Imagine infusing the creamy, spicy tang of jalapeño poppers into a hearty casserole that’s perfect for your keto lifestyle. That’s exactly what the Smoked Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole offers. Ideal for a family dinner, a weekend gathering, or even just a delicious way to spice up your meal prep, this dish combines the convenience of a rotisserie chicken with the robust flavors of smoked bacon, jalapeños, and cheese—all cooked in a smoker to enhance those deep, smoky notes.
Smoked Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole
Dive into a dish where every bite is a blend of smoky goodness and creamy spice.
Ingredients
- 1 rotisserie chicken, meat removed and shredded
- 6 slices of bacon, cut into 1/2″ pieces
- 1 small onion, diced
- 4 jalapeños
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup of half & half or heavy cream
- 2 tsp BBQ rub
- 6 oz shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Set the cream cheese out on the counter at least an hour before beginning to allow it to soften.
- Preheat the smoker to around 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cut one jalapeño into thin rings and set aside for garnishing later. Halve, de-rib, and dice the remaining three jalapeños.
- In a medium-sized cast iron or other oven-safe pan, cook the bacon pieces on medium-low heat until browned and crispy. Then remove and set aside, reserving the bacon fat.
- Using the same pan, return 1 tbsp of reserved bacon fat. Add the diced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook on medium heat until onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the diced jalapeños and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute. Remove from heat.
- Incorporate the cream cheese and half & half into the pan, mixing until smooth.
- Stir in half of the reserved bacon and most of the shredded chicken into the pan. Add the BBQ rub, adjust seasoning to taste, and mix well.
- Place the pan in the smoker and cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Remove the pan, sprinkle with shredded cheddar, reserved jalapeño rings, and remaining bacon. Return to the smoker, increase temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and cook until the top is nicely browned, about 20 minutes.
Breakdown of Ingredients and Average Carb Content
Understanding what goes into your dish is crucial, especially when following a ketogenic diet. Here’s a look at the carb content:
- Rotisserie Chicken: 0g carbs (note: based on plain rotisserie chicken)
- Bacon: 0g carbs
- Onion: 14g carbs per whole onion
- Jalapeños: 1g carbs per pepper
- Garlic: 1g carbs per clove
- Cream Cheese: 2g carbs per ounce
- Half & Half: 10.4g carbs per cup
- BBQ Rub: Variable, check packaging
- Cheddar Cheese: 0.4g carbs per ounce
Total carbs depend on portion sizes and specific brands used, but each serving generally stays low-carb, fitting perfectly into a keto diet.
A Smoky Sensation on Your Keto Menu
With every forkful of Smoked Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole, you get a taste of smoky delight that satisfies your cravings and keeps your carb count in check. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet meal at home or impressing friends with your keto cooking prowess, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Fire up your smoker and let the flavors unfold!
Credit to PyroccdPyroccd on Reddit
