Introduction

This Ultimate Keto Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole brings all the spicy, creamy goodness of classic jalapeño poppers into an easy five-ingredient dinner. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort. If you love this combination, you might also enjoy Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe for another delicious twist on the popular flavor profile.

Ingredients

This Keto Jalapeno Popper Casserole delivers a creamy, spicy, and smoky flavor combination that makes it an irresistible low-carb comfort food.

• 1 pound shredded chicken, cooked
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 6 jalapeno peppers, sliced
• 4 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	25 minutes
Total Time	40 minutes

Context: This Keto Jalapeno Popper Casserole is about 20% faster than similar recipes since you skip stuffing individual peppers.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Jalapeños

Slice 6–8 fresh jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes for milder heat. Wear gloves to protect your skin from the spicy oils. Chop the jalapeños into small, even pieces for consistent distribution in your Keto Jalapeno Popper Casserole.

Step 2 — Cook the Bacon

Cook 8 slices of bacon in a skillet until crispy, then drain on paper towels. Reserve 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease to sauté the jalapeños. Crumble the cooled bacon into small bits for topping the casserole later.

Step 3 — Sauté the Jalapeños and Aromatics

In the same skillet with the reserved bacon grease, sauté the chopped jalapeños and ½ cup diced onion over medium heat for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds the flavor base for your Keto Jalapeno Popper Casserole.

Step 4 — Mix the Creamy Filling

In a large bowl, combine 16 ounces softened cream cheese, 1 cup sour cream, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Fold in the sautéed jalapeño mixture and half of the crumbled bacon. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.

Step 5 — Assemble the Casserole

Spread the creamy filling evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and the remaining bacon crumbles. For extra crunch, sprinkle ¼ cup crushed pork rinds or almond flour over the top before baking.

Step 6 — Bake to Perfection

Bake the Keto Jalapeno Popper Casserole at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The top should be golden brown, and the edges should be lightly crisp. For a more browned top, broil for the final 1–2 minutes while watching closely.

Step 7 — Cool and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set. Garnish with fresh chopped chives or parsley if desired. This Keto Jalapeno Popper Casserole pairs well with a crisp side salad for a complete low-carb meal.

Nutritional Information

Calories	420
Protein	24g
Carbohydrates	6g
Fat	34g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	680mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Turkey bacon — Leaner protein option that still provides smoky flavor with less fat than traditional bacon.
• Greek yogurt — Lower-fat alternative to cream cheese that maintains creamy texture while boosting protein content.
• Nutritional yeast — Dairy-free option that delivers cheesy flavor without actual cheese, perfect for vegan variations.
• Almond flour crust — Gluten-free alternative to any breadcrumb topping that adds nutty flavor and keeps carbs low.
• Reduced-sodium cheeses — Lower-sodium versions of cheddar or Monterey Jack that maintain melty texture with less salt.
• Coconut cream — Dairy-free substitute for creamy elements that works well in keto recipes while adding subtle sweetness.
• Ground chicken or turkey — Leaner protein base that absorbs jalapeño flavors beautifully while reducing overall fat content.
• Poblano peppers — Milder pepper alternative for those sensitive to spice while maintaining the pepper flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette to balance the richness of the Keto Jalapeno Popper Casserole.
• Serve alongside grilled chicken or steak for a complete, protein-packed keto meal.
• Offer with low-carb vegetable sticks like celery or cucumber for a refreshing crunch.
• Perfect for game day gatherings or potlucks where a crowd-pleasing, low-carb dish is needed.
• Plate individual portions in small cast-iron skillets for a rustic, restaurant-style presentation.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor and visual appeal.
• Enjoy as a satisfying standalone main course for a cozy family dinner.

This Keto Jalapeno Popper Casserole is versatile enough for various occasions, from casual weeknights to festive parties, while keeping your meals exciting and keto-compliant.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using watery fresh jalapeños that make the casserole soggy. Fix: Roast or sauté peppers first to evaporate excess moisture and concentrate flavor.
• Mistake: Overmixing the cream cheese filling, causing a dense texture. Fix: Gently fold ingredients until just combined to maintain a light, fluffy consistency.
• Mistake: Skipping the bacon pre-cook, resulting in rubbery, undercooked pieces. Fix: Always crisp bacon separately before adding to ensure proper texture throughout.
• Mistake: Choosing high-moisture shredded cheese blends with anti-caking agents. Fix: Hand-shred block cheese for superior melting and creamier integration.
• Mistake: Underseasoning the base mixture, leading to bland keto jalapeño popper casserole. Fix: Taste filling before baking and adjust salt, garlic powder, and pepper generously.
• Mistake: Baking in a deep dish that prevents proper browning on top. Fix: Use a wide, shallow casserole dish to maximize crispy surface area.
• Mistake: Not balancing spice levels, making the dish too mild or overwhelmingly hot. Fix: Remove some jalapeño seeds for milder heat or add a pinch of cayenne for extra kick.
• Mistake: Overbaking until dairy separates and oils pool. Fix: Bake just until bubbly and golden—typically 20–25 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
• Mistake: Serving immediately without resting, causing a runny consistency. Fix: Let keto jalapeño popper casserole rest 10 minutes for perfect sliceable texture.
• Mistake: Using low-fat cream cheese that lacks richness and compromises keto macros. Fix: Stick with full-fat cream cheese for authentic flavor and proper fat content.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store your Keto Jalapeno Popper Casserole in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Always allow your Keto Jalapeno Popper Casserole to cool to room temperature before storing to maintain food safety and texture.

Conclusion

This Keto Jalapeno Popper Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for a low-carb lifestyle. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to try our Crack Chicken Lasagna Recipe next! We’d love to hear how yours turned out—please leave a comment and subscribe for more delicious keto-friendly meals.

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Keto Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole

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Pin Recipe

A creamy and spicy low-carb casserole featuring shredded chicken, cream cheese, jalapenos, cheddar cheese, and bacon, offering a ketogenic twist on the classic jalapeno popper flavors.

• Author: Dorothy Miller
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x
• Method: Main Course
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound shredded chicken, cooked
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 6 jalapeno peppers, sliced
• 4 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, sliced jalapenos, heavy cream, cooked bacon, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
3. Transfer the mixture into a casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
4. Layer the shredded cheddar cheese on top and add reserved jalapeno slices on top for garnish.
5. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
6. If the top has not browned enough, turn on the broiler until the casserole is golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra crispiness, broil the casserole briefly after baking. Adjust jalapeno slices to control spice level. Letting the casserole rest before serving helps flavors meld.

Nutrition

• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 115mg

FAQs

Can I make this Keto Jalapeno Popper Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble this Keto Jalapeno Popper Casserole a day in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake it. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes into the oven cold.

How can I adjust the spice level of this casserole?

To make it milder, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before chopping. For a spicier Keto Jalapeno Popper Casserole, add a dash of cayenne pepper or use a hotter pepper variety like serranos. You can also adjust the amount of jalapeños to your personal taste.

What can I serve with this Keto Jalapeno Popper Casserole?

This rich casserole is a complete meal on its own. For a larger spread, pair it with a simple green salad or steamed low-carb vegetables like broccoli. It makes a fantastic main dish for any keto-friendly gathering.