Keto Jalapeño Popper Chicken (Print Version)

A creamy, cheesy chicken and cauliflower bake with smoky bacon and jalapeño heat.

# What You’ll Need:

→ 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

07 - 4 cups cauliflower rice, fresh or frozen
08 - 4 to 5 jalapeños, seeded and diced, plus extra slices for garnish
09 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
10 - 1/4 cup green onions, sliced

→ Pantry & Seasonings

11 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
13 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
14 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

# Step-by-Step:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of oil and sauté the cauliflower rice for 5 to 7 minutes until softened. Remove from heat.
03 - 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.
04 - Fold in cooked chicken, sautéed cauliflower rice, diced jalapeños, minced garlic, half the crumbled bacon, and half the green onions. Stir until well combined.
05 - Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar cheese and bacon.
06 - Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
07 - Garnish with extra jalapeño slices and the remaining green onions before serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but honestly, you'll be done in under an hour.
  • The jalapeños keep things interesting without overwhelming your palate or your carb count.
  • Bacon and cream cheese together is never a mistake, and this proves it.
02 -
  • Don't skip sautéing the cauliflower rice—raw cauliflower releases water as it bakes, and that moisture will make your casserole watery if you don't cook it down first.
  • Softening the cream cheese at room temperature is non-negotiable; cold cream cheese refuses to blend smoothly and leaves you with grainy sauce.
03 -
  • Cook your bacon first, and while it cools, you can move through the other prep work—it's a natural rhythm that keeps you from standing around waiting.
  • Use a skillet with sloped sides for the cauliflower rice so you can toss it easily without flinging hot rice onto your stovetop.
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