Bacon, Cream Cheese, Cheddar Chicken

Looking for easy baked chicken recipes? Do you like chicken and cream cheese together? Then, this Turkey Bacon, Cream Cheese, and Cheddar Chicken is a great choice! Super easy to make and uses simple ingredients. This chicken bake is low carb, high fat, KETO-friendly, and gluten-free. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal on the table in under an hour.
• Flavorful Combination: The rich cream cheese paired with savory turkey bacon and sharp cheddar creates a burst of flavor in every bite.
• Keto-Friendly: This recipe is low in carbs, making it ideal for those following a ketogenic diet.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal that suits any occasion.
• Easily Scalable: Whether you’re cooking for one or a crowd, you can easily adjust the ingredient quantities to fit your needs.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment makes preparation smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Casserole dish
• Oven mitts
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Casserole dish: Ideal for baking and ensures even cooking for your chicken.
• Oven mitts: Protect your hands from heat when handling hot dishes straight from the oven.
• Knife: A sharp knife is essential for slicing chicken breasts and cream cheese evenly.
• Cutting board: Keeps your workspace clean and provides a safe surface to chop ingredients.

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Ingredients

To make Turkey Bacon, Cream Cheese, Cheddar Chicken, gather the following ingredients:

For the Chicken Bake

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 chicken breasts (use 4 thin chicken breasts or 2 large chicken breasts sliced in half horizontally)
• salt and pepper
• 6 oz cream cheese (cold, refrigerated, sliced into 8 slices)
• 8 strips Turkey Bacon (cooked, chopped)
• 1 cup Cheddar cheese (shredded)

How to Make Bacon, Cream Cheese, Cheddar Chicken

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400 F. This ensures that your dish bakes evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Casserole Dish

Grease the bottom of your casserole dish with olive oil. A 13 inches x 9 inches x 4 inches deep oval casserole dish works well.

Step 3: Add Chicken Breasts

Place the chicken breasts into the greased casserole dish. If using large chicken breasts, slice them in half horizontally to create thinner pieces.

Step 4: Season the Chicken

Sprinkle salt and pepper generously over the chicken breasts. This adds essential flavor.

Step 5: Top with Cream Cheese

Take cold cream cheese out of the fridge and slice it into 8 thin pieces. Arrange these slices over the seasoned chicken.

Step 6: Add Turkey Bacon

Sprinkle chopped cooked turkey bacon over the top of the cream cheese. Ensure it’s drained from excess fat for best results.

Step 7: Sprinkle Cheddar Cheese

Evenly distribute shredded cheddar cheese over everything in the dish.

Step 8: Bake Until Cooked Through

Bake uncovered for about 20-30 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on how thick your chicken breasts are. Check that they are fully cooked before serving.

Enjoy this flavorful Turkey Bacon, Cream Cheese, Cheddar Chicken as a satisfying main course!

How to Serve Bacon, Cream Cheese, Cheddar Chicken

This Turkey Bacon, Cream Cheese, and Cheddar Chicken dish is not only delicious but also versatile for serving. Here are some creative ways to serve this baked chicken to impress your family or guests.

With a Fresh Salad

• Mixed Greens – Serve with a mix of leafy greens topped with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
• Caesar Salad – This classic salad pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of the chicken, adding crunch and zest.

Over Cauliflower Rice

• Flavorful Base – Spoon the chicken over cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative that absorbs the delicious juices.

Accompanied by Steamed Vegetables

• Seasoned Veggies – Pair with steamed broccoli or green beans lightly seasoned with olive oil and lemon for added nutrients.

In a Wrap

• Tortilla Delight – Wrap slices of the chicken in a low-carb tortilla with lettuce and tomato for a quick lunch option.

How to Perfect Bacon, Cream Cheese, Cheddar Chicken

To ensure your Turkey Bacon, Cream Cheese, and Cheddar Chicken turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Cold Cream Cheese – Starting with cold cream cheese helps it maintain shape during baking and prevents it from melting too quickly.
• Check Chicken Thickness – Ensure uniform thickness in chicken breasts for even cooking; use thin breasts or slice thicker ones.
• Monitor Baking Time – Keep an eye on the cooking time; check at 20 minutes to avoid overcooking or drying out the chicken.
• Allow Rest Time – Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to help retain juices before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Bacon, Cream Cheese, Cheddar Chicken

Pairing side dishes with your Turkey Bacon, Cream Cheese, and Cheddar Chicken can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Mashed Cauliflower – A creamy and flavorful alternative to traditional mashed potatoes.
2. Zucchini Noodles – Lightly sautéed zucchini noodles make a healthy and delicious side that complements the richness of the chicken.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts add texture and a slightly nutty flavor that works well with the dish.
4. Sautéed Spinach – Quick sautéed spinach seasoned with garlic offers a nutritious boost alongside your main course.
5. Cucumber Salad – A refreshing cucumber salad tossed in vinegar adds crunch and balances the savory flavors of the chicken.
6. Quinoa Pilaf – Fluffy quinoa pilaf infused with herbs is filling while remaining gluten-free and nutritious.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many people make simple mistakes when preparing Turkey Bacon, Cream Cheese, Cheddar Chicken. Here are some common ones to watch out for.

• Using warm cream cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is cold and sliced thinly. This helps it melt evenly over the chicken, enhancing flavor and texture.
• Overcrowding the casserole dish: If using large chicken breasts, slice them to maintain even cooking. Crowding can lead to uneven baking.
• Skipping seasoning: Don’t forget to season your chicken with salt and pepper. This enhances overall flavor and prevents blandness.
• Not checking chicken doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
• Ignoring cooking times: Cooking time varies based on the thickness of the chicken breasts. Keep an eye on them to avoid undercooking or overcooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Turkey Bacon, Cream Cheese, Cheddar Chicken in an airtight container.
• It can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Bacon, Cream Cheese, Cheddar Chicken

• Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
• This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Bacon, Cream Cheese, Cheddar Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 1-2 minutes until warm. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or wrap.
• Stovetop: Sauté in a non-stick skillet over low heat until warmed throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Turkey Bacon, Cream Cheese, Cheddar Chicken.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes! You can substitute with mozzarella or gouda for different flavors.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish stores well and makes great leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week.

How can I customize this recipe?

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.

What side dishes pair well with Bacon, Cream Cheese, Cheddar Chicken?

Consider serving it with steamed broccoli or a fresh salad for balance.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute cream cheese with plant-based cream cheese and use dairy-free cheese alternatives.

Final Thoughts

Turkey Bacon, Cream Cheese, Cheddar Chicken is an easy-to-make dish that combines rich flavors into a satisfying meal. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various cheeses or vegetables. Whether you’re meal prepping or looking for a quick dinner option, give this recipe a try!