Jalapeño Popper Chicken

One that went just right!

I personally am a HUGE fan (in my previous life, free of food restrictions of jalapeño poppers – the kind stuffed with cheddar). Hubby thought it was rich. But, it was de-licious!!!

I want ALL of the toppings instead of choosing just one. Green onions are great, I’m a fan of lots of pickled jalapeños, and avocado’s cool, creaminess just *makes* this as far as the toppings go. At other times, toppings of choice are chunky salsa and sour cream.

I cook/shred my own chicken, seasoned w/ some freshly ground sea salt and freshly ground black peppercorns, in my gifted 8 qt Instant Pot Duo (yay for parents who like to benefit on occasion from my cooking adventures). Check out my Shredded Chicken (Instant Pot) recipe!

My boys *need* carbs so I often serve w/ green chile & lime refried beans and flour tortillas.

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs chicken, cooked and shredded (see my Shredded Chicken recipe)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided (1 cup in base mix + ½ cup for topping)
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 3 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños, seeded and diced
• 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 Tbsp minced garlic
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• Garnish of choice, to taste (e.g., chopped green onions, pickled jalapeños, avocado, salsa, sour cream)

Directions

1. In a large skillet, over medium heat, melt 1 Tbsp butter.
2. Add 1/2 cup diced pickled jalapeños then sauté for 1 min.
3. Add 1 Tbsp minced garlic and sauté for 30 secs more.
4. Add 1 cup almond milk, 1/4 cup cream, 3 oz softened cream cheese, 1/2 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/4 tsp onion powder then whisk until well-combined.
5. Add 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (a bit at a time) and whisk until mixture is smooth and cheeses have melted.
6. Stir in 1 1/2 lbs cooked shredded chicken.
7. Top with remaining 1/2 cup shredded Dheddar cheese (don’t stir in!).
8. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 mins (don’t give into temptation to stir!).
9. Garnish and serve!

NOTE: Garnish not included in nutrition facts.

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Amount per serving
Calories	408
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 22.8g	29%
Saturated Fat 12.6g	63%
Cholesterol 159mg	53%
Sodium 522mg	23%
Total Carbohydrate 2g	1%
Dietary Fiber 0.3g	1%
Total Sugars 0.3g
Protein 46.9g
Vitamin D 8mcg	38%
Calcium 291mg	22%
Iron 2mg	10%
Potassium 342mg	7%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice.

#Keto #LowCarb