This Easy, One-Skillet Keto Chicken And Bacon Recipe features seasoned, juicy chicken thighs topped with crispy pan-fried bacon. It's easier but just as tasty as traditional bacon-wrapped chicken.
Bacon-Wrapped Chicken
Don't get me wrong, I love bacon-wrapped chicken and I've made many versions of it numerous times. However, I always have the same problem - getting the bacon super crispy without overcooking the chicken.
In this Keto Chicken And Bacon recipe, however, the bacon is super crispy and the chicken is perfectly juicy. This is because I cook them separately then spoon the crispy bacon over the pan-fried chicken! This method is just as easy as bacon-wrapped chicken, if not easier, and tastes just as good.
If you love bacon, you might want to also check out my Paleo And Keto Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf - it's a family favorite!
Easy Keto Chicken And Bacon Steps
The Bacon:
Start by cutting some bacon into bite-sized pieces.
Heat a medium to large-sized skillet over medium heat. Once hot, separate the bacon pieces and cook in a single layer until crispy. Do not overcrowd the pan or the bacon won't get crispy. Cook in batches if needed.
Once the bacon is crispy, set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate and temporarily remove pan from heat. Cover the bacon with foil to keep warm.
The Chicken Thighs:
In a small bowl, mix together some sea salt, onion powder, pepper, and paprika. Then, evenly sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken thighs. While you could technically use boneless, skinless chicken breasts I recommend chicken thighs. The chicken thighs have more flavor and are more tender and juicy.
Pour off all the bacon fat from the pan except around 2 Tbsp. and place back over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook 2 to 4 minutes per side, or until nicely browned and cooked through. Do not overcrowd the pan, cook in batches if needed.
Once all the chicken is cooked, spoon the bacon over the chicken thighs and serve with this awesome roasted asparagus recipe from Wholesome Yum!
Tips For Perfect Chicken Thighs And Crispy Bacon
- When cooking the bacon, cook in a single layer and do not overcrowd the pan. If the pan is over-crowded the bacon will not get crispy. So cook in batches if needed. Also, be sure to cook over medium heat. If the pan is too hot the bacon will burn.
- I recommend chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Chicken thighs have more flavor and are more tender and juicy.
Looking for more Keto Dinner Recipes? Check out my Cilantro Lime Chicken With Avocado Salsa and Spaghetti Meat Sauce!
If you’ve tried this Keto Chicken And Bacon recipe or any other recipe on the blog please let me know in the comments below!
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Keto Chicken And Bacon {Paleo & Whole30}
Ingredients
- 8 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs
- 8 oz. Bacon preferably nitrate and sugar free (can use more if desired)
- 1 tsp. Sea Salt
- 1 tsp. Onion Powder
- 1/4 tsp. Ground Pepper
- 1/2 tsp. Paprika
Instructions
- Slice bacon crosswise into 1-inch sections, then separate the bacon pieces so they aren't stuck together.
- Heat a medium to large sized skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place bacon into the pan in a single layer and cook until the bottom is browned, without touching. Then, stir the bacon and finish cooking until the bacon is crispy. Cook in batches if needed. Once crispy, set aside on paper towel lined plate and cover with foil to keep warm. Temporarily remove pan from heat.
- In a small bowl, combine the sea salt, onion powder, pepper, and paprika. Evenly sprinkle the spice mixture over both sides of the chicken thighs.
- Drain off all but about 2 Tbsp. of the bacon fat and place pan back over medium heat.
- Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until nicely browned and cooked through. Do not overcrowd pan, cook in batches if needed.
- Once chicken is cooked, spoon the bacon over the chicken and serve.
Notes
- When cooking the bacon, cook in a single layer and do not overcrowd the pan. If the pan is over-crowded the bacon will not get crispy. So cook in batches if needed. Also, be sure to cook over medium heat. If the pan is too hot the bacon will burn.
- I recommend chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Chicken thighs have more flavor and are more tender and juicy.
Nutritional information is approximate and may vary.
Looking for more information on the keto diet? Check out these resources:
Cassidy is a stay-at-home mom of two and is the founder of Cassidy's Craveable Creations. For the well-being of her family and her disabled son, she serves up paleo and keto recipes that are gluten-free and mostly dairy-free. She believes that even though the recipes are allergy-friendly, the food can taste just as good as its original counterpart without any compromising on taste! Her recipes are kid-approved, simple enough for everyday life, and require no special equipment. Read More...
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!