Easy Keto Cheesy Chicken Popper Casserole

This Keto Cheesy Chicken Popper Casserole is so easy to make and is sure to be a family-pleaser!  Creamy and slightly spicy chicken combined with the saltiness of bacon and cheese, what is there not to love?!  Also, with only a handful of ingredients, this low carb chicken casserole is perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

Who doesn't love a chicken dinner, loaded with cheese and easy to make?

And let's face it, chicken is just such a staple when it comes to healthy and low carb dinners.

And if you can't tell from my Buffalo Chicken Wing Dip (Whole30, Paleo, Keto)  as well as my Spicy Harissa Carrot Salad (Whole30, Low Carb, Paleo), I LOVE spicy food.

Now Mr. Grumbles, on the other hand, only likes slightly spicy food.

And that's what's so great about this Keto Cheesy Chicken Popper Casserole! 

Why do I love this Keto Chicken Popper Casserole?

• it only requires 8 ingredients
• you can make is as spicy as you like (or not at all!)
• it is REALLY easy to throw together
• it is a GREAT way to use up leftover chicken
• if you have an oven-proof skillet, you can eliminate the casserole dish and bake this chicken directly in the skillet (that means you only have 1 dish to clean!)
• it reheats well and tastes AMAZING even the next day

What ingredients do you need to make this Keto Chicken Popper Casserole?

• chicken
• bacon
• cheese
• sour cream
• mayo
• cream cheese
• salt and pepper
• OPTIONAL - smoked paprika, garlic powder, hot sauce

What type of chicken can I use in this low carb cheesy chicken casserole recipe?

You can use either chicken breast or thigh meat.  I used boneless skinless chicken thigh meat as it was what I had on hand.  

You can also use any leftover cooked chicken breast or a combination of leftover rotisserie chicken.

If you use chicken that has already been cooked, you do not have to cook it again in the skillet.

How do you make this Keto Cheesy Chicken Popper Casserole?

• In a large skillet or saute pan, cook the chopped bacon on medium heat. 
• Add the raw diced chicken to the skillet (leave the bacon grease in the skillet) and cook for 5 minutes or until the chicken is starting to whiten on the outside but is still pink in the inside.
• Transfer the chicken (and any leftover bacon grease) into the bowl with the bacon. 
• Add in all remaining ingredients, reserving ½ cup of shredded cheddar, and stir the everything together  
• Place the mixture into a baking dish and press it down slightly. 
• Sprinkle the remaining reserved cheddar cheese and bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes (broil on "Hi" at the end to brown the cheese.)

How can I adjust the spice level of this Chicken Popper Casserole?

• you can add as much hot sauce as you like
• you can chop up 1-2 jalapeno peppers and cook them with the bacon
• you can use jalapeno cheddar cheese
• you can add some chili powder to the dish

What ingredients can I substitute in this Keto Cheesy Chicken Casserole?

• replace the chicken thigh meat with chicken breast meat or cooked leftover chicken
• you can switch the cheddar cheese to whatever cheese you have on hand
• you can replace the sour cream with Greek Yogurt or Icelandic Plain Yogurt
• instead of the may0, you could use blue cheese or ranch salad dressing
• you can also sneak in some raw riced cauliflower to get some extra veggies
• instead of making this in a casserole dish, you can bake it directly in the skillet if your skillet is oven-proof.

What can you serve alongside this Keto Chicken Popper Casserole to make it a complete meal?

Keto Maple Bacon Broccoli Salad

Quick and Easy Parmesan Roasted Broccoli

Ricotta Asparagus Tart (Gluten Free, Low Carb)