Irresistible One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken Recipe for Dinner

Crafting a delectable one pan creamy bacon chicken promises a culinary adventure that simplifies dinner preparation.

Succulent chicken pieces nestle perfectly with crispy bacon bits in a luxurious sauce.

Minimal cleanup becomes your unexpected reward for this kitchen magic.

Kitchen novices and seasoned cooks alike will adore how quickly this meal comes together.

Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of smoky and rich flavors that dance across your palate.

Comfort meets elegance in this single-skillet masterpiece that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for those nights when deliciousness matters most.

One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken

• Boost Nutritional Power: Packed with three different beans, this chili delivers a protein-rich meal loaded with fiber and essential nutrients for a balanced diet.
• Simplify Cooking Process: Requires basic ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels who want a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• Customize with Ease: Versatile recipe allows for quick modifications like adding extra vegetables, changing spice levels, or topping with favorite garnishes to suit personal taste preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Warm, hearty chili that satisfies vegetarian diners and meat-lovers alike, ideal for family dinners, potlucks, and casual gatherings where everyone craves a filling, flavorful dish.

Ingredients For Creamy Bacon Chicken Dish

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Tender meat that serves as the main star of the dish, providing a hearty and satisfying base for the creamy sauce.
• Bacon: Crispy pork that adds a rich, smoky flavor and a delightful crunch to the recipe.

• Chicken Broth: Liquid that helps deglaze the pan and build depth of flavor in the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious richness and creates a smooth, velvety texture for the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty, nutty undertone that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps sear the chicken and adds a subtle fruity note to the cooking process.
• Garlic, Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Garlic Powder: Spices and aromatics that layer flavor and season the chicken and sauce.
• Italian Seasoning: Herbal blend that brings a classic Mediterranean taste to the dish.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb used for garnishing and adding a fresh finish to the creamy chicken.

How To Cook One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Seasoned Chicken

Grab your chicken breasts and shower them with a delightful blend of seasonings. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder generously over both sides of the chicken, ensuring every inch gets some love.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet until it shimmers with excitement. Gently place the seasoned chicken into the hot pan and let it sizzle.

Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms and the chicken is perfectly cooked through. Carefully transfer the chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Crisp Up the Bacon

In the same magical skillet, toss in the chopped bacon. Let it dance and sizzle over medium heat, transforming into crispy, irresistible morsels.

This should take about 5-7 minutes. Scoop out the bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving behind that liquid gold – bacon fat.

Step 4: Build the Flavor Base

Drop minced garlic into the bacon-infused pan. Watch it become fragrant and golden in just about a minute, releasing its incredible aroma.

Step 5: Create the Sauce Foundation

Pour chicken broth into the skillet, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer and reduce for 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Whip Up the Creamy Goodness

• Heavy cream
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning

Let the sauce bubble and thicken for about 5 minutes, becoming rich and luxurious.

Step 7: Final Seasoning

Taste and adjust the sauce with a pinch of salt and pepper until it’s just right.

Step 8: Reunite the Ingredients

Bring the chicken and crispy bacon back to the skillet. Lovingly spoon the creamy sauce over everything, letting the flavors mingle and dance together for 5 more minutes.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

• Mashed potatoes
• Pasta
• Rice

Add a side of steamed or sauteed vegetables to complete the meal.

Tips For Creamy And Flavorful Bacon Chicken

• Use chicken breasts or thighs depending on personal preference, ensuring both work perfectly for this recipe.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve a beautiful golden-brown sear and prevent steaming in the pan.
• Select thick-cut bacon for extra crispiness and richer flavor, which adds depth to the creamy sauce.
• Reduce heat when adding cream to prevent sauce from separating and maintain smooth, silky consistency.
• Experiment with different cheese options like sharp cheddar or gouda for unique flavor variations.

Variations To Try With Creamy Bacon Chicken

• Spicy Southwest Chicken: Replace Italian seasoning with chili powder, cumin, and cayenne. Add diced green chilies and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Swap Parmesan for crumbled feta cheese. Add chopped kalamata olives and fresh oregano. Serve with couscous instead of rice or pasta.
• Mushroom Lovers Chicken: Sauté sliced cremini or shiitake mushrooms with bacon. Mix in a splash of white wine and fresh thyme. Garnish with chopped chives.
• Cajun Style Chicken: Use Cajun seasoning instead of salt and pepper. Add andouille sausage with bacon. Stir in some diced bell peppers for extra color and heat.

Serving Suggestions For Creamy Bacon Chicken

• Cozy Comfort Combo: Serve this creamy bacon chicken over soft mashed potatoes, letting the rich sauce drizzle and soak into each fluffy bite. The combination creates a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening.
• Elegant Date Night Plating: Arrange the golden chicken on a bed of al dente linguine, carefully spoon the velvety sauce over the top, and sprinkle crispy bacon bits for an impressive restaurant-style presentation. Pair with a crisp white wine for a romantic dinner.
• Rustic Farmhouse Feast: Transform the dish into a complete meal by adding roasted seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, and sweet potato wedges around the chicken. The caramelized veggies complement the creamy sauce and provide beautiful color contrast.

How To Store Creamy Bacon Chicken Properly

• Store leftover creamy bacon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odors from spreading.
• Transfer the cooled chicken to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Remove excess air and seal completely. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date and contents for easy tracking.
• Gently warm the dish in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture. Alternatively, use the microwave, stirring occasionally and heating in 30-second intervals to prevent drying out.

FAQs

• Can I use different cuts of chicken?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts or thighs. Both work well in this recipe, but ensure they’re similar in size for even cooking.

• Is this recipe keto-friendly?

It can be keto-friendly if you serve it with low-carb sides like cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta or rice.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be white throughout with no pink areas.

• Can I substitute heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce won’t be as thick and rich. For a lighter version, try using Greek yogurt or a lighter cream alternative.

One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy bacon chicken brings together rich flavors in a simple one-pan meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Home cooks can savor this comforting dish with minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 chicken breasts or thighs (boneless, skinless)
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

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Instructions

1. Blend salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder to create a robust seasoning mix for the chicken.
2. Preheat a large skillet to medium-high heat with olive oil, ensuring the surface is hot before adding chicken.
3. Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, developing a golden-brown exterior and ensuring thorough cooking. Transfer to a separate plate.
4. Render chopped bacon in the same skillet over medium heat until achieving a crisp, caramelized texture, approximately 5-7 minutes.
5. Extract bacon using a slotted spoon, preserving the flavorful rendered fat in the pan.
6. Infuse the skillet with minced garlic, sautéing for 60 seconds to release aromatic oils.
7. Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping accumulated browned bits to incorporate deep, rich flavors.
8. Reduce liquid for 2-3 minutes, concentrating the pan’s essence.
9. Introduce heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning, creating a luxurious, velvety sauce.
10. Simmer sauce for 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken and develop complexity.
11. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance overall taste profile.
12. Reunite chicken and crispy bacon in the skillet, coating generously with the creamy sauce.
13. Allow ingredients to meld together for an additional 5 minutes, harmonizing flavors.
14. Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant, herbaceous finish.
15. Present over preferred accompaniments like mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice, complemented by steamed vegetables.

Notes

• Choose chicken breasts with uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry edges.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and crispy exterior.
• Use thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crispiness in the final dish.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt and use turkey bacon as a healthier alternative.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 310 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg