Picture this: a juicy piece of chicken sizzling away, surrounded by a mouthwatering medley of spices—turns out, keto isn’t just a trend; it’s a lifestyle worth savoring! I was skeptical at first, especially after my friend swore by it while munching on a kale chip, but these keto chicken recipes have made me a believer. From creamy sauces to crispy skins, each bite is a reminder that deliciousness doesn’t need carbs—just a bit of creativity and a sprinkle of love.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish. Flatten the chicken breasts to ¼ inch thickness and season them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat and cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon and retain the grease in the pan, then melt the butter and sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden.
- Transfer the seared chicken to the prepared baking dish and pour the pan juices over them. Mix the softened cream cheese with onion powder, garlic powder, celery salt, and dried dill in a small bowl until well combined.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. Top with the cooked bacon and shredded cheese, then bake for 15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted. Serve warm and enjoy!
Ingredients
- 4 small boneless, skinless chicken breast fillets (or 2 large fillets sliced in half)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 4 slices of thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 6 ounces shredded cheese (a mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon celery salt
- 1/4 teaspoon dried dill
FAQ
- Why is it called crack chicken?
- Crack chicken derives its name from the popular crack dip, as it shares the same core ingredients, with the addition of chicken for a dish that’s hard to resist.
- Can other cuts of chicken be used in this recipe?
- Yes, while chicken breasts are the preferred choice, skinless chicken thighs can be used as an alternative.
- What are some tips for ensuring the chicken cooks properly?
- Only sear the chicken until it is golden brown on both sides; the oven will finish cooking it. This helps prevent the chicken from becoming overcooked.
- How can I make the sauce less thick?
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Can this dish be made ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare this dish 1-2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake it.
Tips
- Avoid Overcooking the Chicken: Only sear the chicken until it’s golden brown on both sides. The oven will finish cooking it, ensuring the chicken remains juicy and doesn’t dry out.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If you find the sauce too thick for your liking, consider adding a splash of chicken broth to achieve a creamier consistency.
- Enhance Flavor with Garnish: Add a pop of color and flavor by garnishing the dish with green onions or fresh chives before serving.
- Customize Cheese and Ingredients: Feel free to mix up the types of cheese or additional ingredients to suit your preferences, making the dish more personalized and enjoyable.
Equipment
- Non-stick skillet: For cooking the bacon and chicken.
- Baking dish (13 x 9-inch): To bake the assembled dish in the oven.
- Instant Pot: If you choose the Instant Pot cooking method.
- Slow cooker: If you opt for the slow cooker method.
- Meat pounder: To pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
