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