Keto Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole

If you are on Keto or very low carb diet, this Keto Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole is just right to include among one of your meals.

This chicken casserole is so creamy and packed with flavorful ingredients yet it contains very low in carbohydrates. Because of the cream and cheese, the spiciness of jalapeno becomes so moderate that it added to the savory taste.

Jalapeno and chicken combined together make a tasty, healthy, and filling very low carb meal. 

Is there anyone not familiar with jalapeno poppers?

These are jalapeno chili peppers cut in half lengthwise with seeds removed. They are stuffed with cream cheese, and cheddar cheese, meat such as bacon, minced pork, beef, or chicken seasoned with salt and pepper.

Sometimes, herbs and other spices are also added. They are then placed into a tray and baked. And then they are served with sour cream, ranch dressing, or onion dips.

Other varieties of these jalapeno poppers are bacon-wrapped and breaded.

Thus, this Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole has the distinct taste of jalapeno poppers with shredded chicken act as an extender. But instead of creating fillings for the jalapeno chili, they are arranged in layers in a casserole dish and then baked.

A little bit about Keto Diet

For some who may not fully understand what Keto means, it is short for Ketogenic. This is a very low carb, moderate protein, and high-fat diet. The main source of energy for the body being used is ketones instead of glucose.

The ketogenic diet became popular in the 1920s for 2 decades as therapy for children with epilepsy. It slowly diminished because of the new drugs formulated for epilepsy.

After so many years, the Ketogenic diet resurfaces, although it didn’t disappear completely. Nowadays, the Keto diet became popular again not only for children with epilepsy but as a therapy for other health issues. Some doctors and health professionals have advised this diet to improve their metabolic syndromes. 

The aftereffect is these people lose weight fast. Hence this diet also became popular for this reason.

Different studies are currently going on for this type of diet.

What are in the Keto Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole

To become a keto-approved meal, the amount of carbohydrates should be very low to almost nil in numbers with high healthy fat and moderate protein.

Chicken breast – a good source of protein. If you can find free-range or organically grown chicken will be great.  

Jalapeno Pepper – This is medium-sized pod-typed chili pepper and one of the mild hot peppers (Scoville Heat Unit: 2,500-8,000 SHU). It is typically picked and consumed while it is still green. Containing Capsaicin (an active component that makes a chili pepper hot) with analgesic properties.

It relieves headaches and nasal congestion. According to studies, it fights cancer and inflammations. It also helps lower high blood pressure, soothes intestinal disease, burns fat, and lose weight. It is also loaded with vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that strengthens the body’s natural defenses.

Nitrate-Free Bacon – bacon without sodium nitrate (used as a preservative for certain kinds of meats). A good source of healthy fat and protein (depends on how much and meat in it.

Make sure the bacon has no added sugar or high carb sweetener which was sometimes used to sweeten or to add flavor.

Cream Cheese – a soft, mild-tasting dairy spread with a smooth consistency. It contains high fat and a good source of vitamin A and some B2 (Riboflavin), and may have a probiotic effect because it is made using a starting culture from lactic acid bacteria.

Love cheese into your meals? Check these, too.

• Cheesy Spam Hash Brown Casserole
• Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Chicken Roll-Ups
• Instant Pot Orzo & Italian Sausage Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Heavy Cream – also known as Heavy Whipping Cream. But this is also different from Whipping Cream. Heavy whipping cream is the thick part of the milk that rises up on top because of its high-fat content. It has about 36-40% fat. (Whipping cream has about 30% fat).

It also contains fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, and also a good source of Choline. There are studies that show full-fat dairy products are associated with decreased risk of obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.

Colby-Jack Cheese – Also called Cojack cheese. It is a classic American cheese and a blend of Colby Cheese and Monterey Jack cheese. A semi-soft cheese that has marbled white and orangy color. It tastes a bit sweet and tangy. This is a good choice to use for casseroles because of their good melting capabilities.

It contains high fat, moderate protein, and very low carbohydrates. A very good source of Calcium, which helps support strong bone, avoid tooth cavity and osteoporosis. It improves immunity, has anti-bacterial properties, manages blood circulation thus provide a healthier heart. This is also great for breastfeeding mothers as it increases breast milk.

Onion Powder, garlic powder, paprika, and chicken stocks – although in small amounts, they enhance the taste of the Keto Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole. Being herb and spices, they are also known to have good health benefits. 

How to make the Keto Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole

Have the ingredients on hand

• 3 large chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 6 slices of nitrate-free bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 4 jalapenos, seeded and sliced lengthwise into strips
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½teaspoon paprika
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup chicken stock
• 1 cup Colby-Jack cheese, shredded

Then follow this simple direction:

1. Preheat oven to 375℉.
2. Evenly lay the shredded chicken in a 2-quart casserole dish.
3. In a small bowl, mix together onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Then sprinkle on the chicken.
4. In a mixing bowl, add softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and chicken stock. Mix well until combined. Then spread in an even layer over the spiced chicken.
5. Add the jalapeno pepper strips over the top of the cream cheese layer – mostly covering the surface.
6. Sprinkle the shredded Colby-Jack cheese on top and place in preheated oven to bake for 25 minutes.
7. Remove from oven and add crumbled bacon. Place back in the oven for 3-5 minutes. Serve warm.

Very easy, right? Let me know how you did once you made this recipe.  You want to print? Just click the Print below.

Enjoy!