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- 4 chicken thighs: bone-in and skin-on - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 packet ranch seasoning mix - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/2 cup chicken broth - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits (or turkey bacon) - 1/4 cup chopped green onions - Salt and pepper to taste The main star of this dish is the chicken thighs. I love using bone-in and skin-on thighs for added flavor and juiciness. The skin crisps up beautifully, giving a rich taste. Next, I add olive oil to the skillet. It helps the chicken brown nicely. You need ranch seasoning mix to give the dish its unique taste. This mix brings a blend of herbs and spices that make every bite special. Cream cheese is a must for this recipe. It creates a rich, creamy sauce that coats the chicken. The chicken broth adds moisture and keeps the dish from being too thick. Shredded cheddar cheese brings a melty goodness that elevates the meal. I often use bacon bits for extra crunch and flavor. You can swap them for turkey bacon if you prefer a lighter option. Finally, I like to add chopped green onions. They add freshness and a pop of color to the dish. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. Each ingredient plays a key role in making this meal a savory delight. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Heating the olive oil Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet. Set the heat to medium-high. Wait until the oil is hot but not smoking. 2. Seasoning the chicken thighs While the oil heats, season 4 chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Make sure to coat both sides well. This adds flavor to the meat. 3. Searing the chicken in the skillet Once the oil is ready, place the chicken thighs skin side down in the skillet. Sear them for about 5 to 7 minutes. Look for a golden brown color on the skin. Then flip the thighs and cook for another 5 minutes. This step locks in the juices. 1. Adding ranch seasoning mix After searing, sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix evenly over the chicken thighs. This mix is what makes this dish so tasty. 2. Incorporating cream cheese and chicken broth Next, add 1 cup of softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of chicken broth to the skillet. Stir gently to combine. The cream cheese will melt and form a creamy sauce. 3. Simmering for tenderness Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. This helps the chicken cook all the way through. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F. 1. Adding cheese and bacon Once the chicken is cooked, remove the lid. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of cooked bacon bits over the top. Cover again for a few minutes. This helps the cheese melt and become bubbly. 2. Garnishing before serving Finally, garnish with 1/4 cup of chopped green onions. This adds a nice color and flavor. Now your Keto Crack Chicken Thigh Skillet is ready to enjoy! To boost flavor in your Keto Crack Chicken, try adding spices like garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne. These spices add depth and warmth. For a fun twist, marinate your chicken thighs in a mix of olive oil, ranch seasoning, and lemon juice for an hour before cooking. This simple step infuses extra flavor throughout the meat. Use a heavy cast-iron skillet or non-stick skillet for the best searing. These types hold heat well and create a nice crust on the chicken. Always let your chicken thighs rest for a few minutes after cooking. This step allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender and juicy. For crispy skin, make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken. Sear skin-side down without moving them for that perfect crisp. If your sauce is too thick, add more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency. Adjusting the sauce helps it coat the chicken nicely. Pro Tips Perfectly Crispy Skin: To achieve the best crispy skin, make sure the chicken thighs are patted dry before seasoning. Moisture on the skin can prevent it from getting that golden, crunchy texture. Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in the ranch seasoning mix and a little olive oil for a few hours or overnight before cooking. Serving Suggestions: Serve the crack chicken over a bed of cauliflower rice or alongside steamed vegetables for a nutritious and satisfying meal. Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. {{image_2}} You can switch up the cheese in this dish. Try pepper jack for a spicy kick. Mozzarella gives a nice stretch. You can even use cream cheese with herbs for extra flavor. If you want to swap chicken for turkey or pork, that works too. Turkey thighs are juicy and tasty. Pork chops can add a different twist. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed. For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream instead of cream cheese. It adds a rich taste. You can also use dairy-free cheese. Look for brands that melt well. If you need low-carb options, skip the bacon bits. Use mushrooms for added texture. You can also add zucchini noodles instead of pasta. This keeps it light and fresh. Adding spices can change the whole dish. Try garlic powder or smoked paprika for depth. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can brighten the flavor. You can also toss in vegetables. Spinach wilts nicely in the sauce. Bell peppers add crunch and color. Just sauté the veggies with the chicken for a complete meal. After cooking your Keto Crack Chicken Thigh Skillet, let it cool. Store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken fresh and tasty. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. You can freeze this dish if you have more than you can eat. Place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will stay good for about three months. When you want to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat it in a skillet over low heat. This helps keep the chicken moist and flavorful. Meal prep makes life easier. You can cook this dish on Sunday for the week. Divide it into single servings for easy lunch or dinner. Use small containers to portion the chicken. This way, you can grab a meal anytime. Enjoy the yummy taste of Keto Crack Chicken all week long! Can I use boneless chicken thighs? Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They will cook faster. Just adjust your cooking time to avoid overcooking. How many carbs are in this dish? This dish has about 3-4 grams of carbs per serving. It’s very low-carb, making it perfect for keto diets. What should I serve with Keto Crack Chicken Thigh Skillet? I love serving it with a side of steamed veggies. Cauliflower rice also pairs well, adding a nice texture to the meal. Can I make this in an Instant Pot? Absolutely! Sear the chicken on the sauté setting first. Then, add the other ingredients and cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes. How to tell if chicken is cooked through? Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat. What can I substitute for ranch seasoning? If you don’t have ranch seasoning, use a mix of dried herbs like dill, parsley, and garlic powder. It will give a nice flavor boost. In this article, I covered all the key parts of making Keto Crack Chicken. From selecting the right ingredients to cooking tips, you have everything you need. This dish is simple, tasty, and flexible for different diets. Remember, you can change ingredients for your taste. Using the right techniques adds flavor and perfect texture. Store leftovers easily and enjoy them later. Whether cooking for yourself or others, this dish is sure to impress. Happy cooking!

Keto Crack Chicken Thigh Skillet

A delicious and creamy chicken dish perfect for a keto diet.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 2 chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 2 cooked bacon bits (or turkey bacon)
  • 1 4 chopped green onions
  • to taste Salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
  • Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs skin side down and sear for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown. Flip the chicken and cook for another 5 minutes.
  • Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix evenly over the chicken thighs.
  • Add the cream cheese and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring gently to combine. The mixture will begin to melt and create a creamy sauce.
  • Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  • Remove the lid and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and bacon bits over the top of the chicken. Cover again for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Notes

Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
Keyword chicken, easy, keto, skillet