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Keto Chicken Bacon Mushroom Skillet - Creamy, Savory, and Ready Fast

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1.5 pounds chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt, divided (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional but delicious)
  • 2 tablespoons butter (or ghee)
  • 8 ounces cremini or baby bella mushrooms, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for depth)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 cup fresh spinach (optional, for greens)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
  • Lemon wedge, for finishing (optional)

Method
 

  1. Crisp the bacon: Place the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until golden and crisp, 6–8 minutes. Transfer bacon to a plate and leave 1–2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan.
  2. Season the chicken: Pat chicken dry. Toss with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and the smoked paprika.
  3. Sear the chicken: Add butter to the skillet. When melted and hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Sear 3–4 minutes per side, until browned and just cooked through. Remove to the plate with bacon.
  4. Sauté mushrooms: In the same skillet, add mushrooms with a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they release moisture and turn golden, 5–6 minutes.
  5. Add garlic and deglaze: Stir in garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  6. Make it creamy: Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, Dijon, thyme, and remaining salt and pepper. Simmer gently 2–3 minutes to thicken.
  7. Combine and finish: Return chicken and bacon to the skillet. Add spinach if using, and stir until wilted. Simmer 1–2 minutes more, then taste and adjust seasoning. A squeeze of lemon brightens the flavors.
  8. Serve: Garnish with parsley. Enjoy as is, or serve over cauliflower mash, sautéed zucchini, or steamed green beans.