Keto Smothered Chicken Thighs
Juicy, pan-seared chicken thighs are covered in a creamy, garlicky sauce with cheese, bacon, and mushrooms in this recipe for Keto Smothered Chicken Thighs. This high-fat, low-carb dish is ideal for a filling supper that feels decadent.
maintaining a ketogenic diet. For a full dinner, serve it with roasted veggies, cauliflower rice, or a simple side salad.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken Thighs:
6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Smothered Sauce:
4 slices bacon, chopped
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, adds depth)
For Garnish & Serving:
Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra Parmesan cheese
Cauliflower rice, steamed vegetables, or a side salad
Instructions
1. Prepare & Sear the Chicken
1. Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear chicken skin-side down for 5–7 minutes, until golden and crispy.
4. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook the Bacon & Vegetables
1. In the same skillet, cook chopped bacon until crispy.
2. Remove bacon and drain excess grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
3. Add onions, garlic, and mushrooms, cooking for 3–4 minutes until softened.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
1. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard.
2. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring until smooth.
3. Mix in cheddar and Parmesan cheese, letting it melt.
4. Smother the Chicken & Simmer
1. Return chicken and bacon to the skillet.
2. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp 165°F/75°C).
5. Serve & Garnish
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Serve with cauliflower rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~450 kcal
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fat: 32g
Fiber: 1g
Net Carbs: ~3g
Sodium: ~700mg
Notes & Variations
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of cheese.
Extra Creamy: Stir in 1 oz of cream cheese.
Add Heat: Sprinkle red pepper flakes for spice.
Storage: Refrigerate for 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.