Keto Jalapeño Popper Chicken (Printable)

Creamy, cheesy chicken and smoky bacon combined with cauliflower rice and jalapeños in a flavorful bake.

# Required Ingredients:

→ Protein & Dairy

01 - 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
02 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
03 - 1 cup sour cream
04 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
05 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
06 - 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

→ Vegetables

07 - 4 cups cauliflower rice, fresh or frozen
08 - 4 to 5 jalapeños, seeded and diced, plus extra slices for garnish
09 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
10 - 1/4 cup green onions, sliced

→ Seasonings

11 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
13 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
14 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 - Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté cauliflower rice for 5 to 7 minutes until softened. Transfer to a plate.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, 1 cup cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.
04 - Fold cooked chicken, sautéed cauliflower rice, diced jalapeños, minced garlic, half the crumbled bacon, and half the green onions into the cheese mixture. Stir until well combined.
05 - Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
06 - Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and golden on top.
07 - Remove from oven and garnish with extra jalapeño slices and remaining green onions before serving.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Perfect for meal prep – it reheats beautifully for lunches throughout the week
  • Satisfies cravings for creamy, cheesy comfort food while keeping carbs low
  • Customizable heat level – make it as mild or spicy as you prefer
  • One-dish meal that provides protein, healthy fats, and vegetables
  • Family-friendly dinner that even non-keto eaters will enjoy
02 -
  • For the creamiest texture, let the cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing
  • If you're sensitive to spice, remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapeños
  • Pre-cook the bacon until it's crispy, as it won't crisp up much more in the casserole
  • The casserole freezes well for up to 3 months – portion it into individual containers for quick meals
  • For a crunchier topping, sprinkle with crushed pork rinds mixed with a little parmesan before baking
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