Keto Mac and Cheese

Name: Keto Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6 people
Ingredients: 2 ½ lbs chicken thighs; 3 teaspoon salt; ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper; ½ teaspoon paprika; 2 tablespoon vegetable oil; 16 oz frozen cauliflower florets; 1 tablespoon butter; 2 cups heavy whipping cream; 8 oz cream cheese; 2 cups shredded sharp white cheddar; 1 cup fresh baby spinach; 1 tablespoon chopped chives

User Reviews

5.0

18 reviews

Excellent

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings
6 people
Calories
983 kcal
Course
Main Course
Cuisine
American

Keto Mac and Cheese

Soren Pugh

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Keto Mac and Cheese with cauliflower, chicken thighs, and spinach is a one-pan dish made in 30 minutes, perfect as a low-carb and gluten-free family meal just like these 30 low-carb dinner recipes. It's creamy, comforting, and tastes like macaroni and cheese but without the carbs!

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Ingredients

Servings

2 ½ lbs chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on (about 4-6 thighs)
3 teaspoon salt
¾ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoon vegetable oil
16 oz frozen cauliflower florets If you want, add one extra cup of cooked cauliflower to the pan and mix with the sauce.
1 tablespoon butter
2 cups heavy whipping cream
8 oz cream cheese softened
2 cups shredded sharp white cheddar If your sauce is not thick enough, add 1 extra cup of cheese to the sauce and mix well until melted before adding the cooked cauliflower to the pan. Or, add ½ teaspoon xanthan gum to the sauce and mix until smooth and thickened.
1 cup fresh baby spinach
1 tablespoon chopped chives

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425° F (220° C). Pat dry the chicken thighs with a paper towel and season them on both sides. NOTE: Make sure to remove the thighs out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking!
Heat oil in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken thighs skin side down for 3-4 minutes or until browned.
Flip the thighs and bake for about 18-20 minutes.
Meanwhile, while the thighs are baking, place cauliflower in a microwave-safe bowl with 2-3 tablespoons of water, cover with a plate, and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until tender yet firm. Or, follow instructions on the frozen package. Drain well and set aside!
Transfer the baked chicken to a plate and cover with aluminum foil. If needed, place a cup of water into the pan and scrub the bottom with a wooden spoon to remove excess bits while heating on the stovetop. Pour the water out and dry inside with a paper towel.
Using the same pan, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in heavy cream, salt and pepper, cream cheese, and cheese until sauce is smooth and has thickened, about 2-4 minutes.
Lastly, add spinach and let it cook for 1 minute. Add the cooked cauliflower to the pan and coat with the sauce. Arrange the thighs on top, sprinkle chives, and serve our keto cauliflower mac and cheese with chicken.

Notes

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To make this dish paleo, use a cashew "cheese" sauce instead.
For a dairy-free version, substitute almond milk, DF Greek yogurt, and DF mozzarella for whole milk, cream cheese, and regular cheese.
If needed, substitute oil for butter.
Replace chives with any herb of your choice.
If you don't have cauliflower, use broccoli.
If you love pasta yet are looking to cut calories, make this dish using half cauliflower and half-cooked macaroni.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
Freeze for up to about 3 months. Let thaw in the fridge and heat before eating. If needed, add a little bit of heavy cream for creaminess.
Remove chicken skin before eating in order to cut on calories, if desired.

Nutrition Information

Show Details

Calories 983kcal (49%) Carbohydrates 8g (3%) Protein 41g (82%) Fat 88g (135%) Saturated Fat 45g (225%) Cholesterol 352mg (117%) Sodium 1715mg (71%) Potassium 731mg (21%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 2g (4%) Vitamin A 2820IU (56%) Vitamin C 38.6mg (43%) Calcium 395mg (40%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6people

Amount Per Serving

Calories 983 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories	983kcal	49%
Carbohydrates	8g	3%
Protein	41g	82%
Fat	88g	135%
Saturated Fat	45g	225%
Cholesterol	352mg	117%
Sodium	1715mg	71%
Potassium	731mg	16%
Fiber	1g	4%
Sugar	2g	4%
Vitamin A	2820IU	56%
Vitamin C	38.6mg	43%
Calcium	395mg	40%
Iron	2mg	11%