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Easy Keto Jalapeno Popper Casserole Recipe

4.5 from 60 reviews

This Easy Keto Jalapeno Popper Casserole is a hearty, low-carb dish combining tender chicken breast, creamy cheese, and spicy jalapenos, baked to perfection and topped with crispy bacon. It’s perfect for those following a keto lifestyle looking for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasonings

  • 4 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, cubed
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Dairy and Cream

  • 8 oz cream cheese (full fat)
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups mature cheddar cheese, shredded

Vegetables

  • 5 jalapeno peppers, seeded and diced

Topping

  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Preheat: Grease a casserole dish with oil and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure a hot environment for even baking.
  2. Season the Chicken: Place the cubed chicken breasts at the bottom of the casserole dish. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper evenly over the chicken.
  3. Mix the Chicken and Spices: Use a spoon or spatula to thoroughly toss the chicken in the seasonings to make sure each piece is well coated.
  4. Add Cream Cheese: Incorporate the cream cheese into the chicken mixture, distributing it evenly throughout to provide a rich and creamy texture.
  5. Combine Mixture: Mix well until the cream cheese is fully blended with the chicken and spices creating a uniform coating.
  6. Add Heavy Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine, which adds moisture and helps bind the casserole ingredients together.
  7. Mix All Ingredients: Ensure all the components—the chicken, cream cheese, spices, and cream—are well integrated for consistent flavor.
  8. Add Jalapenos: Evenly scatter the seeded and diced jalapenos over the top of the chicken mixture in the casserole dish.
  9. Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mature cheddar cheese liberally on top to form a melted cheesy crust as it bakes.
  10. Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes until the chicken is completely cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  11. Finish with Bacon: After removing the casserole from the oven, immediately sprinkle the cooked, chopped bacon on top before serving to add a crispy, smoky flavor.

Notes

  • Remove jalapeno seeds to control spiciness; leave some seeds if you prefer extra heat.
  • Use full-fat cream cheese to maintain keto-friendly macros; low-fat versions may have higher carbs.
  • Substitute chicken with tofu, pork, or turkey for variety.
  • Try mixing different cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella for a unique flavor and texture.
  • Turkey or plant-based bacon are great alternatives for topping.
  • Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.

Keywords: keto casserole, jalapeno popper, low carb dinner, chicken casserole, keto chicken recipe