Spicy Keto Jalapeño Popper Chicken – One-Dish Comfort Food

Spicy Keto Jalapeño Popper Chicken – One-Dish Comfort Food

KEY INFO

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Difficulty level: Easy
• Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large mixing bowl
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Meat thermometer
• Measuring cups and spoons

Simple alternatives: Use any large baking dish you have – even a cast iron skillet works beautifully for this recipe.

INGREDIENTS

Main Components:

• 2 lbs (900g) boneless chicken breasts or thighs
• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• 6 fresh jalapeño peppers, sliced (or ½ cup jarred)
• 2 cups (200g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup (240ml) sour cream

Seasonings:

• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Green onions, sliced

METHOD

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease your baking dish.
2. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika on both sides.
3. Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble and set aside.
4. Prepare jalapeños by slicing them into rings. Remove seeds for less heat or keep them for extra fire.
5. Mix the creamy base by combining softened cream cheese, sour cream, and half the cheddar cheese in your large bowl.
6. Layer the chicken in your prepared baking dish.
7. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chicken.
8. Top with jalapeño slices and remaining cheddar cheese.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.
10. Add crumbled bacon in the last 5 minutes of baking.
11. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set.

CRUCIAL TIPS

• Use a meat thermometer – this prevents dry, overcooked chicken every single time
• Soften cream cheese completely – pop it in the microwave for 30 seconds if you forgot to take it out early
• Wear gloves when handling jalapeños – trust me on this one
• Don’t skip the resting time – those bubbling hot juices need a moment to settle

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days in an airtight container.

Scaling: Double everything for a crowd and use a larger dish. Half the recipe works perfectly in an 8×8 pan.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Adding bacon too early (it gets soggy)
• Using cold cream cheese (creates lumpy mixture)
• Overcrowding jalapeños (they won’t cook evenly)

Variations:

• Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese for extra heat
• Add spinach to the cream cheese mixture for hidden veggies
• Use rotisserie chicken to cut prep time in half
• Make individual stuffed chicken breasts instead of a casserole

This spicy keto jalapeño popper chicken delivers all the flavors of your favorite appetizer in a satisfying main dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!