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Keto Chicken Carbonara Recipe

Keto Chicken Carbonara

A creamy, low-carb version of the classic carbonara, featuring chicken and spinach.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 380 kcal

Equipment

  • Skillet A large skillet for cooking the chicken and sauce.

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
  • 1 tbsp bacon grease
  • 0.5 cup chopped onion
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 beaten egg (optional) adds creaminess to the sauce
  • 0.33 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tbsp fresh chopped basil
  • 2 cups fresh spinach

Instructions
 

  • Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, then crumble it into pieces. Set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of bacon grease and heat over medium-high.
  • Season the chicken thighs with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sauté in the skillet until fully cooked, approximately 7-10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
  • Pour in the heavy whipping cream and chicken broth, scraping the bits off the bottom of the skillet to incorporate all the flavors. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  • OPTIONAL: In a small bowl, beat the egg. Slowly add a small amount of the sauce to the egg while whisking vigorously. Once half the sauce is mixed in, pour the egg mixture back into the skillet while whisking.
  • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped basil, and Italian seasoning until well combined.
  • Add the crumbled bacon and fresh spinach to the skillet. Cook until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
  • Let everything simmer together for an additional 3-5 minutes to meld the flavors, then serve warm.

Notes

For a lighter version, you can use turkey bacon or lean turkey breast instead of bacon and chicken thighs.
Keyword Keto Chicken Carbonara Recipe