Today I will share one of my favorite keto dinner recipes that combines the amazing flavors of jalapeno poppers with a hearty casserole.
If you love creamy, cheesy dishes with a spicy kick, this recipe will become your new go to meal.
This keto jalapeno popper casserole is perfect for anyone following a low carb diet or just looking for a delicious, filling dinner option.
The combination of tender chicken, melted cheese, and fresh jalapenos creates an incredible taste that will make you forget you’re eating healthy.
The best thing about this casserole is how simple it is to put together. You only need a handful of ingredients, and most of them are probably already in your kitchen.
The cream cheese and heavy cream create a rich, smooth sauce while the bacon adds a perfect crispy finish.
👍 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Perfect Macros: This recipe hits all the right keto numbers – it’s loaded with healthy fats from cream cheese and heavy cream, packed with protein from chicken and bacon, and has almost zero carbs.
Budget Friendly: Unlike many keto recipes that require expensive specialty ingredients, this casserole uses common items you can find at any grocery store.
Cream Cheese Heaven: The cream cheese sauce is rich and satisfying, exactly what keto dieters crave.
It creates the perfect base that holds everything together while adding that wonderful tangy flavor that makes jalapeno poppers so addictive.
Satisfying Comfort Food: Sometimes we keto dieters miss traditional comfort foods like casseroles. This recipe satisfies that craving without the carbs, making it easier to stick to the diet while still enjoying hearty, warming meals.
✨ Recipe Ingredients
- 3 Chicken Breasts (boneless, cubed)
- 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese (shredded) – I recommend this one (amazon)
- 8 oz Cream Cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
- 5 Jalapeno Peppers (seeded, diced)
- 7 slices Bacon (chopped)
- 1/2 tablespoon Garlic Powder
👨🍳 How To Make
Follow this easy recipe:
Step 1
Start by preheating the oven to 375°F and greasing a casserole dish (I used a 13×9 one) with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2
Place the cubed chicken in the bottom of the dish in one layer.
Step 3
Combine the cream cheese, heavy cream, and garlic powder. Blend them, then pour over the chicken.
Step 4
Top with the diced jalapeños and add the shredded cheese on top.
Step 5
Bake for about 40 minutes or until the chicken is done cooking.
Step 6
Add bacon crumbles on top and serve. Enjoy!
💡Tips
1. Cut Chicken Right
Cut the chicken breasts into even sized cubes, about 1 inch each. This uniform size ensures all pieces cook at the same rate and stay juicy.
If some pieces are bigger than others, you’ll end up with some dry chicken while other pieces might not cook through completely.
Also, try to cut against the grain of the meat – this makes each piece more tender when cooked.
2. Watch The Baking Time
Every oven is different, so start checking the chicken at the 35 minute mark. Cut into the thickest piece – if it’s completely white inside with no pink, it’s done.
The cheese on top should be melted and starting to get golden brown spots, but not burning.
If the cheese is browning too quickly but the chicken isn’t done, cover the dish loosely with foil and continue baking.
3. Perfect Pan Prep
Use a ceramic or glass 13×9 baking dish for best results. Metal pans can sometimes give a slight metallic taste to creamy dishes.
Grease the pan well, especially up the sides – this cheesy casserole loves to stick.
While butter works great, a thin coating of olive oil or avocado oil works even better as it won’t brown as quickly during the long baking time.
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FAQ
1. Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?
Yes, you can definitely use chicken thighs! They actually work really well in this recipe because they stay more juicy.
Just make sure to trim off any excess fat and cut them into similar sized pieces. Chicken thighs might need an extra 5-10 minutes of cooking time.
2. What can I serve with this casserole?
Since this is a rich, creamy dish, it pairs well with light keto sides like roasted broccoli, cauliflower rice, a simple green salad, or sautéed zucchini. The vegetables help balance out the richness and add fiber to your meal.
Keto Jalapeno Popper Casserole
Print RecipeIngredients
- 3 Chicken Breasts boneless, cubed
- 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese shredded – I recommend this one (amazon)
- 8 oz Cream Cheese softened
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
- 5 Jalapeno Peppers seeded, diced
- 7 slices Bacon chopped
- 1/2 tablespoon Garlic Powder
Instructions
- Start by preheating the oven to 375°F and greasing a casserole dish (I used a 13×9 one) with butter or cooking spray.
- Place the cubed chicken in the bottom of the dish in one layer.
- Combine the cream cheese, heavy cream, and garlic powder. Blend them, then pour over the chicken.
- Top with the diced jalapeños and add the shredded cheese on top.
- Bake for about 40 minutes or until the chicken is done cooking.
- Add bacon crumbles on top and serve. Enjoy!