Keto Jalapeño Chicken Casserole (Print Version)

A cheesy, spicy casserole featuring chicken, bacon, jalapeños, and cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal.

# 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

# How to Make:

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 Advice:

01 -
  • It's comfort food that actually fits keto macros, so you can eat it without the guilt spiral.
  • One pan means minimal cleanup, which is honestly half the battle on a weeknight.
  • The heat from jalapeños, creaminess of the cheese sauce, and smokiness of bacon create this perfect balance that makes everyone ask for seconds.
02 -
  • Frozen cauliflower rice must be thawed and squeezed dry in a kitchen towel, or your casserole becomes a watery disaster—I learned this the hard way.
  • Don't skip the pre-sauté of cauliflower rice; raw frozen rice releases water straight into the sauce and changes everything.
03 -
  • Grate your own cheese from a block instead of buying pre-shredded; it melts smoother and browns more evenly.
  • Cook your bacon in the oven at 400°F for 15 minutes instead of the stove—less spattering, even cooking, and you free up burner space.
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