Bacon-Wrapped Ranch Chicken
Bacon-wrapped around chicken seasoned with ranch and baked to enhance the juicy tenderness will be a hit with anyone, not just those eating a low carb diet. Adding a little paprika into the seasoning gives a sweet pepper taste without the heat. This is a common summer meal in our family because I usually cook it in a skillet on the grill, avoiding the dreaded oven heat.
This main attraction is great on a camping trip and even tastes well cold as a left-over. (For that early morning wake up from a random rainstorm, you know, when you forgot to put the gear away the night before)
Smash an avocado or my favorite, Primal Kitchen Ranch dressing, add a serving of leafy greens or roasted broccoli to round out the meal.
The deal with bacon
Oh, bacon! That salty, fatty cut of pork is loaded with fat and protein and makes a great addition to breakfast. The majority of bacon you can purchase in stores contains some form of sugar. While the sugar is minimal and is ok to enjoy with a low carb eating plan, you can find bacon without added sugar or the dreaded dextrose (1) A couple of phone calls and I was able to locate a local meat processor who was willing to make a batch for us without the sugar and dextrose. The cost was about $2 more than our regular bacon. Hands down the best bacon and nothing tasted off without the sugar.
Great Make-Ahead Meal
A busy lifestyle means that planning ahead is the key to eating healthy. I usually prepare 3-4 meals on Sunday to be eaten throughout the week. As new empty-nesters, this is perfect for us. There are also times when you just need to pull something out of the freezer and these tenders are apart of that. Simply prepare and move to a baking sheet and place in the freezer for 2 hours, then transfer to a freezer-safe storage container. Another great item to keep in the freezer is my Keto Chicken Stuffed Nuggets
Ranch Seasoning
Seasoning packs are very easy but contain anti-caking agents, gluten, sugar in various forms, and often, MSG. You can create your own ranch seasoning mix here, but my favorite is from a company called Mamma Mia “NUTHIN’ HIDDEN” Ranch mix. Keto-Friendly with tons of flavor.
Another option is ranch dressing, simply omit the seasoning and oil, marinate your chicken in 1/4 cup ranch dressing. You can still add the paprika to give that sweet pepper flavor. Keep in mind that the dressing will not penetrate the meat as well but still provides
Primal Kitchen has a fantastic lineup of healthy dressings and mayonnaise. Most grocery stores now carry their line. Whole Foods has the biggest selection I’ve been able to find but living in a rural area, not a place we can frequent on a regular basis. Thankfully, you can order directly from their website. Their Avocado Mayo is cheaper than trying to make it yourself, zero soy or sugar.
Bacon Wrapped Ranch Chicken
Ingredients
- 1¼ pounds Boneless, Skinless Chicken
- 6 slices Bacon
- 1 Tbsp Chives, diced or ½ tbsp freeze dried
- 1 tsp Paprika optional
- ½ tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Pepper
- ½ Tbsp Garlic Powder
- ½ Tbsp Onion Powder
- 1 Tbsp Avocado Oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375° F
- Mix all dry seasoning in a small finger bowl.
- Add chicken, seasoning and avocado oil into a Plastic storage bag or container with a lid. Rub seasoning into chicken by shaking to coat.
- Wrap each chicken thigh in 1 strip of bacon, place on a well greased or parchment lined baking sheet.
- Bake at 375° for 25-30 minutes. Turn off heat and allow to sit another 5 minutes before removing from oven to cooll another 5 minutes.
- Garnish with smashed avocado or add a few cups of leafy greens for a complete meal.
Notes
562 calories | 3.6 Carbs | 45g Fat | 36g Protein.
To save time, this recipe can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated up to 2 days prior to baking.PSALM 16:11 You make known to me the path of life;you will fill me with joy in your presence with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
The process of healing our body is not achieved over night. It is a daily decision to place a priority on healthful actions.
