One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken Recipe

Looking for a comforting and delicious dinner idea that’s easy to make and packed with flavor? This One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken recipe is the perfect choice! With tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a luscious creamy sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Read on for a detailed guide on how to make this mouthwatering meal, along with tips and variations to suit your taste.

What is One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken?

One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken is a delectable dish featuring chicken breasts cooked with crispy bacon and simmered in a rich, creamy sauce. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights as it’s made in one pan, minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavor. The combination of smoky bacon and creamy sauce creates a comforting and satisfying meal that pairs well with a variety of sides.

Ingredients List for One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken

Before you start cooking, gather all the necessary ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Bacon and Sauce:

• 6-8 slices of bacon, chopped
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh oregano leaves)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Substitutions and Variations

Customize your One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken with these substitutions and variations:

• Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier option.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative.
• Herbs: Try using rosemary or basil instead of thyme and oregano.
• Vegetables: Add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to start cooking? Follow these steps to create the perfect One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken:

How to Cook One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through.
   • Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Cook the Bacon:
   • In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon.
   • Cook until crispy, stirring occasionally, about 5-7 minutes.
   • Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.
3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
   • Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet with the bacon fat.
   • Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4. Prepare the Sauce:
   • Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
   • Reduce the heat to medium and add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, and dried oregano.
   • Stir well and bring to a simmer. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Combine and Simmer:
   • Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce.
   • Add the crispy bacon back to the skillet.
   • Simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to heat through.
6. Garnish and Serve:
   • Remove the skillet from heat.
   • Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Ensure your One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken turns out perfectly by avoiding these common mistakes:

• Overcooking the Chicken: Cook the chicken just until done to keep it tender and juicy.
• Too High Heat: Avoid cooking the cream sauce over high heat, as it can curdle. Simmer gently to achieve a smooth consistency.
• Undercooking Bacon: Ensure the bacon is crispy before removing it from the skillet for the best texture and flavor.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Make your One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken look as good as it tastes with these serving and presentation tips:

How to Serve One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken

• Family Style: Serve the chicken directly from the skillet at the table, allowing everyone to help themselves.
• Individual Plates: Plate each chicken breast individually, spooning extra creamy sauce and bacon over the top.

Presentation Ideas for One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken

• Garnish: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of color and freshness.
• Side Dishes: Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Vegetables: Pair with steamed vegetables, a fresh green salad, or roasted asparagus for a balanced meal.

One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken Recipe Tips

Enhance your One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken with these additional tips:

• Extra Creamy: For an even richer sauce, add an extra ½ cup of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese.
• Cheese Lovers: Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top before serving for extra cheesy goodness.
• Crispy Bacon: Add some bacon crumbles just before serving for an added crunchy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Q: Can I use a different type of meat? A: Absolutely! Boneless pork chops or turkey cutlets work well with this recipe.

Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.

Q: Can I freeze One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken? A: Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop.

Q: What side dishes go well with this chicken? A: Mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad are great side dishes to complement this creamy chicken.

Conclusion

One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich, creamy sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Follow the step-by-step instructions and tips provided to create a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will love. Enjoy the creamy goodness and impress your family and friends with this fantastic chicken dish!

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