This is an easy, extremely good recipe that my family loves. There are a few choices so you can make it as written and then switch it up next time. I add mushrooms because of their high nutritional value and low carb, lipid, and protein. And they're a tasty addition. You can use your choice of cheeses. I’d keep the parmesan and definitely the cream cheese.
Ingredients for 6 servings:
- 7 strips thick bacon
- 2 lbs chicken - boneless skinless breasts (or thighs)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms to taste
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 2 scallions
- 1-2 shallots thinly cut and diced
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 (8oz) blocks cream cheese (or ½ c heavy cream)
- 1 packet (1 oz) Ranch seasoning (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1-1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup parmesan - shredded
- Iron skillet or oven-safe casserole dish
Instructions:
- Cook bacon in the oven. Preheat to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay the bacon slices so they don’t touch each other. Cook 10 to 20 min to taste. Set aside when done.
- If the chicken is thick, cut it in half lengthwise. If you are using the Ranch seasoning, sprinkle it over the chicken and add the chicken broth. At 400 degrees Fahrenheit, cook chicken in the oven for 10 min. Cut or tear the cream cheese into small pieces and put over chicken. Cook additional 10 min. ALTERNATIVE: In an iron skillet, add a bit of unflavored coconut oil (withstands high heat) and cook chicken 8 min on each side (add the cream cheese and chicken broth when you turn the breast over).
- Chop bacon, dice shallots and thin-slice the scallions and set each aside.
- Add the butter to a pan and cook the mushrooms, shallots, and cauliflower on medium heat. Do not burn. Add the spinach last and cook until it wilts.
- Spread the melted cream cheese over the chicken so it's more even. Add the vegetable mixture to the cooked chicken. Sprinkle the shredded cheese(s) over the chicken. Cover the pan and place in the oven until the cheese melts (this is fairly quick, so monitor it).
- Remove skillet, sprinkle the bacon and scallions over the chicken and serve. YUM!
