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This keto jalapeno popper casserole is spicy and cheesy and has less than 4 grams of net carbs per serving! It’s gluten-free and high in protein.
The keto diet has taken the culinary world by storm. However, sticking to a low-carb, high-fat lifestyle can sometimes feel restrictive and monotonous (yes, eating eggs and bacon after a while can get boring).
Enter the keto jalapeno popper casserole. A bold, flavorful dish that promises to shake up your routine and satisfy your keto cravings.
Not only does this recipe add a spicy kick to your keto menu, but it also brings a creamy, cheesy delight that is so hard to resist (trust me, I’ve tried).
I love jalapeno poppers. However, they can be a hassle to make.
They take a lot of time to fill each jalapeno, dip it in batter, and fry them. So, while I love them, knowing how time-consuming they can be, I often avoid making them.
What I love about this recipe is that it gives me the flavors of the jalapeno poppers without taking that much time. This makes it a perfect meal for a family night, a dinner party, or whenever you are searching for comfort food.
One of the secrets to a successful keto diet (and creating a delicious dish) is using high-quality keto ingredients.
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Pin ItWhat I love about chicken is its high protein and versatility. You can really add chicken to almost any recipe, and in this case, it complements the richness of the other ingredients to perfection.
Cream cheese and heavy cream are the heart and soul of this dish, providing an irresistible creamy texture. And, the jalapenos introduce a spicy element that pairs beautifully with the creamy base.
Finally, there is something magical about bacon and cheddar. The bacon adds a smoky, savory crunch, while the cheddar adds an extra creamy layer.
Ingredients and Substitutes
4 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, cubed – You can substitute the chicken for tofu, pork, or turkey.
Garlic powder (1 tbsp) – You can also use garlic flakes.
Onion powder (1 tbsp) – Like garlic powder, you can also use onion flakes.
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Cream cheese (8 oz) – Don’t use low-fat cream cheese since it can have more carbs than the original version, which can throw off your carb intake.
Heavy cream (½ cup)
5 jalapeno peppers, seeded and diced – Make sure you remove the seeds since there is more of the spiciness.
Mature cheddar cheese, shredded (2 cups) – Explore different types of cheese. Pepper jack can add an exciting kick, while mozzarella offers a gooey texture. Mixing different cheeses can provide a complex flavor.
TOPPING
6 slices bacon, cooked, chopped – You can use turkey bacon or plant-based bacon.
How to Make Keto Jalapeno Popper Casserole
Step 1. Grab a casserole dish and grease it with oil. Preheat the oven to 375F. Place the chicken breast at the bottom of the casserole dish.
Step 2. Coat the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3. Mix everything thoroughly until you make sure the chicken is coated with the seasonings.
Step 4. Add the cream cheese.
Step 5. Mix everything thoroughly.
Step 6. Add the heavy cream.
Step 7. Combine all the ingredients.
Step 8. Grab the jalapenos and place them on top of the chicken.
Step 9. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese on top of the casserole dish.
Step 10. Place in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked.
Step 11. Once it’s cooked, add the bacon crumbles before servings.
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Pin ItWays to Modify This Casserole
While this keto chicken casserole is delicious as it is, there are several ways to modify the recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Here are some of my favorite ways to modify this recipe.
- Change the protein. If you are not a fan of chicken, you can swap it for shredded chicken, turkey, or even diced pork. You can also consider a meatless option by using tofu or tempeh.
- Adjust the spice level. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the number of jalapenos you are using. You can also add other spices, such as smoked paprika or cayenne pepper, to complement the dish without relying on heat.
- Add more veggies. Include low-carb veggies like spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers to boost the nutrients and flavors of the dish.
Sides for Keto Jalapeno Popper Casserole
I think that you can have this keto jalapeno popper casserole, which is good on its own. However, there are certain pairings that can help elevate it.
- Fresh salad. A crisp, fresh salad with a light vinaigrette can balance out the casserole.
- Keto bread rolls. For those who miss bread, keto-friendly rolls can be a great addition to your meal. They are also perfect for soaking up any leftover cream sauce.
- Avocado slices. Top your casserole with fresh avocado to add healthy fats and a creamy contrast.
- Steamed broccoli. They’re just so good!
Storage and Leftovers
Place the leftovers in an airtight container and place it in the fridge. You can keep it there for up to 3-4 days.
Also, you can keep this meal in the freezer. You can place the entire uncooked casserole in the freezer and take it out once you are ready to have it.
If you want to keep the leftovers in the freezer, I recommend placing them in individual portions and keeping them in a freezer-friendly container. They can last up to 3 months.
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350F. Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for 15-20 minutes or until it’s warm.
Other Keto Casseroles You’ll Love
- Low-Carb Taco Casserole
- Keto Cauliflower Ziti
- Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
- Keto Chicken Broccoli Bake
Keto Jalapeno Popper Casserole
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts boneless, skinless, cubed
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 8 oz cream cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 5 jalapeno peppers seeded and diced
- 2 cups mature cheddar cheese shredded
Topping
- 6 slices bacon cooked, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375F. Spray a casserole dish with oil.
- Place chicken breasts on the bottom of the casserole. Cover with garlic powder, onion powder, salt and black pepper. Give it a good mix to cover the chicken with seasonings.
- Then add cream cheese and heavy cream and combine well.
- Cover the casserole dish with jalapenos and cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the oven for 40-45 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Top up with cooked bacon crumbles before serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
