Deliciously Keto: Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breast Recipes

Chicken breast, a versatile source of lean protein, can sometimes become monotonous. Wrapping chicken breasts in bacon elevates the flavor profile and ensures a juicy, tender result. This article explores various bacon-wrapped chicken breast recipes perfect for those following a ketogenic diet. These recipes are not only easy to make but also cater to different tastes and preferences, from cheesy fillings to simple spice rubs.

Why Bacon-Wrapped Chicken is a Keto Dream

Bacon not only infuses a smoky flavor into the chicken but also acts as a natural sealant, locking in the chicken's juices. This is especially beneficial for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which can often dry out during cooking. The added fat from the bacon also aligns perfectly with the ketogenic diet's macronutrient ratios, making it a satisfying and flavorful meal option.

Simple Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breast

This recipe focuses on simplicity and flavor, using a basic spice rub and baking technique to achieve crispy bacon and juicy chicken.

Ingredients:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Regular-cut bacon
• Salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder
• Coconut amino glaze (coconut aminos and Dijon mustard)

Instructions:

1. Combine sea salt, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl.
2. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken breasts.
3. Wrap each chicken breast tightly in 2-3 pieces of bacon, keeping the ends tucked underneath to prevent shrinking.
4. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
5. Add chicken seam side down and cook for 3 minutes, until the bottom begins to caramelize.
6. Brush each bacon-wrapped chicken breast with the coconut amino mixture.
7. Bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
8. Let the chicken rest for 5-6 minutes before slicing and serving.

The secret to crispy bacon lies in searing the chicken in an oven-safe skillet before baking. This method ensures the bottom of the bacon gets crispy, while the oven finishes cooking the chicken to perfection. A cast-iron skillet works best, but any oven-safe pan will do.

Cream Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breast

For a richer and more indulgent experience, try stuffing the chicken breasts with a creamy, flavorful mixture.

Read also: Delicious Keto Salad Dressing

Ingredients:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Cream cheese (softened)
• Fresh chopped chives
• Fresh chopped parsley
• Minced garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Bacon slices

Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F or oven to 375°F.
2. Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chives, parsley, and minced garlic. Mix well.
4. Cut a slit lengthwise into each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
5. Stuff each chicken breast with ¼ of the cream cheese mixture.
6. Wrap each stuffed chicken breast in two slices of bacon.
7. Place the prepared chicken breasts on a rack in the air fryer and cook for 25-30 minutes (30-40 minutes in the oven), or until completely cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.

To prevent the cream cheese from oozing out, avoid overstuffing the chicken breasts and ensure they are tightly wrapped with bacon. For added vegetables, consider incorporating chopped spinach into the cream cheese mixture.

Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breast

This recipe is a simple yet satisfying dish that combines the flavors of bacon, cheese, and chicken.

Ingredients:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Bacon slices
• Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite)
• Smoked paprika seasoning rub (or your preferred spice blend)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Spray a large rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray.
3. Rub both sides of the chicken breasts with the seasoning rub.
4. Top each chicken breast with a piece of bacon.
5. Bake for 30 minutes on the top rack until the chicken is nearly cooked through and the bacon looks crispy.
6. Remove the tray from the oven and sprinkle cheese over the bacon.
7. Put back in the oven for about 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden and the chicken is cooked to 165 degrees.

For an extra layer of flavor, use a smoked paprika seasoning rub. This adds a smoky depth that complements the bacon and cheese.

Keto Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Chicken Cutlets

This recipe offers a low-carb take on chicken cordon bleu, using ham and Swiss cheese as a filling.

Ingredients:

• Thin-sliced chicken breast
• Sliced ham
• Sliced Swiss cheese
• Bacon slices

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. If using regular chicken breasts, slice them in half like a bagel and pound each piece thinner with a meat mallet.
3. Lay one of the thin cutlets flat and place a slice of ham and a slice of cheese on top.
4. Roll up the cutlet and wrap with 1-2 strips of bacon. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
5. Place the wrapped chicken in a baking dish sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
6. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
7. If the bacon is not crispy enough, drain excess grease and broil for 3-5 minutes per side, watching carefully to prevent burning.

To enhance the flavor, consider adding fresh spinach leaves, basil, or sun-dried tomatoes to the filling. For a creamy filling, use cream cheese and shredded Swiss cheese.

Read also: Delicious Keto Chicken Recipes

Keto Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Chicken with Broccoli and Cheese

This recipe combines the goodness of chicken, bacon, cheese, and broccoli for a balanced and flavorful meal.

Ingredients:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Cream cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Mayonnaise
• Minced garlic
• Broccoli florets (finely chopped)
• Olive oil
• Spices (salt, pepper, garlic powder, etc.)
• Bacon slices

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Place the chicken breast on a cutting board and cut a pocket on the side of each chicken breast.
3. Drizzle olive oil over each piece of chicken.
4. In a small bowl, add spices plus 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix with a spoon.
5. Sprinkle spices over the chicken, front and back.
6. In another bowl, mix cream cheese, Parmesan, mayonnaise, minced garlic, remaining 1/2 tsp salt, mix well, and stir in broccoli.
7. Spoon the broccoli cheese mixture evenly into each chicken breast. Close the chicken breasts with toothpicks.
8. Wrap bacon around each chicken breast until covered.
9. Place the chicken on a foil-covered baking sheet.
10. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
11. Place the pan under the broiler to make the bacon crispier if desired.

The addition of broccoli and cheese not only adds flavor but also provides essential nutrients. This recipe is a great way to incorporate vegetables into a keto-friendly meal.

Tips for Perfect Bacon Wrapped Chicken

• Choose the Right Bacon: Regular-cut bacon is generally best for wrapping chicken, as thick-cut bacon may not crisp up fully during cooking.
• Stretch the Bacon: Gently stretching the bacon before wrapping it around the chicken helps it cook more evenly and reduces shrinkage.
• Sear for Crispiness: Searing the bacon-wrapped chicken in an oven-safe skillet before baking helps to achieve crispy bacon, especially on the bottom.
• Don't Overcrowd the Pan: When baking, make sure the chicken pieces are not overcrowded in the pan. This allows for better air circulation and more even cooking.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Rest Before Slicing: Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful result.

Serving Suggestions

Bacon-wrapped chicken breast is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few keto-friendly serving suggestions:

• Avocado Salsa: A refreshing and flavorful salsa made with avocados, tomatoes, lime juice, and cilantro.
• Green Vegetables: Serve with a side of green vegetables such as asparagus, green beans, or spinach to balance the richness of the dish.
• Cauliflower Mash: A low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes.
• Salad: A simple salad with a vinaigrette dressing can provide a light and refreshing contrast.

Storage and Reheating

To store leftover bacon-wrapped chicken breast, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap or tin foil and freeze for up to 2-3 months.

To reheat, you can warm the chicken in the microwave in 30-second increments or in a skillet on the stovetop over medium heat. If reheating from frozen, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Read also: Bacon Cheeseburger Soup (Keto-Friendly)

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