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Budget-Friendly Keto Father’s Day Dinner Under $25

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A delicious and affordable keto dinner featuring crispy chicken thighs, bacon, and sautéed veggies, perfect for Father’s Day or any special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 680 g)
  • 4 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
  • 1 cup fresh spinach (about 30 g), roughly chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt, divided
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the garlic herb butter: In a small bowl, combine softened unsalted butter with minced garlic, chopped fresh basil (or parsley), smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly and set aside. (5 minutes)
  2. Season the chicken thighs: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Sprinkle both sides with ½ teaspoon salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Let rest while you prep veggies. (5 minutes)
  3. Cook the bacon: Heat your skillet over medium heat. Add bacon slices and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove bacon, place on paper towel to drain, and crumble once cooled. Leave the bacon fat in the pan. (7-8 minutes)
  4. Sear the chicken: Increase heat to medium-high. Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the bacon fat. Press gently to ensure even contact. Cook until skin is golden brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for 5 minutes. (12-15 minutes)
  5. Remove chicken and rest: Transfer chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil. Resting locks in juices. (5 minutes)
  6. Sauté the veggies: Add olive oil to the skillet if needed. Toss in zucchini slices and cook for 3-4 minutes until lightly browned. Stir in chopped spinach and cook until just wilted, 1-2 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. (6 minutes)
  7. Combine and finish: Return chicken thighs to the pan on top of veggies. Dab a spoonful of garlic herb butter on each thigh, allowing it to melt. Sprinkle crumbled bacon over everything. Let it warm together for 2 minutes. (3 minutes)
  8. Serve: Plate the chicken with sautéed veggies and bacon. Garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired. (Immediate)

Notes

If chicken isn’t cooked through after searing, finish in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Pat chicken dry before cooking for crispy skin. Use bacon fat for searing to add flavor. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper browning. Add spinach last to prevent overcooking. Garlic herb butter can be made ahead and stored in the fridge.

Nutrition

Keywords: keto, budget-friendly, Father's Day dinner, chicken thighs, low-carb, easy keto recipe, bacon, garlic herb butter

Find it online: https://piperplate.com/budget-friendly-keto-fathers-day-dinner-under-25-easy-recipes/