Description

This Cauliflower Jalapeno Popper Casserole is a spicy, cheesy, and hearty dish perfect for a comforting dinner. Featuring baked chicken breast, crispy bacon, fresh jalapenos, and tender cauliflower, all combined in a creamy cheese mixture and topped with melted cheddar for a delicious, low-carb casserole.

Ingredients

Meat & Dairy

1 lb chicken breast
6 strips thick-cut bacon
1 ¼ cup cheddar cheese, divided
8 oz cream cheese, ⅓ less fat
½ cup light sour cream
¼ cup low-fat milk

Vegetables & Spices

6 jalapenos, halved and seeds removed
3 cups fresh cauliflower florets, cut into small bite-size pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon cayenne
Salt, to taste

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Instructions

Preparation: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to get ready for baking the components of the casserole.
Cooking Chicken and Jalapenos: Place chicken breasts and halved jalapenos on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle salt over them. On a separate baking sheet, place the bacon strips. Bake both sheets simultaneously in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and bacon is crispy.
Prepping Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ¾ cup of cheddar cheese, cream cheese, light sour cream, low-fat milk, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to create a creamy, spicy cheese base for the casserole.
Assembly: Crumble the cooked bacon strips, shred the baked chicken breasts, and dice the roasted jalapenos. Add ¾ of the chopped jalapenos, shredded chicken, and ¾ of the crumbled bacon to the cheese mixture and stir until evenly combined.
Baking: In a 9 x 12 inch baking dish, spread the fresh cauliflower florets as the base layer. Top evenly with the prepared cream cheese and chicken mixture. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese, along with the remaining diced jalapenos and bacon on top. Bake in the oven at 375°F for 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

You can adjust the amount of jalapenos depending on your spice tolerance for a milder or spicier casserole.
Using ⅓ less fat cream cheese and light sour cream helps keep the dish lighter without sacrificing creaminess.
Make sure to remove seeds from jalapenos to reduce heat if desired.
This casserole is a great low-carb option and perfect for meal prepping.