Jalapeno Popper Chicken in a Skillet

Let's be real - when you hear "low-carb diet," your mind probably conjures up images of bland, boring meals that would make even the most dedicated health enthusiast reach for a pizza. But what if I told you that cutting carbs doesn't mean sacrificing flavor?

Take our jalapeno popper chicken skillet, for example. It's proof that low-carb cooking can be exciting, satisfying, and something the whole family will actually want to eat. Whether you're diving into keto, trying to reduce gluten, or just looking to mix up your meal routine, there's a world of delicious options waiting for you.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole rotisserie chicken

• 4 slices thick-cut bacon (about 1/4 lb.), cut into 1/2" pieces

• 2 jalapeños, seeded, chopped, plus more for serving

• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

• Kosher salt

• 1 (8-oz.) block cream cheese

• 1/2 c. heavy cream or half-and-half

• 4 oz. sharp cheddar, shredded (about 1 c.)

• Chopped fresh cilantro, for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°. Remove breast from rotisserie chicken; set aside. Shred remaining meat, reserving skin and bones to make homemade stock, if desired.

2. In a medium heatproof skillet over medium-high heat, cook bacon, stirring occasionally, until crispy, 6 to 8 minutes. Add jalapeños and garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute; season with salt. Stir in cream cheese and let melt. Stir in shredded chicken and cream.

3. Top skillet with cheddar. Slice chicken breasts against the grain into 1/2" slices and fan over top.

4. Bake chicken mixture until cheese is melted and sauce is bubbling, 15 to 20 minutes. Top with sliced jalapeños and cilantro.

Pro Tip:

The bottom line? Low-carb doesn't have to mean low-flavor. It's about reimagining how we think about food, exploring new ingredients, and discovering just how delicious healthy eating can be.

• To elevate this jalapeno popper chicken skillet, use bacon fat strategically. After crisping the bacon, remove it from the pan, but don't discard the rendered fat.

• Use that flavorful bacon drippings to sauté the jalapeños and garlic for an extra layer of smoky depth before adding the cream cheese.

• When you add the bacon back in later, it'll maintain its crispness and provide a delightful textural contrast to the creamy sauce.

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