Creamy Bacon Chicken is a decadent, restaurant-quality dish made with tender chicken breasts, crispy bacon, and a luscious cream sauce. This dish is packed with rich, savory flavors and is perfect for family dinners, date nights, or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines crispy, smoky bacon with tender, juicy chicken.
- A creamy, flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, or veggies.
- Quick and easy to make in under an hour.
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Made with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken breasts or thighs
- Bacon, diced
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
- Garlic, minced
- Onion, finely chopped
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Olive oil or butter (optional)
- Paprika (optional, for seasoning)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or thyme (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Sear the chicken in the bacon fat over medium-high heat until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Make the creamy sauce: Stir in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Combine and simmer: Return the chicken and cooked bacon to the skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or thyme and serve warm with your favorite sides.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Mushroom addition: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onion and garlic for an earthy twist.
- Spinach and sun-dried tomatoes: Add fresh spinach and chopped sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and color.
- Low-carb option: Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Cheesy upgrade: Stir in extra Parmesan or a handful of shredded mozzarella for an even creamier sauce.
- Herb boost: Add fresh basil or rosemary for a fragrant finish.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce’s consistency.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and remain juicy during cooking.
2. How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Use heavy cream and avoid boiling the sauce. Keep it at a gentle simmer.
3. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce may be thinner. You can thicken it with a slurry of cornstarch and water if needed.
4. Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure all ingredients, like broth, are certified gluten-free.
5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the dish, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat gently before serving.
6. What sides pair well with Creamy Bacon Chicken?
Mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad complement this dish beautifully.
7. Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
Absolutely! Broccoli, peas, or asparagus are great additions to the creamy sauce.
8. Can I use pre-cooked bacon?
Yes, but you’ll need a small amount of butter or oil to sear the chicken if there’s no bacon fat.
9. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F (74°C).
10. Can I substitute Parmesan with another cheese?
Yes, Romano or Asiago cheese can be used for a similar flavor profile.
Conclusion
Creamy Bacon Chicken is a rich and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a velvety sauce for a meal everyone will love. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe delivers on flavor and simplicity. Pair it with your favorite sides and enjoy a delicious homemade meal!
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Creamy Bacon Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Creamy Bacon Chicken is a rich, savory dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a creamy garlic sauce with crispy bacon. This comforting meal is perfect for a cozy dinner and pairs wonderfully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken:
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. - Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (165°F/74°C internal temperature). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. - Cook the Bacon:
In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon. Cook until crispy, then remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet. - Make the Creamy Sauce:
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly. - Combine Everything:
Return the chicken breasts and cooked bacon to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and simmer for 2-3 minutes to warm everything through. - Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Chicken Options: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier alternative. Adjust cooking time as needed.
- Add Veggies: Stir in spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to add extra flavor and texture.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.