Delicious Keto Bacon-Wrapped Cheesy Chicken (Savory & Satisfying!)
Get ready for a truly indulgent and satisfying meal with this Delicious Keto Bacon-Wrapped Cheesy Chicken! Tender chicken fillets are seasoned, coated in a zesty keto honey mustard (or ranch), topped with savory mushrooms and a generous layer of cheddar cheese, then wrapped in crispy bacon and baked to perfection. This low-carb, high-protein, and naturally gluten-free dish is a delightful addition to your health journey, perfect for a special dinner!
Yields: 4 servings Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 30-35 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 1 ½ pounds total)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons keto honey mustard (ensure sugar-free and keto-friendly, or use keto ranch dressing)
- 1 cup white mushrooms, thinly sliced
- ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 slices thin-sliced or regular bacon, cut crosswise (into halves if regular, thirds if thin, or just wrap full slices if preferred)
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Equipment:
- Shallow baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Medium bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Meat thermometer
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven & Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a shallow baking pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare Chicken: Place each chicken breast half on a cutting board. Carefully cut each breast in half horizontally to create four thinner fillets, each about ½ inch thick at the wider end. This ensures even cooking.
- Season both sides of the chicken fillets generously with salt and black pepper.
- Place the seasoned chicken fillets in a medium bowl. Pour the keto honey mustard (or ranch dressing) over the chicken and toss to coat each fillet evenly.
- Assemble Casserole: Arrange the coated chicken fillets in the lined baking pan, spaced about 1 inch apart.
- Evenly distribute the sliced white mushrooms over the top of each chicken fillet (approximately ¼ cup per fillet).
- Sprinkle about 3 tablespoons of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the mushrooms on each chicken stack.
- Drape each chicken stack with 4 half slices of bacon, ensuring the bacon fully covers the surface of the chicken and cheese. You may need to overlap slightly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. The bacon should be partially cooked but not fully crispy yet.
- Broil for Crispy Bacon: Once the chicken is cooked through, change your oven setting to broil.
- Broil for approximately 5 minutes, watching very closely, until the bacon becomes golden brown and crispy. Broiling can happen quickly, so do not leave it unattended.
- Garnish & Serve: Remove the baking pan from the oven.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving if desired.
- Serve hot, perhaps with extra keto honey mustard or ranch on the side for dipping!
Tips for Success:
- Thin Chicken: Pounding or slicing the chicken breasts to an even ½-inch thickness ensures quick and even cooking, preventing dry chicken.
- Keto Honey Mustard/Ranch: Always double-check labels on store-bought sauces for hidden sugars. Many great keto-friendly options are available, or you can make your own.
- Bacon Choice: Thin-sliced bacon crisps up more quickly and easily. If using regular cut, it may take a bit longer to crisp under the broiler.
- Internal Temperature: Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure the chicken is safely cooked (165°F / 74°C) without overcooking and drying it out.
- Broiler Watch: The broiler works very fast! Stay by the oven and watch the bacon constantly to prevent burning.
- Customization: You can add a layer of sautéed spinach or a few sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained) under the cheese for extra flavor.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification:
This Keto Bacon-Wrapped Cheesy Chicken is a delightful addition to your health journey!
- High Protein: Yes, from the chicken, cheese, and bacon.
- High Fat: Yes, from the bacon, cheese, and potentially the sauce/dressing used.
- Low-Carb: Yes, by using chicken, cheese, mushrooms, and a keto-friendly sauce/dressing.
- Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly. All listed ingredients are suitable for a ketogenic diet, provided your keto honey mustard or ranch dressing is sugar-free and compliant.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Read on how to prepare an easy hamburger casserole.
