Indulge in the decadent flavors of this Easy Creamy Bacon Chicken! Featuring tender chicken breasts, crispy bacon, and a garlic-infused cream sauce, this dish is a perfect blend of comfort and elegance. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or a special occasion meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines the smoky flavor of bacon with creamy, garlicky goodness.
- Quick and easy to prepare in under an hour.
- Simple ingredients, big flavors.
- Versatile — pairs perfectly with pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.
- Crowd-pleaser that’s great for family meals or entertaining.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 large chicken breasts, halved horizontally
- 6 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- Flour (for dusting the chicken)
- Pepper, to taste
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Season and Coat: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Lightly dust both sides with flour and season with garlic powder and pepper.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- Cook the Bacon: In the same skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and crumble, leaving 1–2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the skillet.
- Deglaze the Pan: Add chicken broth to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add Cream and Lemon: Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and garlic powder. Let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 3: Combine
- Return Chicken to the Pan: Place the seared chicken back into the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and let it simmer for another 3–4 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Add Bacon: Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the top.
Step 4: Serve
- Serve Immediately: Garnish with fresh herbs (optional) and serve hot with your favorite sides.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Cheesy Twist: Add 1/2 cup of Parmesan or shredded cheddar to the sauce for extra richness.
- Spicy Option: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a kick.
- Herbaceous: Add fresh thyme or rosemary for an earthy flavor.
- Mushroom Addition: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the bacon for a hearty twist.
- Keto-Friendly: Skip the flour and pair with cauliflower mash or zoodles.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce thickens too much.
- Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time as they may take slightly longer to cook.
2. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Use coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative. Substitute butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter.
3. Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Absolutely! Broccoli, spinach, or asparagus are great additions. Add them to the sauce while it simmers.
4. How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
Avoid overcooking the chicken and ensure it’s covered in the sauce while simmering.
5. Can I make this in advance?
Yes, prepare the dish up to Step 6, then store it in the fridge. Reheat on the stovetop before serving.
6. What pairs well with creamy bacon chicken?
Serve it with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
7. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce may be slightly thinner. To thicken, simmer the sauce a bit longer.
8. What type of bacon works best?
Use thick-cut bacon for the best flavor and texture.
9. Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour for dusting the chicken.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients. Use a larger skillet to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Conclusion
Easy Creamy Bacon Chicken is a deliciously rich and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender chicken, crispy bacon, and indulgent cream sauce, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s simple enough for a weeknight but elegant enough for a dinner party. Pair it with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Print
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Creamy Bacon Chicken is a quick and delicious meal perfect for weeknight dinners! Juicy chicken breasts and crispy bacon are smothered in a rich, garlic-infused cream sauce with hints of lemon. Ready in just 40 minutes, this comforting dish pairs perfectly with rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
Meat:
- 6 strips bacon (cooked until crispy, chopped)
- 2 large chicken breasts (cut in half lengthwise to make 4 thin pieces)
Produce:
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
Canned Goods:
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Condiments:
- 1/2 tsp lemon juice
Baking & Spices:
- All-purpose flour (for dredging)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Dairy:
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season and Dredge:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Lightly coat the chicken in flour, shaking off the excess.
- Cook the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Sauce:
- Crisp the Bacon:
- In the same skillet, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.
- Make the Sauce:
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and garlic powder. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine and Serve:
- Return Chicken to the Skillet:
- Add the cooked chicken breasts back to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes to warm through.
- Add Bacon:
- Sprinkle the crispy bacon over the top and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes. Pair with steamed broccoli, green beans, or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier option.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid curdling the cream sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Find it online: https://yumandjoy.com/creamy-bacon-chicken-recipe/
