Here’s a rich and flavorful recipe for Creamy Bacon Chicken that combines crispy bacon with tender chicken in a luscious cream sauce. Perfect for a comforting dinner!
Creamy Bacon Chicken
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the bacon: In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain, leaving the bacon grease in the pan.
- Season the chicken: While the bacon is cooking, season the chicken breasts on both sides with paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the chicken: Add olive oil to the skillet with the bacon grease if necessary. Sear the chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the cream sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping 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, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the thyme and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the chicken and bacon: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Sprinkle the cooked bacon over the chicken.
- Simmer and serve: Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 5 minutes to heat through and absorb the flavors. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Recipe Notes:
- Bacon options: Thick-cut bacon adds a more robust flavor, but regular bacon works just as well. You can also substitute turkey bacon if preferred.
- Creamy texture: If you want a thinner sauce, add more chicken broth. For a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer or stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water).
- Serving ideas: This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans.
Time and Temperature:
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 25-30 minutes
- Total time: 35-40 minutes
This Creamy Bacon Chicken recipe offers a delightful combination of crispy bacon, juicy chicken, and a creamy, savory sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner