Carnivore Chicken & Bacon Casserole
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if preferred)
- 6 slices of bacon
- 1 cup heavy cream (full-fat)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for the casserole.
- Prepare the chicken:
- If using chicken breasts, pound them to an even thickness so they cook uniformly. This will help them cook faster and more evenly.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Cook the bacon:
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy, about 5–7 minutes.
- Once cooked, remove the bacon and set it on a paper towel to drain excess fat.
- Reserve about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease from the skillet for later use.
- Sear the chicken:
- In the same skillet (with the reserved bacon grease), add the chicken breasts and sear them for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown. You don’t need to cook the chicken all the way through—just a nice, crispy exterior.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Make the creamy sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, allowing the cheeses to melt and the sauce to thicken. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the casserole:
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange the seared chicken breasts in a single layer.
- Crumble the cooked bacon over the top of the chicken.
- Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the chicken and bacon, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
- Bake the casserole:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- The sauce should be bubbly and golden brown around the edges.
- Garnish and serve:
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, for a touch of color.
Enjoy!
This Carnivore Chicken & Bacon Casserole is rich, creamy, and savory—making it a perfect meal for those following a carnivore or low-carb diet. The combination of crispy bacon, tender chicken, and a rich cheesy sauce ensures that each bite is full of flavor and satisfaction. The zero-carb nature of this dish makes it an excellent choice for a keto or carnivore meal plan.
Tips:
- You can use chicken thighs for a juicier result if you prefer dark meat.
- For extra flavor, you can add a handful of grated cheddar cheese into the sauce for a sharper taste.
- Feel free to experiment with different spices like thyme or rosemary to further enhance the flavor profile.
This recipe should keep you feeling full and satisfied for hours!