Keto Jalapeño Popper Chicken – Creamy, Cheesy, Bacon-Topped Low-Carb Comfort

If you love jalapeño poppers and you love an easy, comforting chicken dinner, this Keto Jalapeño Popper Chicken is about to become your new obsession. Imagine tender baked chicken smothered in a creamy garlic-jalapeño mixture, covered with melted cheddar and crispy bacon—it’s everything you want in a warm, satisfying low-carb meal. It’s bold, rich, cheesy, a little spicy, and shockingly simple to make. Even non-keto eaters devour this recipe without hesitation.

This dish takes all the flavors of classic jalapeño poppers—cream cheese, cheddar cheese, jalapeños, bacon—and transforms them into a hearty entrée that works perfectly for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or entertaining. The cream cheese mixture melts into the chicken as it bakes, keeping it juicy and tender, while the cheddar and bacon create a golden, irresistible crust. It’s a dish that feels indulgent without breaking your carb count, making it a go-to favorite for keto, low-carb, or gluten-free families.

Let’s dig into this creamy, cheesy, slightly spicy masterpiece.

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Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 6 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2–3 jalapeños, seeded and minced (leave some seeds for extra heat)
• 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chopped chives or green onions (optional)
• Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños, extra bacon, cilantro

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Instructions:

1. Prep the chicken: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat chicken breasts dry.
2. Season: Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Sprinkle evenly on both sides.
3. Sear the chicken (optional but recommended): Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear chicken 2 minutes per side for extra flavor.
4. Make the popper mixture: In a bowl, mix cream cheese, shredded cheddar, mozzarella, minced jalapeños, and half the crumbled bacon.
5. Assemble: Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over each one.
6. Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Add cheese topping: Sprinkle remaining cheddar and bacon on top and bake 5 more minutes.
8. Garnish: Add sliced jalapeños, chives, or cilantro before serving.

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Tips & Tricks

• Searing first keeps the chicken juicy and adds great flavor.
• For extra spice, leave some jalapeño seeds or add a minced serrano.
• Use chicken thighs if you prefer a richer, more tender result.
• Too much heat? Add a bit of ranch seasoning to mellow the flavor.

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Variations

• Bacon-Wrapped Version: Wrap each chicken breast in bacon before baking.
• Cheesy Casserole Style: Cut chicken into chunks and mix the filling throughout for a scoopable bake.
• Air Fryer Jalapeño Popper Chicken: Cook chicken 12–14 minutes at 375°F, add topping, and finish for 2 more minutes.
• Ranch Jalapeño Popper Chicken: Add 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix to the cream cheese mixture.

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Serving Suggestions

• Cauliflower rice or cauliflower mash
• Sautéed green beans with garlic
• Roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts
• Simple keto salad with avocado
• On top of zucchini noodles

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Storage Information

• Refrigerator: Store for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze before baking for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat gently at 300°F until warm; avoid microwaving too long or cheese may separate.

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FAQ

Is this dish spicy?
It can be, but removing most seeds keeps it mild.

Can I use canned jalapeños?
Yes! They work great and blend easily into the filling.

Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely—assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

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History / Fun Facts

Jalapeño poppers became a popular appetizer in the U.S. during the late 1980s as Tex-Mex cuisine surged nationwide. They were originally deep-fried, but the flavors—cream cheese, cheddar, and peppers—proved so versatile that they quickly inspired dips, casseroles, and keto-friendly creations. This chicken version borrows everything people love about poppers but transforms them into a satisfying, protein-packed entrée.