Description
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Bake is a creamy, cheesy, and spicy casserole made with tender chicken, cream cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, and crispy bacon, topped with fresh jalapeños for an irresistible, comforting dinner. This low-carb, keto-friendly dish is perfect for any night of the week!
Ingredients
Scale
For Jalapeño Popper Chicken Bake:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits (about 4–5 slices)
- 3–4 fresh jalapeños (sliced thinly)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes or chopped cooked bacon for extra flavor
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, mozzarella, bacon bits, and half of the sliced jalapeños. Stir until well mixed.
- Sear the Chicken: In an oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side to achieve a golden crust. Alternatively, use a baking dish if you prefer.
- Assemble the Bake: Spread the cream cheese mixture over the seared chicken. Top with the remaining jalapeños.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions, if desired.
Notes
- Chicken Thighs: Use chicken thighs for extra moisture and tenderness.
- More Heat: For extra spice, add more jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture.
- Cheese Variations: Swap cheddar or mozzarella for gouda, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Bake, cheesy chicken bake, low carb casserole, keto-friendly chicken bake, spicy chicken bake