Here’s a recipe for a Bacon and Chicken Casserole that’s perfect for the carnivore diet. This dish combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and melted cheese for a rich, hearty, and animal-based meal.
Bacon and Chicken Casserole (Strict Carnivore)
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs (900g) chicken breasts or thighs (boneless, skin-on for more flavor)
- 8 strips of bacon (cooked until crispy, then crumbled)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or your choice of carnivore-friendly cheese)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (optional, for added flavor)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamier texture)
- 3 tbsp butter, ghee, or bacon grease
- 1 tsp salt (to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (optional, omit for strict carnivore)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a baking dish with butter, ghee, or bacon grease.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of butter or bacon grease in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken breasts or thighs for 2–3 minutes on each side, until golden brown (they don’t need to be fully cooked). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Bacon:
- Cook the bacon in the same skillet until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble into pieces.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Place the seared chicken in the greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle the crumbled bacon evenly over the chicken.
- If using, drizzle the heavy cream over the chicken and bacon for extra creaminess.
- Top with the shredded mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly, and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
- Rest and Serve:
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve as is, or drizzle with additional melted butter or bacon grease for added richness.
Pro Tips:
- Add Chicken Skin: If you have extra chicken skin, crisp it up and crumble it over the casserole for added crunch.
- Make It Extra Cheesy: Add an extra layer of cheese on top for an even more indulgent dish.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain texture.
This Bacon and Chicken Casserole is a carnivore-friendly comfort food dish, perfect for a filling and satisfying meal. 🥓🍗🧀
