This Cheesy Low Carb Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole combines the addictive flavors of a classic appetizer with a satisfying main course. Tender chicken breasts are smothered in rich cream cheese, layered with fresh jalapeƱo peppers, and topped with melted cheddar for a spicy, savory kick.
With its creamy, gooey texture and bold heat, this keto-friendly dish is an easy way to spice up your dinner routine without the extra carbs.
Recipe Details
- Flavor Profile: It captures the essence of a jalapeno popper with creamy richness from the cheeses and a spicy, fresh crunch from the peppers, all atop savory garlic-seasoned chicken.
- Texture: Juicy baked chicken is coated in a velvety cream cheese layer, contrasted by the tender-crisp peppers and bubbling cheddar crust.
- Time: 10 minutes prep, 45 minutes bake time.
- Difficulty: Very Easy. It is a simple layering method that requires minimal knife skills.
What Youāll Need
To make this recipe, you will need a 9×13-inch casserole dish to hold the chicken breasts in a single layer. A sharp knife is essential for slicing the jalapeƱos (and gloves are recommended!). The ingredients are minimal but impactful: lean chicken breasts, two types of cheese, and fresh peppers create the core of the dish.
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken Breast ā You need about 2 lbs of boneless skinless chicken breasts (3-4 breasts). Leaving them whole keeps them juicy during the bake time.
- Cream Cheese ā Use a standard 8-ounce block, softened. Softening is crucial so you can spread it evenly over the raw chicken.
- JalapeƱo Peppers ā Fresh peppers are key for texture and flavor. You will need about a half-pound (5-6 peppers). Removing the seeds and ribs controls the heat level.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese ā Grated sharp cheddar adds a bold flavor that stands up to the spice and cream cheese.
- Garlic Powder ā A simple seasoning that adds savory depth to the chicken before the toppings are added.
Add-ins and Substitutions
- Bacon ā Crumbled cooked bacon sprinkled on top before serving adds a smoky, salty crunch that fits the “popper” theme perfectly.
- Spice Control ā If you are sensitive to heat, you can substitute half of the jalapeƱos with mild green bell peppers or poblano peppers.
- Cheese ā Pepper Jack cheese can be used instead of cheddar for an extra spicy kick.
How to Make Cheesy Low Carb Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole
- Prep: Preheat the oven to 375ĖF.
- Season and Spread: Lay the chicken breasts flat in a casserole dish in a single layer. Season them evenly with the garlic powder. Then, spread the softened cream cheese over the top of the chicken breasts as evenly as possible.
- Prep Peppers: Wash the jalapeƱo peppers and cut the tops off. Slice them into strips (julienne style) or rings. Note: Remove the seeds and white membranes if you want a milder dish, or leave some in if you prefer more spice.
- Layer: Lay the jalapeƱo strips on top of the cream cheese layer. Sprinkle the grated sharp cheddar cheese over the peppers.
- Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes. The casserole is done when the cheese is bubbly and the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165ĖF.
- Serve: Serve warm with a side of potatoes, veggies, or a baked potato. Enjoy!
Pro Tip: Wear gloves when cutting the jalapeƱos! The oils can linger on your skin and burn if you touch your eyes or face later. If you don’t have gloves, wash your hands thoroughly with dish soap immediately after handling the peppers.
Recipe Tips
- Chicken Thickness: If your chicken breasts are very thick, you might want to pound them to an even thickness or butterfly them so they cook evenly within the 40-minute timeframe.
- Soft Cream Cheese: If your cream cheese is cold, microwave it for 15-20 seconds to make it spreadable. Spreading cold cream cheese on raw chicken is difficult and messy.
- Resting: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after taking it out of the oven. This helps the cheese topping set slightly so it doesn’t slide off when you serve the chicken.
FAQs
- Is this keto? Yes, this recipe is naturally low carb and high fat, making it perfect for a keto diet.
- Can I use chicken thighs? Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and stay very moist. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
- How spicy is this? It depends entirely on the peppers. With seeds removed, it is a mild-medium heat. With seeds, it can be quite spicy.
Serving Suggestions
- Low Carb Sides: Serve with cauliflower rice or roasted broccoli to keep the meal keto-friendly.
- Potatoes: As suggested, a baked potato or roasted red skin potatoes make a hearty side for those not counting carbs.
- Salad: A cool cucumber salad helps balance the heat of the peppers.
Make This Recipe in Advance
- Prep: You can assemble the entire casserole (chicken, cream cheese, peppers, cheddar) earlier in the day, cover it, and store it in the fridge.
- Baking: When ready to eat, bake as directed. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if the dish is cold from the fridge.
Cheesy Low Carb Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings 1x
Description
This Cheesy Low Carb Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole combines the addictive flavors of a classic appetizer with a satisfying main course. Tender chicken breasts are smothered in rich cream cheese, layered with fresh jalapeƱo peppers, and topped with melted Cheddar for a spicy, savory kick. With its creamy, gooey texture and bold heat, this Keto-friendly dish is an easy way to spice up your dinner routine without the extra carbs.
Ingredients
The Base
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approx. 3ā4 breasts)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
The Toppings
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 pound fresh jalapeƱo peppers (approx. 5ā6 peppers)
- 4 oz sharp Cheddar cheese, grated (about 1 cup)
Instructions
Prep
Preheat the oven to 375Ā°F (190Ā°C).
Season & Spread
Lay the chicken breasts flat in a 9×13-inch casserole dish in a single layer. Season evenly with the garlic powder. Spread the softened cream cheese over the top of the raw chicken breasts, covering them as evenly as possible. Tip: If the cream cheese is cold, microwave it for 15ā20 seconds to make it spreadable.
Prep Peppers
Wash the jalapeƱos and remove the stems. Slice them into strips or rings. Heat Control: Remove the seeds and white membranes for a milder dish. Leave them in if you prefer a spicy kick. Wear gloves to protect your hands!
Layer
Arrange the jalapeƱo strips on top of the cream cheese layer. Sprinkle the grated sharp Cheddar cheese generously over the peppers.
Bake
Bake for 40ā45 minutes. Doneness Check: The cheese should be bubbly and browned, and the chicken must reach an internal temperature of 165Ā°F (74Ā°C).
Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes (to help the cheese set), then serve warm.
Notes
Safety First: JalapeƱo oils can burn skin and eyes. Wear gloves when slicing, or wash your hands thoroughly with dish soap immediately after handling.
Chicken Prep: If your chicken breasts are very thick, pound them to an even thickness or butterfly them. This ensures they cook through evenly without drying out the edges.
Bacon Upgrade: For the full “popper” experience, sprinkle crumbled cooked bacon over the top just before serving for a salty, smoky crunch.
Make Ahead: You can assemble the entire dish in the morning, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to eat, bake as directed (add 5ā10 minutes to the cook time if baking from cold).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner / Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American / Keto
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Chicken Breast with Topping
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 52g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
Keywords: jalapeno popper chicken, keto chicken casserole, low carb dinner recipes, spicy chicken bake, cream cheese chicken, easy weeknight meals, gluten free casserole
