Spicy Keto Jalapeño Popper Chicken

A luxuriously creamy, low-carb dinner that combines the beloved flavors of jalapeño poppers with juicy chicken breasts.

KEY INFO

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
Total Time: 45-55 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Intermediate
Diet: Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

9×13 inch baking dish
Large skillet
Meat thermometer (recommended)
Mixing bowl
Alternative: Slow cooker (note: bacon won’t crisp)

INGREDIENTS

Main Components

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs/900g)
8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
3-4 fresh jalapeños, seeded and diced
8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 cup (120g) sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Seasonings

1 tsp garlic salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

METHOD

1. Preheat oven

Set oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare chicken

Pat chicken breasts dry
Season with garlic salt and pepper
Place in baking dish

Seasoned chicken breasts arranged in a white baking dish, accompanied by diced jalapeños and cream cheese in prep bowls, in a modern kitchen with green subway tile backsplash and copper pots.

3. Make topping

Mix softened cream cheese until smooth
Fold in diced jalapeños
Stir in half the crumbled bacon

4. Assemble

Spread cream cheese mixture over each chicken breast
Top with remaining bacon
Sprinkle with cheddar cheese

Chicken breasts topped with creamy jalapeño mixture in a modern kitchen setting, illuminated by natural daylight

5. Bake

Bake for 30-40 minutes until:
Internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)
Cheese is golden and bubbly

Ready for oven dish topped with bacon crumbles and shredded cheddar cheese in a modern kitchen under natural daylight

CRUCIAL TIPS

Let cream cheese soften naturally for 30 minutes before mixing
Don’t overcrowd the baking dish
Wear gloves when handling jalapeños
Let rest 5 minutes before serving

Golden-brown dish with melted cheese, crispy bacon, and jalapeño cream cheese topping in a modern kitchen setting

STORAGE & VARIATIONS

Storage

Refrigerate up to 3 days
Freeze up to 3 months
Reheat in oven at 350°F until hot

Common Substitutions

Use chicken thighs instead of breasts
Swap pepper jack for extra heat
Try Greek yogurt cream cheese for a lighter version

Scaling

Recipe doubles easily
Use multiple baking dishes for large batches
Adjust cooking time for thicker cuts

This recipe has become my go-to for keto dinner parties – it’s always a crowd-pleaser and nobody misses the carbs. Just remember: the key to perfection lies in not overcooking the chicken and letting those cheeses get properly melty.