Keto Jalapeño Popper Chicken

Featured in: Family Meals

This comforting dish blends tender chicken with smoky bacon and spicy jalapeños, all embraced by a creamy, cheesy sauce layered over sautéed cauliflower rice. The casserole bakes to golden perfection, combining bold flavors and a satisfying texture. Ideal for low-carb meals, it delivers a balance of protein and vibrant spice, making it a perfect dinner option that’s easy to prepare and packed with richness.

Updated on Wed, 18 Feb 2026 02:57:56 GMT
Creamy Keto Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole with cauliflower rice, bacon, and melted cheddar, baked until bubbly and golden. Save
Creamy Keto Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole with cauliflower rice, bacon, and melted cheddar, baked until bubbly and golden. | cinnamonglow.com

A creamy, cheesy, and spicy casserole featuring tender chicken, smoky bacon, and cauliflower rice, all inspired by classic jalapeño poppers—a perfect, low-carb comfort dish. This meal brings together the heat of fresh jalapeños and the richness of melted cheddar for a satisfying dinner.

Creamy Keto Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole with cauliflower rice, bacon, and melted cheddar, baked until bubbly and golden. Save
Creamy Keto Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole with cauliflower rice, bacon, and melted cheddar, baked until bubbly and golden. | cinnamonglow.com

Perfect for those on a ketogenic diet, this casserole swaps out grains for cauliflower rice without sacrificing any of the comforting textures you love. It is easy to assemble and bake, making it a reliable choice for weeknight cooking.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 4 cups cauliflower rice (fresh or frozen)
  • 4–5 jalapeños, seeded and diced (plus extra slices for garnish)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
Product image
Transfer liquids, oils, and dry ingredients cleanly into bottles and jars while cooking or baking.
Check price on Amazon

Instructions

Step 1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
Step 2
In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of oil and sauté the cauliflower rice for 5–7 minutes until softened. Remove from heat.
Step 3
In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, 1 cup cheddar cheese, mozzarella, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
Step 4
Fold in cooked chicken, sautéed cauliflower rice, diced jalapeños, minced garlic, half the crumbled bacon, and half the green onions. Stir until well combined.
Step 5
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar cheese and bacon.
Step 6
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
Step 7
Garnish with extra jalapeño slices and the remaining green onions before serving.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For extra heat, leave some jalapeño seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne to the seasoning mix.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Substitute turkey bacon for a lighter option or omit bacon for a vegetarian version. You can also experiment with different types of spicy peppers if you prefer a different heat profile.

Serviervorschläge

Serve with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies. This dish pairs well with a dry Riesling or sparkling water with lime.

Save
| cinnamonglow.com

This Keto Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole is a delicious way to enjoy your favorite appetizer flavors as a hearty, low-carb meal. Enjoy the perfect blend of spice and creaminess in every bite.

Product image
Effortlessly chop vegetables, slice meats, and prep ingredients smoothly for everyday cooking and recipe preparation.
Check price on Amazon

Recipe FAQ Section

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake it just before serving for best texture and flavor.

Is it possible to make this dish spicier?

Absolutely. Keep some jalapeño seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to increase the heat to your preference.

What can I substitute for bacon?

Turkey bacon works well for a lighter option, or you can omit bacon entirely for a vegetarian-friendly version.

Can frozen cauliflower rice be used?

Yes, frozen cauliflower rice is fine. Be sure to sauté it until softened to avoid extra moisture in the casserole.

What sides pair well with this dish?

Serve alongside crisp green salad or steamed vegetables. A dry Riesling or sparkling water with lime complements the flavors nicely.

Keto Jalapeño Popper Chicken

Creamy casserole with chicken, smoky bacon, jalapeños, and cauliflower rice, perfect for a low-carb comforting meal.

Prep duration
20 min
Time to cook
35 min
Complete duration
55 min
Created by Hannah Collins

Classification Family Meals

Skill level Easy

Cultural Origin American

Output 6 Portion count

Dietary considerations Without gluten, Reduced-Carb

Components

Protein & Dairy

01 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
02 8 oz cream cheese, softened
03 1 cup sour cream
04 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
05 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
06 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Vegetables

01 4 cups cauliflower rice, fresh or frozen
02 4 to 5 jalapeños, seeded and diced, plus extra slices for garnish
03 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 1/4 cup green onions, sliced

Pantry & Seasonings

01 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
02 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
03 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
05 Oil for sautéing

Method

Phase 01

Prepare Baking Vessel: Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish.

Phase 02

Soften Cauliflower Rice: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté cauliflower rice for 5 to 7 minutes until softened. Remove from heat.

Phase 03

Create Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, 1 cup cheddar cheese, mozzarella, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.

Phase 04

Combine Components: Fold cooked chicken, sautéed cauliflower rice, diced jalapeños, minced garlic, half the crumbled bacon, and half the green onions into the cheese mixture. Stir until well combined.

Phase 05

Assemble Casserole: Spread mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar cheese and bacon.

Phase 06

Bake Until Golden: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.

Phase 07

Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with extra jalapeño slices and remaining green onions before serving.

Tools needed

  • 9 by 13 inch baking dish
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Skillet
  • Spatula or spoon
  • Knife and cutting board

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult with a healthcare professional if you're uncertain about any ingredients.
  • Contains dairy: cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella
  • May contain traces of milk and lactose
  • Contains pork: bacon
  • Gluten-free preparation; verify all labels to prevent cross-contamination

Nutritional breakdown (per portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 420
  • Fats: 31 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Protein Content: 29 g