Looking for a hearty, comforting keto dinner that doesn’t sacrifice flavor? This Cheesy Bacon Ranch Chicken is a creamy, cheesy, protein-rich masterpiece. With crispy bacon, melted mozzarella, and zesty ranch seasoning, this dish is designed to impress your taste buds while keeping your carbs in check.
Not only is this recipe mouthwatering, but it also aligns with the ketogenic principles: low in carbs, moderate in protein, and rich in healthy fats. Each serving provides a well-balanced combination of macronutrients to support fat-burning and satiety.
Why This Dish Works for Keto
Each serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 387
- Fats: 15.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 5.9 g
- Fiber: 10.6 g
- Protein: 12.9 g
High protein content helps preserve muscle mass on a ketogenic diet, while the fat keeps you full. According to a study from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, high-protein, low-carb meals can significantly reduce hunger and calorie intake throughout the day.
Ingredients
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup olive oil (divided)
- 8 thick slices of bacon
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 1/4 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
- 1 small onion, chopped
- Chopped fresh chives (for garnish)
- Salt (kosher or pink) and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil and cook bacon slices until crispy on both sides. Set bacon aside and save 4 tablespoons of bacon drippings.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
- In the same skillet, add 1/2 cup olive oil and cook chicken on medium heat for 5–7 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
- Lower the heat. Add ranch seasoning to the skillet, followed by mozzarella cheese.
- Cover and cook for 3–5 more minutes until cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
- Drizzle the reserved bacon fat over the chicken. Sprinkle with chopped chives and place bacon on top.
- Cover briefly to heat everything through. Remove from heat and serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs perfectly with low-carb sides like cauliflower mash, steamed broccoli, or a fresh arugula salad. For those tracking macros closely, this high-fat entrée works great during dinner when your body benefits from slower digestion and long-lasting satiety.
Pro Tip
To reduce calories or sodium, swap bacon with turkey bacon and use low-sodium ranch seasoning. To make this recipe dairy-free, use a dairy-free shredded cheese alternative.
Why You'll Love This
If you're tired of bland chicken recipes, this one’s a game-changer. Bacon and ranch deliver savory satisfaction, and the melted mozzarella binds it all together into one unforgettable skillet dish. It's keto comfort food done right.
Want more delicious low-carb recipes like this one? Don’t forget to download your FREE 21 Keto Recipes Cookbook loaded with easy, satisfying meals:
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Explore more expert-backed keto cooking insights from Healthline’s Keto Meal Plan Resource.