This Keto Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole is a celebratory low-carb dish featuring creamy cheese, spicy jalapenos, and tender chicken. Jalapenos are the star ingredient in the casserole dish, making each bite exciting and flavorful. You can adjust the level of spiciness to be fiery or mild enough to excite your palate. The cheese rounds out the spiciness well and adds a gooey texture that contrasts the crunchy toppings beautifully.
The recipe frequents our dinner table because we love Tex-Mex flavors, and it's ready in a flash. It's also easy to make and requires simple pantry basics. Since it reheats beautifully, I recommend cooking a double batch of this spicy chicken casserole so you can have some to enjoy on a lazy weeknight.
Let's make some delicious keto chicken jalapeno popper casserole!
This recipe is: Low Carb, Keto, Gluten Free
Table of Contents
5 Reasons To Love This Recipe
Jalapeno Popper Casserole is a family favorite in my household for all the right reasons:
- Ready in 35 minutes!
- Divine flavors and textures!
- Perfect for meal prep!
- Unique, family-friendly chicken recipe!
- Simple ingredient list!
Is Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole Low-Carb?
Yes, a jalapeno popper chicken casserole made with low-carb ingredients and seasonings like chicken, cheese, jalapenos, and bacon is compatible with low-carb diets.
Also, you have to check my article on "Are Jalapenos Keto?" - amazing details backed up by our certified nutritionist!
This recipe is wonderfully low-carb with 6 g net carbs per 1 cup serving. You can enjoy it without worrying about falling off your low-carb diet goals.
Keto Chicken Popper Casserole Ingredient List
You will need the following ingredients to make this keto casserole recipe:
- 1 pound shredded chicken, cooked
- 8 ounce cream cheese
- 6 jalapeno peppers, sliced
- 4 ounce shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Note: Use sour cream to control the dish's heat level. Garnish with chopped green onions.
Ingredients Substitutions
Top-tier alternatives to the ingredients listed above include:
- Jalapeno peppers: Swap them for Anaheim or Poblano peppers.
- Smoked paprika: Regular paprika or chipotle powder are great substitutes.
- Apple cider vinegar: Red wine vinegar or freshly squeezed lime juice will add a similar level of acidity.
Additional Ingredients
Some great additions to the keto chicken jalapeno popper casserole are:
- More creamy texture: Add ½ cup of sour cream.
- Citrus zing: Add freshly squeezed lime or lemon juice over the casserole for bright and fresh flavors.
- Depth: ¼ teaspoon of ground cumin or coriander will add a depth of flavor to the casserole.
- Avocado Slices: The mild flavors of creamy avocado slices provide a cool and creamy contrast to the heat of the jalapenos.
Note: These ingredients are not part of the original recipe- use them to enhance or customize the jalapeno chicken casserole recipe to your liking.
Cooking Tools
To make this keto jalapeno popper chicken recipe, you will need the following tools:
How To Cook Keto Jalapeno Popper Chicken: Complete Cooking Guide
Cooking Method
- Baking
Preparation Steps
- Gather all the tools and ingredients.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F(190°C).
- Slice the Jalapeno peppers.
- Shred the cheddar cheese and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix all the remaining ingredients.
- Place the mixture in a casserole dish.
- Layer on the cheddar cheese and top with the reserved jalapeño and bacon bits.
Cooking Instructions
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- If the top has not browned enough, turn on the broiler until the casserole is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ingredients.
Step 2: Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
Step 3: Transfer the mixture into a casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
Step 4: Layer the shredded cheddar cheese on top and add the reserved jalapeno slices.
💡 My Pro Tip
A good-sized casserole dish is critical to the success of this recipe. If the dish is too large, the casserole mixture will spread too thin and dry in the oven. If it is too small, the mixture will be deep and potentially not heat through in 20 minutes. I recommend finding a baking dish that will allow for about 1.5 to 2" of uniform thickness for the chicken mixture.
⏲️ Time-Saving Tips
- Use leftover shredded chicken.
- Use pre-shredded cheese to cut prep time.
- Use cooked crispy bacon bits to save more time!
What To Serve With Keto Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole
This low carb chicken casserole is a perfect dinner, entree, or main dish that pairs well with various veggies and salads and makes a perfect meal to enjoy. Here are some of my favorite suggestions:
- Greek Horiatiki Salad: The salad provides a refreshing contrast to the cheesy chicken. It also adds lively colors and extra crunch, making a perfect keto-friendly meal.
- Grilled Asparagus: This flavorful dish adds a nice crunch and flavor to the creamy chicken casserole - such a healthy meal!
- Cucumber Feta Salad: This is another flavorful, refreshing, and crunchy salad that pairs well with the jalapeno chicken casserole and creates a comforting meal!
- Sauteed Brussels Sprouts: The caramelized Brussels sprouts add a good crunch and nutty goodness to the jalapeno cream cheese casserole.
Storage and Reheating
Storage
- Cool the leftover jalapeno popper chicken casserole to room temperature and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freezing
- The keto jalapeno chicken casserole freezes well. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat according to the instructions below.
Reheating
- The leftover chicken jalapeno casserole reheats well in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Start heating with a lid, then remove. You can also microwave it on medium heat.
Conclusion
This Keto Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole is incredibly simple, delicious, and beautiful on a plate. It is a brilliant way of revamping leftover chicken. Shred your leftover rotisserie chicken or regular-cooked chicken meat for the recipe. Reduce the jalapenos for milder heat, or increase them for a kick. Try the additional ingredients to customize the flavors to your liking. Remember, the trick is using a perfectly-sized casserole dish.
Impress your guests and family with this party-friendly casserole. They won't wait long, as it is ready to eat in 35 minutes—a perfect, quick dinner! Plus, it pairs well with several salads and cooked veggies. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below.
Please write in the comments any questions or suggestions you may have. You can also find me on Facebook or Instagram.
More Casserole Recipes To Try
Other delicious casserole dishes you can enjoy as a perfect low carb dinner are:
FAQs
Yes, jalapenos are remarkably low-carb, with only 4 g net carbs per 100 g serving. The low-carb count makes them suitable for a ketogenic diet, which restricts daily carb intake to 20-50 g.
A 100 g serving of jalapenos contains 4 g net carbs.
Yes, a cauliflower jalapeno popper casserole is a fantastic vegetarian version of the classic dish. It is also delicious, low-carb, and keto-friendly.
Keto Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole 🌶️
Ingredients
Keto Chicken Popper Casserole Ingredient List
- 1 pound shredded chicken cooked
- 8 ounce cream cheese
- 6 jalapeno peppers sliced
- 4 ounce shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup cooked bacon crumbled
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Gather all the tools and ingredients.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F(190°C).
- Slice the Jalapeno peppers.
- Shred the cheddar cheese and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix all the remaining ingredients.
- Place the mixture in a casserole dish.
- Layer on the cheddar cheese and top with the reserved jalapeño and bacon bits.
Cooking Instructions
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- If the top has not browned enough, turn on the broiler until the casserole is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
“This website provides approximate nutrition data and information for convenience and as a courtesy only.”
Recent Low Carb Recipes:
Chia Seed Protein Pudding
This Chia Seed Protein Pudding has become a staple at my house. It’s packed with real ingredients and has a flavor that works for breakfast or dessert. My son eats it daily—and I’m not mad about it.
Keto Mexican Coffee Recipe ☕
My Mexican Coffee recipe is a spiced, frothy treat that’s ready in minutes. With a touch of cinnamon and a hint of chocolate, it’s the perfect way to start your day or wind down after a meal. No fancy equipment needed—just bold flavors and a creamy finish.
Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding 🍫
This Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding is incredibly easy to make and tastes just like chocolate mousse. A simple, no-cook dessert that stays fresh for days!
Is it low carb? Learn more about it:
Understanding Carbs In Guacamole: Low Carb or Keto?
Delve into the world of guacamole and its carb content—essential knowledge for low carb and keto enthusiasts. Avocado's creamy texture
What is Low Carb Diet? Carb Confusion Conquered!
Ever wondered what a Low Carb Diet really entails? I’ve broken down the basics to help you understand how reducing
Low Carb Diet for Weight Loss: Does It Actually Work?
Many studies suggest that a low carb diet can indeed be effective for weight loss. By restricting carbohydrates, the body
