When you think of comfort food with a touch of elegance, our Low Carb Bacon Chicken Thighs With Garlic Cream Sauce should come to mind. This dish is a family favorite in our home, blending rich flavors and creamy textures to create something truly special. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something hearty yet healthy. The origins of this recipe are a blend of my passion for cooking and the need to accommodate a low-carb diet, which makes it ideal for anyone watching their carbohydrate intake while still wanting to enjoy a savory, delicious meal.
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad to keep things light and balanced. For a more filling meal, you could serve it with some roasted cauliflower or a side of buttery mashed turnips. A glass of chilled white wine would also complement the creamy garlic sauce beautifully, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests.
Low Carb Bacon Chicken Thighs With Garlic Cream SauceServings: 4
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
6 slices bacon, chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the chopped bacon. Cook until crispy, then remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the skillet.
2. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Add the olive oil to the skillet if needed, then cook the chicken thighs in the bacon drippings over medium-high heat until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
5. Bring to a simmer and let the sauce cook for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
6. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cooked bacon bits, then return the chicken thighs to the skillet, spooning some sauce over them.
7. Let everything cook together for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through and well-coated in the sauce.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Variations & Tips
For a dairy-free version, you can substitute coconut cream for the heavy cream and leave out the Parmesan cheese, or use a dairy-free alternative. If you have picky eaters in the family, consider serving the sauce on the side so everyone can control how much they use. Spicing things up with a pinch of red pepper flakes or adding sauteed mushrooms can also elevate the flavors. This recipe is quite flexible, so feel free to adjust it to your family's tastes and dietary needs.
