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Keto Chicken Creamy Bacon Parmesan - Comfort Food With Big Flavor

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 6 small chicken thighs)
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil (as needed)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for warmth)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3/4 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for brightness)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 2 cups baby spinach (optional, for color and nutrients)
  • Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish
  • Lemon wedge, for a finishing squeeze (optional)

Method
 

  1. Crisp the bacon: Place chopped bacon in a large, cold skillet. Turn heat to medium and cook, stirring, until 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. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
  3. Sear the chicken: In the bacon fat, add a drizzle of oil if needed. Sear chicken over medium-high heat until golden, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove to a plate; it will finish cooking in the sauce.
  4. Sauté the garlic: Lower heat to medium. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Don’t let it brown.
  5. Deglaze: Pour in chicken broth. Scrape up browned bits with a wooden spoon—this is flavor gold.
  6. Build the sauce: Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, Dijon, and red pepper flakes. Simmer gently 2–3 minutes, stirring, until slightly thickened. Do not boil or the sauce may split.
  7. Add spinach (optional): Stir in spinach and wilt for 30–60 seconds.
  8. Return chicken to the pan: Nestle chicken and any juices into the sauce. Simmer on low 4–6 minutes, until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally and sauce coats the back of a spoon.
  9. Finish with bacon: Stir most of the crispy bacon into the sauce, reserving a bit for garnish. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. A small squeeze of lemon brightens the richness.
  10. Serve: Spoon sauce over the chicken. Top with remaining bacon and fresh herbs. Pair with zucchini noodles, roasted broccoli, or cauliflower mash.