Creamy Bacon Chicken Recipe

Creamy Bacon Chicken is a rich, indulgent dish that combines crispy bacon, tender chicken cutlets, and a luscious cream sauce. This one-pan recipe is perfect for a comforting dinner and pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, pasta, or fresh vegetables.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor-Packed: Crispy bacon and a creamy garlic sauce make this dish irresistible.
• One-Pan Meal: Easy cleanup and simple preparation.
• Versatile: Pairs well with various sides like pasta, rice, or veggies.
• Quick to Make: Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 6 strips bacon, cut into small pieces
• 2 large chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise to make 4 cutlets
• Flour, for dredging
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• Pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Bacon

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the bacon pieces and cook until crispy, about 10 minutes.
3. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan.

Step 2: Dredge and Cook the Chicken

1. While the bacon cooks, season the chicken cutlets with garlic powder and pepper. Lightly coat them with flour.
2. Add the chicken to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat.
3. Cook over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Adjust heat to prevent splattering.
4. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Create the Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add chicken broth, lemon juice, and butter.
2. Let the mixture bubble and reduce by half, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in the heavy whipping cream and bring to a gentle bubble.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

1. Return the chicken and bacon to the skillet.
2. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens to your liking.

Step 5: Serve

Serve the creamy bacon chicken hot with your choice of sides. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick.
• Herb Flavor: Stir in fresh thyme, parsley, or basil for added depth.
• Cheesy Sauce: Add 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
• Vegetable Add-Ins: Toss in mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness.

2. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Use coconut cream or cashew cream as a substitute for heavy cream.

3. What can I serve with this dish?

Pair with mashed potatoes, pasta, steamed green beans, or a fresh salad.

4. How can I make the sauce thicker?

Simmer the sauce longer to reduce it, or whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water).

5. Can I add wine to the sauce?

Yes, replace half of the chicken broth with dry white wine for added flavor.

6. Can I use pre-cooked bacon?

Yes, but cook the chicken in butter or oil since pre-cooked bacon won’t release fat.

7. Can I freeze this dish?

The sauce may separate when frozen, so freezing is not recommended.

8. How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Use low heat when adding the cream and avoid boiling the sauce.

9. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free flour for dredging the chicken.

10. What’s the best way to cut chicken breasts for cutlets?

Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally with a sharp knife to create even, thin cutlets.

Conclusion

Creamy Bacon Chicken is a rich, flavorful dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. With crispy bacon, tender chicken, and a luscious cream sauce, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite!

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