Creamy Cheesy Chicken & Bacon Bake (Keto, Flavorful & Easy!)
Get ready for a crowd-pleasing dinner with this incredibly Creamy Cheesy Chicken & Bacon Bake! Tender, seasoned chicken breasts are smothered in a rich layer of cream cheese, then topped with a gooey blend of shredded cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh herbs, all baked to golden perfection. It’s an easy, low-carb, high-protein, and gluten-free meal that’s bursting with savory flavor!
Yields: 2-3 servings (depending on chicken breast size) Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 25-30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2-3 thin-sliced boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 – 1.5 lbs total)
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or olive oil)
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 8 ounces (1 block) cream cheese, softened to room temperature (full-fat recommended)
- ½ cup shredded cheese of choice (e.g., sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix; freshly shredded recommended)
- ½ cup cooked, chopped bacon (about 6-8 slices, cooked crispy and crumbled)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onion (green parts only, for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh chives (for garnish)
Equipment:
- 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking dish
- Small bowl (for mixing spices)
- Spoon or rubber spatula
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven & Prep Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat the thin-sliced chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, combine the garlic salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Lightly rub the avocado oil over both sides of the chicken breasts. Then, generously sprinkle and rub the combined seasonings over both sides of the chicken.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer in your baking dish.
- Add Cream Cheese Layer: Spoon the softened cream cheese over each chicken breast. Gently spread it out evenly to cover the top of each piece of chicken.
- Top & Bake: Sprinkle the shredded cheese of choice evenly over the cream cheese layer on the chicken.
- Scatter the cooked, chopped bacon over the cheese.
- Sprinkle with the chopped green onion and fresh chopped chives.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C), the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bacon is lightly crispy. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken.
- Serve & Enjoy! Carefully remove from the oven. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this incredibly satisfying Cheesy Chicken & Bacon Bake!
Tips for Success:
- Thin Chicken: Using thin-sliced chicken breasts helps them cook quickly and evenly. If your chicken breasts are thick, you can slice them horizontally or pound them to an even thickness.
- Softened Cream Cheese: This is crucial for easy spreading over the chicken.
- Cooked Bacon: Ensure your bacon is cooked to your desired crispness and crumbled before adding.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh green onion and chives add a lovely fresh flavor and pop of color.
- Check Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Customization: Add a layer of sautéed mushrooms, spinach (squeeze out excess water), or finely diced bell peppers before the cream cheese for extra veggies.
Storage: Store any leftover Creamy Cheesy Chicken & Bacon Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or a low oven until warmed through.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification:
- High Protein: Yes, from the chicken, bacon, and cheeses.
- Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is very low-carb. All listed ingredients are naturally low in carbohydrates.
- Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly.
- Chicken, Bacon, Cream Cheese, Shredded Cheese: All are excellent keto staples.
- Seasonings: Generally low-carb; a quick check of pre-made blends is always a good practice.
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