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Keto Chicken Bacon Spinach Skillet - A Creamy, One-Pan Weeknight Favorite

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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 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional but recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons butter (or ghee)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (omit for dairy-free option)
  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach, loosely packed
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice, plus more to taste
  • 1–2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  • Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)

Method
 

  1. Cook the bacon: Place chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until crispy, 6–8 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel–lined plate. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan; pour off any extra.
  2. Season the chicken: Pat chicken dry. Toss with 1/2 teaspoon salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. This adds flavor and helps it sear well.
  3. Sear the chicken: In the same skillet, add butter to the bacon fat and increase heat to medium-high. Add chicken in a single layer. Sear 3–4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Work in batches if needed so the pan doesn’t steam. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate.
  4. Sauté the garlic: Lower heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook 30 seconds, stirring often. Don’t let it burn.
  5. Deglaze and simmer: Pour in chicken broth and scrape up the browned bits. Stir in heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 2–3 minutes to slightly thicken.
  6. Add Parmesan: Stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth. Taste and add the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt if needed. The sauce should be creamy and well-seasoned.
  7. Wilt the spinach: Add spinach to the skillet. Stir until it softens and reduces, about 1–2 minutes. It will seem like a lot at first, but it cooks down quickly.
  8. Combine: Return chicken and bacon to the pan. Toss everything in the sauce. Add lemon juice and, if using, a pinch of red pepper flakes. Simmer 1 minute to warm through.
  9. Finish and serve: Sprinkle with parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning—more salt, pepper, or lemon if you like. Serve hot as is, or over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a heartier plate.