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Keto Crack Chicken Dinner - Creamy, Cheesy, and Weeknight Easy

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional but great)
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened and cubed
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
  • 2 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)

Method
 

  1. Crisp the bacon. Place chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until crisp, 5–7 minutes. Transfer bacon to a plate and leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan.
  2. Season the chicken. Pat chicken dry. Toss with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika until evenly coated.
  3. Brown the chicken. Add oil to the skillet with the bacon fat. Increase heat to medium-high. Sear chicken in a single layer, 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and just cooked through. Work in batches if needed. Remove chicken to a plate.
  4. Sauté the garlic. Lower heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Don’t let it burn.
  5. Build the sauce. Stir in cream cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Whisk and simmer gently until smooth and slightly thickened, 2–3 minutes.
  6. Add the flavor boosters. Sprinkle in ranch seasoning and red pepper flakes if using. Stir until combined. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
  7. Melt the cheeses. Add cheddar and Parmesan. Stir until melted and the sauce is glossy and thick.
  8. Combine and finish. Return chicken and half the bacon to the skillet. Toss to coat. Simmer 1–2 minutes to marry the flavors. Remove from heat and top with remaining bacon, green onions, and parsley.
  9. Serve. Spoon over roasted broccoli, sautéed zucchini, cauliflower rice, or a fresh green salad.