Balsamic Maple Dijon Chicken with Bacon Sauce

If you’re searching for a recipe that brings together savory, sweet, and tangy flavors in perfect harmony, look no further than balsamic maple Dijon chicken with bacon sauce. This dish is not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly easy to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just cooking for family, this recipe is sure to impress.

Preparation Steps

Marinating the Chicken:

1. In a bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken.
3. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more intense flavor.

Making the Bacon Sauce:

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the skillet.
2. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Stir the crispy bacon back into the sauce. Keep warm over low heat.

Cooking Instructions

Cooking the Chicken:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of olive oil.
3. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and sear the chicken breasts in the skillet for 3-4 minutes on each side, until browned.
4. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Serving Suggestions

1. Plating the Dish:
   • Serve the chicken breasts topped with a generous spoonful of the bacon sauce.
   • Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, for a pop of color and added flavor.
2. Pairing Ideas:
   • This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. The flavors of the balsamic maple Dijon chicken and bacon sauce complement a wide range of sides, making it versatile and easy to customize to your preferences.

Conclusion

Balsamic maple Dijon chicken with bacon sauce is a delightful dish that combines the richness of bacon, the tangy sweetness of maple and balsamic, and the savory depth of Dijon mustard. It’s a perfect recipe for when you want to impress with minimal effort. Try it out for your next meal and enjoy the compliments that are sure to follow.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used. Adjust the cooking time as needed, as thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.

2. What can I substitute for heavy cream in the bacon sauce?
You can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and butter as a substitute for heavy cream, though the sauce may be less rich.

3. How long can I marinate the chicken?
Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but for best results, marinate for up to 4 hours.

4. Can I make the bacon sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bacon sauce ahead of time and reheat it gently over low heat before serving.

5. What other herbs can I use for garnish?
Fresh thyme, rosemary, or even basil would make great garnishes for this dish.

Yield: 4

Balsamic Maple Dijon Chicken with Bacon Sauce

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If you're searching for a recipe that brings together savory, sweet, and tangy flavors in perfect harmony, look no further than balsamic maple Dijon chicken with bacon sauce. This dish is not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly easy to prepare. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just cooking for family, this recipe is sure to impress.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 6 strips bacon
• 4 (6 ounce) boneless skinless chicken breasts, pat dry
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 small onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 tablespoons flour (rice flour flour for gluten-free)
• 1/3 cup chicken broth (link this)
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons grainy mustard
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari)

Instructions

1. Cook the bacon in a large pan until crispy and set aside on paper towels to drain and cool before crumbling.
2. Cook the chicken in bacon drippings in the same pan over medium-high heat until lightly golden brown and cooked through, about 3-5 minutes per side, before setting aside.
3. Add the onions and cook until tender, about 3-5 minutes, before adding the garlic and flour and cooking until fragrant, about a minute.
4. Add the chicken broth and deglaze the pan by scraping all of the brown bits from the bottom of the pan into the sauce.
5. Add the balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, mustards, soy sauce, bacon and chicken, bring the sauce to a simmer and cook until it thickens a bit, about 2-3 minutes.

Notes

Option: Season the chicken with your favourite spice blend instead of salt and pepper.

Option: Replace the chicken broth with white wine.

Option: Add cream to the sauce!

Option: Add hot sauce like sriracha for some spicy heat!

Nutrition Information:

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 312