Here’s a recipe for a rich and savory Carnivore Chicken & Bacon Casserole, designed to be hearty, creamy, and satisfying while sticking to animal-based ingredients. It’s a flexible dish that you can adapt to your preferences. This casserole combines tender chicken and crispy bacon in a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s a popular one-dish meal for the carnivore diet, delivering high protein and fat with minimal carbs.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Chicken (boneless, skinless thighs or breasts)
- 8-12 slices Bacon (thick-cut)
- 1 ½ cups Heavy Cream
- 1 ½ – 2 cups Cheese (Cheddar, Mozzarella, or Monterey Jack)
- 4 oz Cream Cheese (optional)
- 4 tbsp Butter or Bacon Fat
- Salt to taste
- Black Pepper to taste (optional)
- 4 Eggs (in some versions, as a binder)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or tallow.
- Cook the bacon in a large skillet until crispy. Remove and crumble it, but reserve 2-3 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the pan.
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, season with salt, and sear them in the reserved bacon grease (and butter) for 2-3 minutes per side. You’re just browning them; they don’t need to be fully cooked yet.
- Lower the heat and add the heavy cream (and cream cheese, if using) to the pan. Stir until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Transfer the chicken and sauce to your prepared baking dish. Stir in half of the crumbled bacon, then top with the shredded cheese. Sprinkle the remaining bacon on top.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and golden. For an extra crispy top, you can broil it for the last 2-3 minutes.
Notes
Texture Adjustments: If the casserole seems too dry, add more cream or a splash of bone broth. If it’s too runny, bake it a little longer or add more cheese. Best Chicken: Thighs are consistently recommended for their juiciness, which prevents the dish from drying out. Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes after baking. This allows the sauce to set, making it easier to serve.
