Creamy Bacon Chicken Recipe

Creamy Bacon Chicken is one of those meals that will quickly become a favorite in your dinner rotation. It’s comforting, easy to make, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting guests, this dish offers a rich and satisfying experience. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be served with a wide variety of sides, making it ideal for any occasion.

How to Prepare Creamy Bacon Chicken

Preparing the Chicken

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Frying the Bacon

3. In the same skillet, add the bacon strips and cook until crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon, let it cool, and crumble it into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.

Creating the Cream Sauce

4. Leave about a tablespoon of the bacon fat in the skillet (remove any excess) and add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes until it starts to thicken.
6. Add the grated parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until fully melted and incorporated.
7. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the chicken.
8. Add the crumbled bacon on top, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Bacon Chicken

Choosing the Right Bacon

For the best flavor, opt for thick-cut bacon. It adds a more robust, smoky taste to the dish and provides a nice, crunchy texture.

Best Chicken Cuts to Use

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe, but you can also use chicken thighs for a juicier, richer flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook.

Side Dishes That Pair Well with Creamy Bacon Chicken

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes are a natural companion to this rich dish. The potatoes soak up the delicious cream sauce, creating a perfect flavor combination.

Roasted Vegetables

If you’re looking for a lighter side, roasted vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts provide a fresh, earthy contrast to the richness of the chicken.

Customizing the Recipe

Adding Mushrooms or Spinach

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or fresh spinach to the cream sauce. Both options complement the richness of the dish without overpowering the bacon and chicken.

Using Different Cheeses

While parmesan adds a nutty, salty kick to the sauce, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or sharp cheddar for a different taste profile.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Chicken

One of the most common mistakes in this recipe is overcooking the chicken, which can make it dry. Be sure to cook the chicken until it’s just done—no more than 165°F internal temperature.

Thickening the Sauce Too Much

It’s important not to let the sauce reduce too much, as it can become too thick. If this happens, you can thin it out with a little extra chicken broth.

FAQs

1. Can I Use Heavy Cream Substitutes?
   Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even a combination of milk and butter if you want a lighter version of the dish. Keep in mind, though, that the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy.
2. Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
   Absolutely! You can make the chicken and bacon ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat them in the skillet with the sauce.
3. How Can I Make This Recipe Keto-Friendly?
   This dish is already low in carbs, but you can serve it with cauliflower rice or zoodles (zucchini noodles) to make it even more keto-friendly.
4. Can I Use Turkey Bacon Instead?
   Yes, turkey bacon can be used as a healthier alternative to pork bacon. It will provide a slightly different flavor but still pairs well with the creamy sauce.
5. What’s the Best Way to Reheat Leftovers?
   To reheat Creamy Bacon Chicken, warm it in a skillet over low heat, stirring the sauce frequently to prevent it from separating. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the skillet method preserves the texture better.
   Yield: 4

   Creamy Bacon Chicken Recipe

   

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   Creamy Bacon Chicken is one of those meals that will quickly become a favorite in your dinner rotation. It’s comforting, easy to make, and packed with flavor. Whether you're cooking for your family or hosting guests, this dish offers a rich and satisfying experience. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be served with a wide variety of sides, making it ideal for any occasion.

   Prep Time 10 minutes

   Cook Time 30 minutes

   Ingredients

   • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
   • 8 slices bacon
   • 2 tbsp olive oil
   • 1 small onion, finely chopped
   • 3 cloves garlic, minced
   • 1 cup chicken broth
   • 1 cup heavy cream
   • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
   • 1 cup spinach leaves (optional)
   • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
   • 1/2 tsp dried basil
   • Salt and pepper to taste
   • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

   Instructions

   1. Cook the Bacon:In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain on paper towels. Once cool, crumble into pieces. Reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the skillet.
   2. Prepare the Chicken:Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In the same skillet with the reserved bacon drippings, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
   3. Sauté the Vegetables:In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
   4. Make the Creamy Sauce:Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, and dried basil. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
   5. Combine Chicken and Bacon:Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon some of the sauce over them. If using, stir in the spinach leaves until wilted. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the chicken through.
   6. Finish and Serve:Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the chicken and sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

   Notes

   Serve the creamy bacon chicken over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.

   For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of bacon.

   You can also add other vegetables, such as mushrooms or bell peppers, for extra flavor and nutrition.