Keto Chicken Smothered with Mushrooms, Onions, and Bacon

Indulge in the rich flavors of Keto Chicken Smothered with Mushrooms, Onions, and Bacon, a delightful dish that promises to satisfy both your taste buds and your low-carb lifestyle. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a sumptuous meal, perfect for family dinners or special occasions. With juicy chicken breasts enveloped in a savory mixture of mushrooms, onions, and crispy bacon, this dish is a comforting favorite that the whole family will love.

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Net Carbs: 3g per serving
SmartPoints: 5 (on Blue and Purple plans; 6 on Green)

Ingredients

For this Keto Chicken Smothered with Mushrooms, Onions, and Bacon, you will need the following ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
  • 6 slices of bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 8 oz (about 225g) mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini work well)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika

Optional Garnishes:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (for added flavor)

Kitchen Tools Needed

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Serving plate

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

  1. Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the seasonings adhere better.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

  1. Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken as it cooks.

Step 3: Cook the Bacon

  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease.

Step 4: Sauté the Onions and Mushrooms

  1. In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, add the sliced onions and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they become translucent. Next, add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic. Sauté for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are browned and the mixture is fragrant.

Step 5: Remove the Vegetable Mixture

  1. Once the onions and mushrooms are cooked, remove them from the skillet and set them aside. This will allow you to use the same skillet for the chicken, which adds more flavor to the dish.

Step 6: Cook the Chicken

  1. In the same skillet, increase the heat to medium-high. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 7: Prepare the Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, add the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This is where all the flavor is! Bring the broth to a simmer and let it reduce for about 2-3 minutes.

Step 8: Add the Cream

  1. Once the broth has reduced, lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Add the dried thyme and stir until well combined. Let the mixture simmer gently for another 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 9: Combine Everything

  1. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the mushroom and onion mixture over the top. Let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 10: Adjust Seasoning

  1. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.

Step 11: Serve the Dish

  1. Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the chicken on a plate, topped with the creamy mushroom and onion sauce.

Step 12: Garnish and Enjoy

  1. For a finishing touch, sprinkle fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese on top. This adds a burst of color and extra flavor to the dish.

Step 13: Store Leftovers

  1. If you have any leftovers, allow them to cool before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: 36g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Net Carbs: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Sugar: 1g

Weight Watchers SmartPoints

  • SmartPoints: 5 (Blue and Purple plans); 6 (Green plan)

Tips and Variations

  1. Add Vegetables: Consider adding spinach, kale, or bell peppers to the mushroom and onion mixture for extra nutrition and flavor.
  2. Spice It Up: For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce.
  3. Herb Variations: Fresh herbs like rosemary or basil can also be added to the sauce for a different flavor profile.
  4. Baking Option: If you prefer, after cooking the chicken, you can place it in a baking dish, pour the mushroom sauce over it, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.
  5. Meal Prep: This dish is excellent for meal prep. Make a large batch and portion it into meal
    containers for easy lunches throughout the week.

Storage and Reheating

  • Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen and improve after a day!
  • Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Keto Chicken Smothered with Mushrooms, Onions, and Bacon pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables, cauliflower rice, or a simple green salad. The creamy sauce complements many sides and makes for a well-rounded meal.

Conclusion

This Keto Chicken Smothered with Mushrooms, Onions, and Bacon is not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with rich flavors and satisfying textures. Perfectly suited for anyone following a ketogenic diet, it brings together the heartiness of chicken, the creaminess of the sauce, and the crunch of bacon in a way that your entire family will adore. Whip up this delicious dish for dinner tonight and enjoy the comforting embrace of home-cooked goodness that’s both healthy and indulgent!