Slow-Simmered Buffalo Chicken and Bacon Keto Stew
A rich and spicy stew combining tender chicken, smoky bacon, and tangy buffalo sauce, perfect for a hearty keto meal. This american-inspired keto (low-carb) ready in about 55 minutes pairs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, strips bacon strips, chopped, buffalo sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 6 strips bacon strips, chopped
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 3 cups chicken broth, low sodium
- 2 medium celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large pot over medium heat until melted, then add 6 chopped bacon strips and sauté for 5-7 minutes until crisp and browned; remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving rendered fat in the pot.
- Step 2: Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and 2 diced celery stalks to the bacon fat and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces to the pot; cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned.
- Step 5: Pour in 3 cups low sodium chicken broth and 1/2 cup buffalo sauce, stirring to combine; bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes until chicken is tender.
- Step 6: Stir in 4 ounces softened cream cheese until fully melted and incorporated, thickening the stew.
- Step 7: Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, then fold in the reserved crispy bacon and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley.
- Step 8: Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to meld flavors before serving hot.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Simmered Buffalo Chicken and Bacon Keto Stew take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Slow-Simmered Buffalo Chicken and Bacon Keto Stew?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep strips bacon strips, chopped from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Buffalo Chicken and Bacon Keto Stew?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Slow-Simmered Buffalo Chicken and Bacon Keto Stew for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Slow-Simmered Buffalo Chicken and Bacon Keto Stew low-carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low-carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
