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Keto Chicken Jalapeño Popper Casserole - Creamy, Cheesy, and Weeknight Easy

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 4 cups cooked, shredded or cubed chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
  • Jalapeños: 4–6 fresh jalapeños, seeded and diced (leave some seeds if you like more heat)
  • Bacon: 6–8 slices, cooked crisp and crumbled
  • Cream Cheese: 8 oz, softened
  • Sour Cream: 1/2 cup
  • Mayonnaise: 2 tablespoons (adds extra creaminess)
  • Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups shredded, divided
  • Monterey Jack or Mozzarella: 1 cup shredded, for melty stretch
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • Onion Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Smoked Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon (optional but tasty)
  • Green Onions: 2, thinly sliced (for garnish)
  • Salt and Pepper: To taste
  • Butter or Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon, for sautéing jalapeños

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven: Set to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Prep the bacon: Cook bacon until crisp. Drain, cool, and crumble. Set aside.
  3. Sauté the jalapeños: Warm butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced jalapeños and a pinch of salt. Cook 3–4 minutes until slightly softened and fragrant. Remove from heat.
  4. Make the creamy base: In a large bowl, mix softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth. Stir in garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  5. Add cheeses: Fold in 1.5 cups cheddar and all the Monterey Jack or mozzarella. Reserve the remaining cheddar for topping.
  6. Combine with chicken: Add the cooked chicken, sautéed jalapeños, and half the crumbled bacon. Stir to coat everything evenly.
  7. Assemble the casserole: Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining cheddar and the rest of the bacon.
  8. Bake: Place on the middle rack and bake 18–22 minutes, until the casserole is hot and the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown.
  9. Rest and garnish: Let it rest 5–10 minutes. Sprinkle with sliced green onions before serving.
  10. Serve: Enjoy as-is, or pair with a simple side salad or roasted low-carb veggies.