Keto Chow: Savory Chicken, Easy Preparation Tips

Keto Chow's Savory Chicken Soup is a tasty and nutritious meal option for those on a ketogenic diet. This gluten-free soup mix is designed to be easy to prepare and customizable to your specific dietary needs. The soup can be enjoyed on its own or used as an ingredient in various keto recipes. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a total cook time of 40 minutes, you can have a delicious and filling keto-friendly meal ready in no time.

Cut chicken into pieces and cook in a skillet

To prepare keto chow savory chicken, you'll need to start by cutting your chicken into pieces. Using chicken thighs, cut up 2 pounds of chicken into bite-sized pieces. You can also use other parts of the chicken, such as breasts or legs, but thighs tend to have more flavour and stay moist during cooking.

Once your chicken is cut into pieces, it's time to cook it. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of avocado oil. You can also use another cooking oil of your choice, such as olive oil or coconut oil. When the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until it is cooked through and no longer pink in the centre. If you're using a smaller skillet, you may need to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

While the chicken is cooking, you can also prepare the other ingredients for the keto chow, such as the cream cheese, cauliflower, and cheddar cheese. However, make sure to keep an eye on the chicken to ensure it doesn't burn. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside, keeping it warm until you're ready to assemble the dish.

By cutting the chicken into pieces and cooking it in a skillet, you'll create a delicious and flavourful base for your keto chow savory chicken dish. This method ensures that the chicken is cooked evenly and thoroughly, and it also allows you to develop a nice sear on the surface of the meat, adding texture and flavour to your final dish.

Add cream cheese and mix until melted

Adding cream cheese to your keto chow savory chicken is a great way to enhance the creaminess and flavour of the dish. Here's a detailed guide on this step:

Once you've cut your chicken into pieces and cooked it in a skillet with avocado oil, it's time to add the cream cheese. For this recipe, you'll need 6 ounces of full-fat cream cheese, cut into chunks and at room temperature. Adding the cream cheese at room temperature ensures it melts smoothly and evenly.

Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet and add the cream cheese chunks. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently mix the chicken and cream cheese together. Keep the heat at a medium-low setting to prevent the cream cheese from burning or sticking to the pan. Continue mixing until the cream cheese has completely melted and combined with the chicken. You'll know it's ready when the mixture takes on a creamy consistency, with no visible lumps of cream cheese remaining.

This step is crucial as it forms the basis of your savoury sauce. The cream cheese adds a rich, creamy texture and a tangy flavour that complements the chicken. It also helps to bind the other ingredients together, creating a cohesive and tasty dish.

Feel free to adjust the amount of cream cheese to your preference. If you're a cream cheese lover, you can add a little extra to make the dish even creamier. Just remember that adding too much may affect the overall consistency of the dish, making it too thick or heavy.

Once the cream cheese has melted, you can proceed to the next step of adding Keto Chow, heavy cream, water, garlic powder, and salt to create a delicious and satisfying keto-friendly meal.

Add Keto Chow, heavy cream, water, garlic powder and salt

Now it's time to add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Add one serving of Keto Chow, 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1¾ – 2 cups of water, a pinch of garlic powder, and a pinch of salt to the skillet.

Stir the mixture well, ensuring that all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. If the mixture becomes too thick, you can add a little more water to thin it out. It should have a smooth, creamy consistency.

At this stage, you can also adjust the seasoning to your taste. If you prefer a stronger garlic flavour, add a little more garlic powder. You can also add other dried herbs and spices, such as thyme, rosemary, or red pepper flakes, to enhance the savoury flavour of the dish.

Remember, it's essential to combine the ingredients well at this step to ensure a smooth and flavourful sauce for your Savory Chicken Casserole.

Stir in shredded cheddar cheese

Once you've cooked the chicken and mixed in the cream cheese, it's time to stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. This is a crucial step in preparing keto-friendly savory chicken, as it adds flavor and texture to the dish. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Before you start, make sure you have all the ingredients ready. You'll need 2 pounds of chicken cut into pieces (preferably chicken thighs), 6 ounces of full-fat cream cheese at room temperature, 1 serving of Savory Chicken Soup (or 1 scoop), 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and some additional vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower.

Now, let's get started with stirring in the shredded cheddar cheese:

• Measure the Cheese: Take 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and set it aside. You can adjust the amount slightly to your preference, but this measurement will ensure a good balance of flavors and texture in the final dish.
• Prepare the Cheese: It's best to use shredded cheddar cheese at room temperature. If it's been refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature for a while before adding it to the dish. This will make it easier to mix and melt.
• Timing is Key: The timing of when you add the shredded cheddar cheese is important. You'll want to add it after you've cooked the chicken and mixed in the cream cheese. This ensures that the cream cheese is melted and combined with the chicken before adding the shredded cheese.
• Stirring Technique: Use a spatula or a large spoon to gently fold the shredded cheddar cheese into the chicken mixture. Start by adding about half of the cheese and stirring it in. Then, gradually add the remaining cheese, stirring continuously until it's well combined. Make sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the pan to fully incorporate the cheese.
• Avoid Overmixing: Be careful not to overmix the cheese, as this can cause it to become tough and greasy. You want to stir just enough to evenly distribute the cheese throughout the chicken mixture.
• Melting the Cheese: After stirring, the cheese should start to melt slightly from the residual heat of the cooked chicken. If needed, you can place the pan back on low heat for a brief period to help the cheese melt further. However, be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the cheese to separate or become greasy.
• Consistency Check: Once you've stirred in the cheese, take a moment to assess the consistency of the mixture. It should be creamy and have a good distribution of cheese throughout. If it seems too thick, you can add a small amount of water to thin it out, but do so gradually to avoid making it too watery.
• Taste and Season: This is a good opportunity to taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind that the cheese also contributes to the overall flavor.
• Final Touches: After stirring in the cheese, you can proceed with the next steps in the recipe, such as adding the mixture to a casserole dish and baking it in the oven. The cheese will continue to melt and brown during the baking process, adding a delicious layer of flavor to your keto-friendly savory chicken dish.

Remember, when stirring in the shredded cheddar cheese, take your time and work gently to ensure a smooth and even distribution throughout the chicken mixture. This step is essential to achieving the signature flavor and texture of this keto-friendly dish.

Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes

Once you've prepared your keto chicken casserole, it's time to bake it to perfection! Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This is an important step to ensure even cooking. While the oven is preheating, take some time to prepare the casserole dish. Grease it or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Place the dish in the preheated oven and set a timer for 20 minutes. The total cooking time will be around 25 minutes, but it's always a good idea to start checking for doneness a little earlier. Use an oven mitt to protect your hands from the hot dish and oven racks.

As the casserole bakes, the cheese will start to melt and brown. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn't burn. You want the cheese to be golden and bubbly, not charred. If you're using an oven thermometer, the internal temperature of the casserole should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure that the chicken is cooked through.

After 20 minutes, use a kitchen timer or the oven's timer to alert you. Check the casserole by inserting a knife or toothpick into the centre. If it comes out clean, the casserole is ready. If there is still liquid or uncooked chicken, return it to the oven and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes.

Once the casserole is cooked to your liking, remove it from the oven using oven mitts. Place it on a heat-resistant surface and let it cool down for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavours to settle and the dish to thicken slightly.

Now, your keto chicken casserole is ready to be served! Portion it out into bowls and enjoy the delicious, cheesy goodness. Don't forget to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Frequently asked questions