Keto Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole 🌶️🧀🥓
Keto-friendly
Low-carb
High-protein
Creamy, cheesy, spicy and loaded with tender chicken! This Keto Jalapeño Popper Casserole combines everything you love about jalapeño poppers in one delicious, high-protein, low-carb dinner. Perfect for family meals and meal prep!
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20–25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
Chicken Base
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (about 1½ lbs)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup mayonnaise (sugar-free)
- ½ cup full-fat sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4–5 fresh jalapeños, sliced
- 6 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
Optional Toppings
- ¼ cup extra shredded cheddar
- Fresh chopped parsley or green onions
- A few jalapeño slices
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the chicken: Spread the cooked shredded chicken evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
- Make the creamy mixture: In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt and black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Add the sauce: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure the chicken is well coated.
- Add the cheese: Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the creamy chicken layer.
- Add jalapeños: Arrange sliced jalapeños across the top. Remove seeds and membranes for a milder flavor.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the casserole is hot, bubbly and the cheese is melted.
- Add turkey bacon: Remove from the oven and sprinkle crispy crumbled turkey bacon over the top.
- Rest and serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions and serve warm.
Approximate Nutrition Per Serving
Based on 6 servings; estimates vary by brands and chicken portions.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 510 |
| Protein | 43g |
| Total carbs | 6g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Net carbs | 5g |
| Fat | 35g |
Tips for the Best Casserole
- Use chicken breast for a leaner, higher-protein meal.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for a richer texture.
- Choose unsweetened, low-carb mayonnaise.
- Remove jalapeño seeds for less heat.
- Don’t overbake, or the creamy sauce may separate.
- For extra protein, add more cooked chicken and slightly reduce the mayonnaise.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 325°F (165°C) or microwave until heated through.
Weight-loss tip: Serve with steamed broccoli, cauliflower rice or a fresh cucumber salad instead of bread or regular rice.
Enjoy this creamy, spicy, cheesy keto comfort food! ❤️
