. How spicy is this dish?

The spice level depends on the number of jalapeños used. Removing the seeds and membranes will reduce the heat.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate it before baking.

4. What can I serve with this casserole?

Pair it with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or cauliflower rice for a complete keto meal.

5. Can I use different proteins?

Absolutely! Try shredded turkey, ground beef, or even shrimp for variety.

6. Is this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.

7. How can I make it even cheesier?

Add an extra layer of cheese on top or mix in some cream cheese into the sauce for extra creaminess.

8. Can I use turkey bacon?

Yes, turkey bacon is a leaner alternative, but it may not be as crispy as regular bacon.

9. What’s the best way to shred chicken?

Use two forks to pull the chicken apart or a hand mixer for quicker shredding.

10. Can I use pickled jalapeños instead of fresh?

Yes, but they will add a tangy flavor instead of a fresh, spicy kick.

Conclusion

Keto Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole is the perfect low-carb comfort food. Creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy, it’s an easy and delicious meal for anyone on a keto diet. Whether you make it for a weeknight dinner or meal prep for the week, this casserole will quickly become a favorite. Try it today and enjoy a satisfying, keto-friendly meal!

Print