Jalapeño Popper Skillet Chicken Recipe (Keto-Friendly)

The first time I made this Jalapeño Popper Skillet Chicken, I was surprised by how quickly it became a staple in my kitchen.

It has everything I love—creamy cheese, smoky bacon, juicy chicken, and just enough jalapeño heat to keep things interesting.

I didn’t expect it to be so simple either; just one skillet and done! That cheesy, slightly spicy sauce clinging to the tender chicken was irresistible.

I’ve made it multiple times since, and honestly, it keeps getting better.

Ingredients

Let’s go over what you’ll need and why each one makes a difference.

Chicken thighs (1.5 lbs): Juicier than chicken breasts and stay tender in the skillet.
Bacon (6 slices): Adds smoky richness and crisps up beautifully for texture.
Jalapeños (2-3, diced): Use fresh for the best pop of spice and crunch.
Onion (1 medium, diced): Adds natural sweetness to balance the heat.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Gives depth and aroma.
Cream cheese (8 oz): Makes the sauce extra creamy and rich.
Sour cream (½ cup): Adds tang and helps smooth out the cheese.
Colby Jack cheese (1 ½ cups, shredded): Melts beautifully into the sauce.
Salt (½ tsp): Enhances all the flavors.
Black pepper (½ tsp): Adds a light kick.
Green onions (2 tbsp, sliced – optional): For garnish and freshness on top.

Note: This recipe serves about 4 people generously.

Variations

You can absolutely make this dish your own with these easy swaps:

Use chicken breasts or pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Try turkey bacon or beef bacon for a pork-free version.
Swap Colby Jack with Monterey Jack, cheddar, or pepper jack for extra spice.
Use full-fat Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangy twist.
Go dairy-free by using plant-based cream cheese and cheese alternatives.

Cooking Time

Here’s how much time you’ll need to get this on the table:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Equipment You’ll Need

A few basic tools are all you need for this one-skillet wonder:

Cast Iron Skillet: For searing and baking everything in one pan.
Tongs: To flip chicken without splatter.
Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your skillet.
Oven Mitts: Essential for moving the hot skillet to and from the oven.

How to Make Jalapeño Popper Skillet Chicken?

This creamy, spicy skillet dish comes together in a few easy steps. I love that it all happens in one pan—from stove to oven.

Cook the Bacon

Start by chopping and cooking the bacon in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once it’s nice and crispy, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels. Keep about 1–2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet for extra flavor.

Sear the Chicken

Season your chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. Place them in the hot skillet and sear for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside to rest for a few minutes, then cut into bite-sized pieces.

Sauté the Veggies

In the same skillet, add diced onions, garlic, and jalapeños. Let them cook in the bacon grease until softened and lightly golden. This gives the veggies a great depth of flavor and takes the edge off the raw jalapeño heat.

Make the Cheese Sauce

Lower the heat and add cream cheese and sour cream to the skillet. Stir slowly until they melt into a smooth, creamy mixture. Toss in one-third of the shredded Colby Jack and stir until the cheese melts into the sauce.

Add the Chicken and Bacon

Return the cooked chicken and bacon to the skillet and stir everything together so it’s coated in that delicious cheese sauce. Sprinkle the remaining Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top. Garnish with sliced jalapeños and green onions if you like.

Bake and Broil

Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F and bake for 25 minutes. Then, switch to broil for 3–4 minutes until the top gets bubbly and lightly browned. Take it out and let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

After making this a few times, here are my favorite ways to make it even better:

Pat the chicken dry before searing for the best golden crust.
Use freshly grated cheese—it melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
Want less heat? Remove the seeds from your jalapeños.
Add a handful of spinach or chopped bell peppers for extra veggies.
I like to toast a few breadcrumbs with butter and sprinkle on top for crunch (not low-carb, but delicious).

How to Serve Jalapeño Popper Skillet Chicken?

This dish is rich, creamy, and filling, so I like to pair it with something fresh or simple.

Serve it with a crisp green salad to cut through the richness. I often go with arugula or spinach. For a heartier meal, roasted green beans or cauliflower rice work great if you’re keeping it low-carb. Not watching carbs? Go all-in with garlic bread, mashed potatoes, or even pasta to soak up that cheesy sauce. Don’t forget to top it with extra jalapeños or a dollop of sour cream for flair.

Nutritional Information

This dish is indulgent but also packed with protein and low in carbs. Here’s a rough idea per serving:

Calories: 713Protein: 47g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fat: 55g

Make Ahead and Storage

You can prep parts of this recipe ahead for easier weeknight cooking.

Make Ahead: Cook the bacon and chicken up to 2 days in advance and store separately in the fridge. That way, all you have to do is assemble and bake when you’re ready.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The sauce may thicken, but it reheats well.
Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove or in the oven to maintain the creamy texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This dish is a hit for so many reasons. Let me share a few of my favorites:

One-pan cleanup: Everything cooks in the same skillet—less mess, more flavor.
Big bold flavor: The combo of bacon, jalapeños, and cheese is rich and irresistible.
Easy to adjust: Make it spicier, creamier, or lighter depending on your mood.
Keto & gluten-free friendly: Naturally low-carb, so it fits a lot of diets.
Perfect for any night: Whether you’re hosting or just feeding your family, it’s always a win.

Ash Tyrrell