Name: Keto Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 4 slices bacon, chopped; 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 ounces cream cheese, softened; 3 to 4 tbsp heavy whipping cream; 2 cloves garlic, finely minced; 2 small jalapeño peppers, minced; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

This Keto Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole combines all the flavors of the classic appetizer into a hearty and satisfying main course. Because it uses juicy chicken thighs and a rich cream cheese sauce, the dish remains tender and moist throughout the baking process. Furthermore, the heat from the jalapeños balances perfectly with the melted cheddar and crispy bacon for a bold flavor profile.

Ingredients & What You’ll Need

Gather these low-carb essentials to create a creamy, spicy, and savory casserole that the whole family will love.

Bacon: Provides a smoky crunch and savory fat that enhances the entire dish.
Chicken thighs: Serve as the tender and flavorful protein base for the casserole.
Salt and pepper: Season the chicken to ensure every bite is perfectly balanced.
Cream cheese: Creates a thick and velvety sauce when combined with the cream.
Heavy whipping cream: Thins the cream cheese to a spreadable consistency for even coverage.
Garlic: Adds a sharp and aromatic depth of flavor to the creamy topping.
Jalapeño peppers: Offer a fresh kick of heat that defines the jalapeño popper style.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a golden and bubbly layer over the chicken.

How to Make Keto Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

This method involves a quick stovetop sear to develop flavor before finishing the dish in the oven.

1. Crisp the Bacon and Sear the Chicken

First, preheat your oven to 375°F. Next, cook the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until it becomes crisp. Remove the bacon to a plate and discard all but 1 tablespoon of the rendered grease. Afterward, pat the chicken thighs dry and season them with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side until they are nicely browned. Once seared, transfer the thighs to a glass or ceramic baking dish.

2. Prepare the Creamy Topping

While the chicken is still warm, whisk together the softened cream cheese, heavy whipping cream, and minced garlic in a medium bowl. You should aim for a smooth consistency so the sauce spreads easily. Use a spatula to spread this mixture evenly over the chicken thighs in the baking dish.

3. Assemble and Bake

Sprinkle the minced jalapeños and shredded cheddar cheese over the cream cheese layer. Subsequently, top the casserole with the crispy bacon bits you prepared earlier. Place the dish in the oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes. Consequently, the cheese will melt and bubble while the chicken finishes cooking through. Therefore, you will have a perfectly seared and saucy meal ready to serve.

Tips and Notes

Heat Control: You can remove the seeds and ribs from the jalapeños if you prefer a milder flavor, or leave them in for extra spice.
Chicken Choice: While thighs are recommended for their moisture, you can substitute chicken breasts if you adjust the cooking time to prevent drying.
Softening Cream Cheese: You must ensure the cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature to prevent lumps in your sauce.
Browning: If you want a more golden-brown crust, you can broil the casserole for the last 2 minutes of the baking time.

Yield: 4-6 servings

Keto Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

This Keto Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole is a crowd-pleasing dish that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. It features succulent chicken thighs topped with a spicy, cheesy sauce and plenty of crispy bacon.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

4 slices bacon, chopped
6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Salt and pepper to taste
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
3 to 4 tbsp heavy whipping cream
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 small jalapeño peppers, minced
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Bacon: Cook the bacon in a skillet until crisp, then set aside and keep 1 tbsp of grease.
Sear: Season the chicken thighs and sear them in the skillet for 3-4 minutes per side.
Transfer: Place the browned chicken into a 9x13 baking dish.
Sauce: Whisk the cream cheese, cream, and garlic together and spread over the chicken.
Toppings: Layer the jalapeños, cheddar cheese, and bacon over the cream sauce.
Bake: Cook at 375°F for 20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and cheese is melted.

Notes

Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: This casserole freezes well for up to 3 months; simply thaw in the fridge before reheating.