Keto Jalapeño Popper Chicken: A Low-Carb Dinner That Tastes Indulgent

If you love jalapeño poppers, creamy chicken dishes, or bold flavors with minimum effort, this Keto Jalapeño Popper Chicken is about to become a weeknight staple in your kitchen. It combines everything people crave in classic jalapeño poppers—creamy cheese filling, smoky bacon, and mild jalapeño heat—but turns it into a hearty, satisfying, low-carb meal.

This recipe is keto-friendly, gluten-free, family-approved, and incredibly easy. With simple ingredients like chicken breasts, cream cheese, shredded cheese, jalapeños, and bacon, this dish delivers huge flavor without complicated steps. It’s baked until bubbly and golden, creating the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, spicy, and savory.

Whether you’re eating keto, reducing carbs, or just craving a delicious baked chicken dish, this jalapeño popper chicken hits every note: rich, cheesy, flavorful, and unbelievably comforting.

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Why This Keto Jalapeño Popper Chicken Works

1. Perfect for keto and low-carb diets

Almost zero carbs, high in protein and healthy fats.

2. Creamy and comforting

The cream cheese mixture melts into a rich sauce over tender chicken.

3. Smoky bacon for texture

Crispy bacon adds saltiness and crunch.

4. Mild or spicy—your choice

Control the heat by using less or more jalapeños.

5. A true one-pan meal

Prep in minutes, bake, and serve.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Jalapeño Popper Topping

• 6 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3–4 jalapeños, diced (seeds removed for mild heat)
• 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• ¼ cup mayonnaise (optional for extra creaminess)

For Garnish

• Extra jalapeño slices
• Extra bacon
• Fresh parsley or green onions

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Instructions

1. Season the Chicken

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Place in a greased baking dish.

2. Make the Topping

In a bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, jalapeños, bacon, garlic, and mayo (if using).

3. Spread Over Chicken

Evenly spread the jalapeño popper mixture over each chicken breast.

4. Bake

Bake 25–30 minutes until chicken is cooked through and topping is bubbly.

5. Optional Broil

Broil 2–3 minutes for extra golden color.

6. Garnish & Serve

Top with extra bacon, jalapeño slices, and herbs.

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Expert Tips for the Best Jalapeño Popper Chicken

Pound the chicken lightly

This ensures even baking and tender texture.

Leave some seeds for more heat

For spicy lovers, keep ¼–½ of the seeds.

Use pre-cooked bacon

Crispier bacon adds better texture.

Add toppings at the end

Fresh jalapeño slices brighten the flavor.

Make it creamier

Add an extra 2 tablespoons mayo to enrich the sauce.

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Variations

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Thighs

Swap breasts for boneless chicken thighs.

Ranch Jalapeño Chicken

Add 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning to the cream cheese mixture.

Low-Carb Jalapeño Popper Casserole

Cube the chicken and mix everything together before baking.

Extra Spicy Version

Add diced Fresno peppers or a pinch of cayenne.

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What to Serve with Keto Jalapeño Popper Chicken

Keto side dishes:

• Cauliflower mash
• Roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts
• Cauliflower rice
• Zucchini noodles
• Keto biscuits

Non-keto sides:

• Garlic rice
• Crispy potatoes
• Dinner rolls

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Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator:

Store 3–4 days in an airtight container.

Freezer:

Freeze up to 2 months before or after baking.

Reheat:

• Oven: 350°F for 10–12 minutes
• Microwave: 1–2 minutes

Add extra cheese when reheating if needed.