Keto Baked Chicken With Cheese and Bacon

By Dr. Eric Berg DC

01/05/2025

Keto Baked Chicken With Cheese and Bacon

Total Time: 1 hour

Serves: 4

Per serving: 382 calories, 36 g protein, 3 g carbohydrates, 25 g fat

Ingredients

1 tsp avocado oil

4 bacon strips

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

¼ tsp sea salt

¼ tsp black pepper

½ tsp garlic salt

1 Tbsp butter

4 oz cream cheese, softened

¼ cup yellow cheddar cheese, grated

¼ tsp garlic salt

⅛ tsp celery salt

¼ tsp dried dill

½ cup white cheddar cheese, grated

fresh chives for garnish, chopped

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F / 175 degrees C.
Heat large skillet over medium-high heat and add avocado oil. Cook bacon strips on both sides until lightly crispy. Remove from skillet and place on paper towel-lined plate to absorb grease.
In medium bowl, season chicken breasts with sea salt, pepper, and garlic salt.
Melt butter in same skillet used for bacon over medium heat. Place chicken breasts in pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until lightly browned.
Place chicken in 9 x 13-inch baking dish and pour pan drippings on top.
Combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic salt, celery salt, and dried dill in medium bowl.
Crumble bacon evenly over seared chicken. Divide cream cheese mixture into equal quarters and top each chicken breast.
Sprinkle white cheddar cheese on top and bake chicken for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown.
Garnish with fresh chives before serving.

Recipe tips:

Use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breast if you prefer dark meat.
A meat thermometer helps ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C), the safe minimum for poultry consumption.
Coconut or olive oil can be used as a substitute for avocado oil.
You can incorporate garlic powder or onion powder for additional flavor.
Baking the chicken breasts in foil packets can help keep them moist and prevent burning the cheese.

This Keto Baked Chicken with Cheese and Bacon is the ultimate comfort food that gives all the gourmet meal vibes.

Tender chicken breasts are baked to perfection and topped with velvety cheese, crunchy bacon, and fresh chives for a burst of flavor in every bite.

Ready in an hour, this dish is perfect for effortless weeknight dinners or impressing your guests, all while keeping you on track with ketosis.

Why you’ll love this keto-friendly recipe

Weeknights can be busy, making it challenging to stick to a nutritious eating plan.

But with this Keto Baked Chicken recipe, you can enjoy a delicious meal that keeps you in fat-burning mode while offering impressive health benefits.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide a protein-rich base, keeping you satisfied and energized while delivering essential nutrients, including B vitamins and selenium.

For those who prefer dark meat, boneless, skinless chicken thighs make an excellent substitute. When cooked, the crispy baked chicken thighs offer a juicy texture and a slightly richer flavor than tender chicken breasts.

Meanwhile, bacon adds a smoky crunch and healthy fats that keep you satiated and in ketosis.

What’s more, the irresistible combination of cream cheese and cheddar brings a velvety texture, along with calcium and healthy fats that promote strong bones and lasting energy.

"Cheese has been linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular issues, coronary heart disease, and stroke," explains Dr. Berg. "This is due to the high amounts of vitamin K2 in cheese, which helps transport calcium into bones and away from the arteries, reducing the risk of atherosclerosis."

Another key ingredient, dried dill, adds a refreshing herbal touch and is packed with antioxidants that support overall health.

Research published in Trials found that dill powder may help manage glycemic levels, improve lipid profiles, reduce oxidative stress, and alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

This versatile Baked Chicken Breast recipe can also be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. For a lighter twist, turkey bacon can replace pork bacon, or you can experiment with cheeses, such as gouda or Monterey Jack, to create a unique flavor.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights as it requires minimal prep but delivers hearty, restaurant-quality cuisine.

Whether serving it for a family dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party, this chicken bake will surely satisfy everyone with its rich flavors and irresistible appeal.

What to serve with Keto Baked Chicken

This low-carb chicken dish is mouthwatering on its own, but depending on your preferences, you can easily pair it with a variety of sides to suit your taste.

Here are a few suggestions for what to serve with Keto Baked Chicken:

Keto Zucchini Fries: Made with almond flour and Parmesan cheese, these fries are a delectable, low-carb alternative to traditional French fries.
Keto Onion Rings: These crispy, flavorful onion rings are made with coconut flour and pork rinds for a tasty side dish that pairs perfectly with this chicken bake.
Keto Tahini Cauliflower Salad: A refreshing and nutrient-dense salad made with cauliflower, tahini dressing, and fresh herbs.
Keto-Loaded Mashed “Potatoes”: If you’re craving comfort food, this velvety and indulgent mashed “potato” recipe is the ideal side to complement Keto Baked Chicken.
Keto Green Beans and Bacon: Tender green beans are simmered in a rich, creamy sauce and topped with crispy bacon to offer an extra boost of nutrients and healthy fats.

Baking chicken in the oven

Storing and reheating tips

If you chose this recipe for meal prepping, storing this Keto Baked Chicken dish is simple. Just place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days.

For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken after baking. To reheat, let chicken thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake at 350 degrees F (177 degrees C) until warmed through.

Alternatively, place the thawed chicken in a skillet over medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes, cooking both sides evenly.

It’s best to avoid using a microwave to reheat this dish, as it can dry out the chicken and affect its texture.

Chickens grazing on grass

Tips for choosing your chicken

When selecting chicken, it's crucial to prioritize quality to get the best flavor and nutritional profile while minimizing exposure to potentially harmful compounds.

Avoid factory-farmed chickens, which are raised in poor conditions, leading to lower nutrient levels and potential exposure to antibiotics and synthetic growth hormones.

Instead, choose organic, pasture-raised chickens, which are raised in humane, natural conditions and are free from hormones and antibiotics.

Pasture-raised chickens have access to a varied diet, including insects and plants, resulting in meat richer in essential nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.

Moreover, look for labels such as "USDA Organic" or "Certified Humane" to ensure the chicken meets high health, nutrition, and ethical treatment standards.

In addition, always inspect the chicken for a fresh appearance and avoid any products with a slimy texture or unpleasant odor, which indicates spoilage and can lead to serious food poisoning.

More keto chicken recipes

If you enjoyed this Keto Baked Chicken recipe, here are more delectable chicken dishes that align with a Healthy Keto® diet.

Here are more chicken recipes suitable for those following a low-carb diet.

Keto Chicken Tenders

Don't miss out on your favorite comfort food with these Keto Chicken Tenders.

Coated in a crunchy almond meal and Parmesan cheese crust, these Chicken Tenders are perfect for dipping in your preferred low-carb sauce.

Easy Keto Butter Chicken

Packed with fragrant spices and moist chicken, this Easy Keto Butter Chicken is a must-try for any lover of Indian cuisine.

It's rich in healthy fats and slow-cooked to perfection, making it a flavorful and satisfying dish that's perfect for a keto lifestyle.

Keto Cashew Chicken

There's no need to order takeout when you can whip up this delicious and nutritious Keto Cashew Chicken in just 20 minutes.

It's a fantastic way to get your daily dose of protein and veggies while enjoying a delicious, low-carb meal that's quick and easy to prepare.

Keto Chicken and Roasted Cauliflower Enchilada Plate

Finish off your week with a bang with this Keto Chicken and Roasted Cauliflower Enchilada Plate.

It's an upgraded version of classic enchiladas, offering all the bold flavors without the carb-heavy tortillas, making it a satisfying and low-carb way to wrap up your week.

Keto Smothered Chicken

For a delectable and satisfying dinner, look no further than this Keto Smothered Chicken.

Crafted with tender chicken, crunchy bacon, and creamy mushroom sauce, it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Keto Lemon Rosemary Chicken

This zesty and savory Keto Lemon Rosemary Chicken is a perfect balance of bright citrus and aromatic herbs, delivering a flavorful and low-carb dish that's sure to impress.

Packed with butternut squash, mushrooms, and garlic, this hearty entrée is as satisfying as it’s easy to clean up.

Baked chicken breast with cheese

Final thoughts

Crafted with tender chicken breast, fragrant herbs, and crunchy bacon, this Keto Baked Chicken dish is an ideal option for any keto meal plan.

Not only is this entrée packed with essential nutrients, but it’s also perfect for busy weeknights and batch cooking, making it a convenient and satisfying option for staying on track with your keto lifestyle.

FAQ

1. How many carbs are in Keto Baked Chicken With Cheese and Bacon

This Keto Baked Chicken recipe contains three grams of carbs per serving as it’s made with low-carb ingredients, including cheese, bacon, and chicken breast.

2. Is baked chicken good for a keto diet?

Baked chicken is an excellent option for those following a Healthy Keto® diet. It provides high-quality protein and essential nutrients, all while being naturally low in carbs, making it a perfect fit for a keto lifestyle.

3. Can you eat too much chicken on keto?

Yes, it’s possible to overeat chicken on keto. While chicken is a great source of protein, it's important to maintain a balanced and varied diet that includes different protein sources to ensure you're getting a full range of nutrients.

4. Is pasture-raised chicken really better?

Yes, pasture-raised chicken is considered better as it's free from harmful additives and contains higher levels of nutrients due to the livestock having access to a natural diet and environment.

5. Does it matter if chicken is organic or not?

Organic chicken is free from antibiotics and hormones, which can negatively impact your health. It also means the chickens are fed a higher-quality diet, leading to better nutrient levels in the meat.

In contrast, non-organic chickens may contain harmful additives and are raised in less humane conditions, leading to poor nutritional quality and potential health risks.