This low carb 5-ingredient cheesy bacon chicken skillet was born out of one of those “what can I make with what’s in the fridge?” weeknights. I had leftover bacon from Sunday breakfast, a pack of chicken breasts, and a block of cheddar just begging to be used. Instead of turning everything into a heavy casserole with pasta or potatoes, I decided to keep it simple and low carb by letting the chicken, cheese, and bacon be the stars. The result is a cozy, skillet-style dinner that feels like comfort food without the carb coma. It’s perfect for busy evenings when you want something hearty and satisfying, but don’t have the time (or energy) for a sink full of dishes or a long ingredient list. If you love the idea of a cheesy, bubbly, bacon-topped bake that goes straight from stovetop to table, this one is going to be on repeat.
I like to keep the sides light and simple to balance out all the cheesy, bacony goodness in this skillet. A big green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness really nicely, or you can do some quickly sautéed green beans or roasted broccoli on the side. If you’re keeping things low carb, cauliflower rice or mashed cauliflower are great for soaking up the cheesy juices at the bottom of the pan. For family members who aren’t watching carbs, this chicken is amazing spooned over a bed of buttered egg noodles or fluffy white rice. Add a sparkling water with lemon or a glass of chilled white wine, and you’ve got a complete, cozy weeknight dinner with very little fuss.
Low Carb 5-Ingredient Cheesy Bacon Chicken Skillet
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheddar-jack blend)
