🥘 Carnivore Chicken & Bacon Casserole
🔸 Servings:
4–6 portions
🔸 Prep Time:
15 minutes
🔸 Cook Time:
35–40 minutes
🔸 Total Time:
~55 minutes
🧈 Ingredients
-
900g (2 lbs) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
-
250g (9 oz) bacon, chopped
-
200g (7 oz) cream cheese, softened
-
120ml (½ cup) heavy cream
-
100g (1 cup) shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
-
2 tbsp butter or bacon fat (for frying)
-
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
-
½ tsp black pepper (optional if doing strict carnivore)
-
½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
-
½ tsp paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
🔪 Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 190°C / 375°F.
-
Cook the bacon:
-
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy.
-
Remove bacon pieces and set aside, but keep 1–2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan.
-
-
Cook the chicken:
-
Season the chicken with salt (and pepper/paprika if using).
-
In the same skillet, sear chicken pieces for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
-
They don’t need to be fully cooked through — they’ll finish in the oven.
-
Remove and set aside.
-
-
Make the creamy sauce:
-
In the same pan (reduce heat to low), add butter, cream cheese, and heavy cream.
-
Stir until melted and smooth.
-
Mix in half the shredded cheese for extra richness.
-
-
Assemble the casserole:
-
Place the chicken pieces in a baking dish (9×13-inch or similar).
-
Pour the creamy cheese sauce evenly over the chicken.
-
Sprinkle cooked bacon and the remaining cheese on top.
-
-
Bake:
-
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbling and golden on top.
-
-
Optional (for crispier top):
-
Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for a crispy, cheesy crust.
-
🍽️ To Serve
-
Serve hot straight from the oven.
-
Optional (if not strict carnivore): pair with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a small side salad.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
-
Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
-
Freezer: Freeze portions up to 3 months.
-
Reheat: Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 15–20 minutes or microwave until hot.
🔥 Tips for the Best Flavor
-
Use chicken thighs for juicier meat.
-
For extra richness, stir in grated Parmesan to the sauce.
-
If you eat organ meats, a little chopped chicken liver can be added for nutrient density.
Would you like me to include a “strict carnivore” version (no spices, no cheese blend — just meat and fat) as an alternative?