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Keto Jalapeño Popper Casserole with Chicken 🌶️ 🥘

Cast Iron Keto
by
Updated:
3 Comments
4.78 from 9 votes

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Our Keto Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole is a quick low-carb meal. This casserole dish combines shredded chicken, cream cheese, smoky bacon chunks, and spicy jalapenos. If you're craving something cheesy and spicy, this low-carb keto-jalapeno chicken casserole recipe is a must-try!

Keto Jalapeño Popper Casserole in a cast iron skillet
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Preparation and cooking overview

Preparing Keto Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole is a matter of 45 minutes. Layer the chicken in a skillet, pour the cream cheese mixture, top it off with jalapeno slices and crumbled bacon, and bake for a few minutes. A delicious casserole dish is ready to amaze you!

Chef's note

The best thing about this casserole dish; you can have fun with it! Before baking, sprinkle crushed pork rinds or almond flour mixed with grated Parmesan cheese. This low-carb substitute adds a delightful crunch while keeping the dish keto-friendly.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 6 Servings

For more inspiration check out our Chicken recipe.

🌶️ 🥘 Ingredients for this keto jalapeno popper chicken casserole recipe

Here is a simple ingredient list for this casserole dish:

  • 1 ½ pounds cooked shredded chicken breast
  • 4 green onions chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 8-ounce cream cheese softened
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup chicken broth or chicken stock
  • 5 jalapeno peppers halved (ribs removed if you like less spice)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled

Ingredient substitutions

  • Cheddar cheese: You can use Colby or Monterey Jack instead of sharp cheddar cheese.
  • Cream cheese: You can use Greek yogurt, sour cream, almond milk cream cheese, or vegan cream cheese for a vegan substitute.
  • Green onions: Use thinly sliced shallots or scallions instead of green onions.
  • Paprika powder: Cayenne pepper or chili powder are suitable substitutes for paprika powder.
  • Bacon: While bacon gives a nice crunch to the casserole, you can also substitute it with beef. Other low-carb substitutes include mushrooms, tempeh, and tofu.
  • Onion powder: Use fresh chopped or grated onion instead of onion powder.

Additional ingredients

Enjoy experimenting with these keto-friendly optional ingredients and enhance the flavor profile of this dish!

  • Sour cream: Add some keto-friendly sour cream to the finished dish. It gives a tangy and creamy flavor profile.
  • Sliced cherry tomatoes: Include some sliced tomatoes to add a pop of color, freshness, and a slightly tangy flavor.
  • Sliced bell peppers: Add some colorful bell peppers, such as red, yellow, or orange, either sautéed or fresh, to provide a crunchy texture and a touch of sweetness.

Cooking tools required

To make this Low-Carb Keto-Jalapeno Chicken Casserole Recipe, you will need the following cooking tools:

  • Cast iron skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Knife
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Cutting board

Tools substitute options

How to make Keto Jalapeño Popper Casserole With Chicken: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Baking

Preparation steps

  1. Wear gloves and prep the fresh jalapeno peppers by cutting them length-wise. Discard the seeds, stem, and core.
  2. Use your hands to crumble the bacon. The crumbled pieces must be neither too small nor too big.
  3. Shred the sharp cheddar cheese.
  4. Chop the green onions.

Cooking instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425° F.
  2. Place the chicken in the bottom of a 10" or larger cast iron skillet. Top with chopped green onions.
  3. Combine the garlic salt, onion powder, paprika, cream cheese, heavy cream, and chicken bone broth in a small bowl. Mix until combined.
  4. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the chicken, then top with jalapeno slices. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the top, then top with the crumbled bacon.
  5. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly. Serve immediately.

Chef's pro tip

The best tip for this keto chicken casserole is to avoid overbaking. When baking the casserole, it's important to monitor the internal temperature of the chicken mixture. Use a meat thermometer to check it, and remove it from the oven once it reaches 157 degrees. This will ensure that the cooked chicken mixture remains juicy and isn't dry.

What to serve with jalapeno popper chicken casserole?

What is the best thing about keto chicken recipes? You can pair them with any dish you want! This jalapeno popper chicken is a main course meal and tastes great with any side. For example:

  • Cauliflower rice: Cauliflower rice complements the creamy and spicy flavors of the casserole.
  • Steamed broccoli: The steamed broccoli's freshness and crispness provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
  • Cut-up veggies: Cut celery, cucumber, and carrots into sticks or bite-sized pieces. Arrange them on a serving platter and serve them for a refreshing touch to the recipe.
  • Simple leafy salad: A green salad's light and refreshing nature perfectly complement the dish.
  • Green beans: Our Garlic Butter Green Beans go well with this casserole dish.
  • Keto bread: You can scoop all the flavors of this flavorful casserole with the help of delicious Keto Dinner Rolls.

How to make it healthier?

  1. To reduce sodium levels, opt for low-sodium or no-salt-added ingredients.
  2. Reduce cream cheese and heavy cream to lower the overall fat content of the dish.
  3. Add more vegetables to the recipe to boost its nutritional profile. You can include diced bell peppers, spinach, or other leafy greens in the dish.

Time-saving tips

  • Use Rotisserie chicken instead of skinless chicken breast. This way, you can skip the cooking and shredding steps.
  • Use pre-cooked bacon available at the grocery stores. Just crumble them when needed.
  • Use store-bought prechopped green onions. This way, you can skip the chopping step and save time.
  • Double the ingredients and make a big batch of the casserole to enjoy later. It's a perfect recipe for meal prep!

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Make the chicken broth: Boil and store the broth in the freezer. Use it for the recipe later.
  • Prep the cream cheese mixture: Make it ahead of time. You can prepare this a few hours or a day before baking.
  • Shred the chicken: Whether cooking the chicken or using the pre-cooked one, prepare and shred it beforehand.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage tips

  • Store the cooked casserole in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Store the cooked and cooled casserole in an airtight container and put it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating best practices

  • Microwave: To reheat the casserole, put it in the microwave until it is heated uniformly.
  • Oven: Reheat the casserole in the oven at 400F for 15 to 20 minutes. You must thaw the frozen casserole before reheating it.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

Our Keto Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole is an impressive dish, perfect for a low-carb dinner! This recipe treats chicken lovers with tender chicken, hearty jalapenos, creamy cheese, and crispy bacon. Since it has simple cooking steps, it is also a perfect meal prep recipe!

With its simple preparation and flavorful ingredients, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser for family dinners, potlucks, or weeknight dinners. So what are you waiting for? Try the bold flavors, and don't forget to share the experience with us. Leave a comment or share the pictures on our Instagram or Facebook pages!

More Keto Casserole Recipes this way ↓ 

Frequently asked questions

Yes, jalapenos contain low carbohydrates, with about 1 gram of net carbs in a medium-sized pepper. The majority of their carbs come from dietary fiber. Moderately including jalapenos in a keto or low-carb diet won't greatly affect carb intake.

Yes, you can adjust the spiciness of the casserole to your liking. Remove jalapeno seeds and membranes for milder heat, or add more jalapenos for extra spiciness.

Absolutely! You can customize the recipe for flavor and nutrition by adding vegetables like diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms.

Yes! Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.

Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, reheat it in the oven until warmed.

Yes, you can use alternative options like Greek yogurt, sour cream, or a dairy-free cream cheese substitute to suit your dietary needs or preferences.

Yes, jalapenos are hotter than bell peppers. Jalapenos fall into the medium heat range, while bell peppers are mild.

📖 Recipe

Keto Jalapeño Popper Casserole in a cast iron skillet

Keto Jalapeño Popper Casserole with Chicken

Keto Jalapeño Popper Casserole with Chicken: A deliciously creamy and spicy low-carb dish with shredded chicken, cream cheese, jalapenos, and bacon.
4.78 from 9 votes
Print Rate Pin Recipe
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: keto, keto casserole, low carb
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 563kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds cooked shredded chicken breast
  • 4 green onions chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup chicken broth
  • 5 jalapeno peppers halved (ribs removed if you like less spice)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 425° F.
  • Place the chicken in the bottom of a 10” or larger cast iron skillet. Top with green onions.
  • Combine the garlic salt, onion powder, paprika, cream cheese, heavy cream, and chicken bone broth in a small bowl. Mix until combined.
  • Pour the cream cheese mixture over the chicken then top with the slices of jalapeno. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the top then top with the crumbled bacon.
  • Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly. Serve immediately.

Notes

See post notes above for ways to customize the recipe and for helpful tips + tricks!

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto Jalapeño Popper Casserole with Chicken
Amount Per Serving
Calories 563 Calories from Fat 387
% Daily Value*
Fat 43g66%
Saturated Fat 21g131%
Trans Fat 1g
Cholesterol 188mg63%
Sodium 869mg38%
Potassium 454mg13%
Carbohydrates 4g1%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 2g2%
Protein 39g78%
Vitamin A 1330IU27%
Vitamin C 15mg18%
Calcium 209mg21%
Iron 2mg11%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Peggy says

    5 stars
    My Family was over the moon with this one. With each bite there were groans of satisfaction.
    I would use onion powder rather than onion salt to reduce the salt in the recipe but other than that it was easy and great!

    Reply

  2. Karen says

    Excellent! Had this for dinner today, I wanted to eat the whole pan, it was so good. Hubby raves about it too, one bite and he said it was keeper. So easy to make too!

    Reply

  3. Christine Callaway says

    5 stars
    Very good!!

    Reply
4.78 from 9 votes (7 ratings without comment)

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