Pancetta is the secret ingredient in a lot of my favorite keto recipes—just a little bit goes a long way, and its salty flavor adds depth and extra crave-ability to so many dishes. Here I use it as a crispy topping for simply prepared chicken and broccoli covered in a creamy cheese sauce. This is definitely one of the richer dinners in this book, and it is a good one to try if you are following an OMAD (one meal a day) plan or are incorporating intermittent fasting into your routine.

Serves: 3

Active prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 ounces pancetta, diced

• 1∕₂ cup diced onion

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

• 3∕₄ cup chicken broth

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1∕₄ pounds total)

• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

• 1∕₄ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

• 1∕₄ teaspoon fine Himalayan pink salt

• 1∕₄ teaspoon black pepper

• 2 cups small broccoli florets

• 1∕₄ cup heavy cream

• 1∕₂ cup shredded Gouda cheese (2 ounces)

• 1∕₄ cup shredded Swiss cheese (1 ounce)

DIRECTIONS

1. Select SAUTÉ on the Instant Pot. When the pot is hot, add the olive oil. Add the pancetta to the hot oil and cook until the pieces are crisp, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Select CANCEL.

2. Remove all but about 2 tablespoons of the oil from the pot. Select SAUTÉ. Add the onion and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Select CANCEL.

3. Add the broth to the pot. Season the chicken breasts with the Italian seasoning, pepper flakes, pink salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken to the pot.

4. Secure the lid on the pot and close the pressure-release valve. Set the pot to HIGH pressure for 15 minutes. At the end of the cooking time, quick-release the pressure. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.

5. Select SAUTÉ and add the broccoli and cream. Simmer until the sauce is slightly thickened, about 4 minutes. Add the Gouda and Swiss cheeses and stir until melted. Select CANCEL.

6. Slice the chicken breasts before serving. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and sprinkle with the pancetta.

Per serving: Calories: 745 • Total Fat: 44 g • Protein: 72 g • Total Carbs: 14 g • Fiber: 4 g • Erythritol: 0 g • Net Carbs: 10 g

If you love easy chicken dinners check out these recipes!

Click photo for recipe.