Creamy Bacon Chicken combines the indulgent flavors of crispy bacon and creamy sauce with tender chicken, creating a dish that is both comforting and irresistibly delicious. This meal has roots in classic American cuisine but has been embraced by families worldwide due to its rich flavors and satisfying nature.
Ingredients List
To create this decadent dish, you will need:
- Chicken breasts: Ideally, use boneless, skinless cuts for easy cooking.
- Bacon: Opt for thick-cut for better texture and flavor.
- Heavy cream: For the rich, creamy sauce.
- Chicken broth: Adds depth to the sauce.
- Garlic powder and black pepper: For seasoning the chicken.
- Flour: To help thicken the sauce.
- Butter: For sautéing and adding richness.
- Lemon juice: Just a splash to cut through the richness.
Selecting the right type of bacon can significantly enhance your dish. Learn about different types of bacon and their best uses in cooking at Choosing the Right Bacon.
How to make creamy bacon chicken
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Cut chicken breasts in half lengthwise to make them thinner, speeding up cooking time and ensuring even cooking.
- Season generously with garlic powder and black pepper.
- Cook the Bacon:
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove and set aside on a paper towel to drain. Reserve some bacon fat in the pan for cooking the chicken.
- Brown the Chicken:
- In the same skillet, add butter to the bacon fat. Add the chicken and sauté until golden on both sides.
- Make the Sauce:
- Sprinkle flour over the chicken, then slowly pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Stir in heavy cream and bring to a simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Combine and Serve:
- Crumble the cooked bacon over the chicken, letting it simmer for a few more minutes to meld the flavors.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley if desired.
For those who enjoy pairing their soups with other courses, consider the Creamy Broccoli Pasta for a perfect dinner combination.
Nutritional Information
While Creamy Bacon Chicken is on the richer side, it offers high protein from the chicken and a significant amount of calcium from the cream. To make this dish a part of a balanced diet, consider serving it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
Customizing the Recipe
- For a lighter version: Substitute the heavy cream with a lighter alternative like half-and-half or a non-dairy milk. More about healthy cream substitutes can be found here: Healthy Cream Substitutes.
- Add veggies: Incorporate spinach or mushrooms into the sauce for added nutrients and flavors.
Serving Suggestions
- Starches: This dish goes wonderfully with garlic mashed potatoes, over pasta, or alongside a serving of fluffy rice.
- Vegetables: Balance the richness with a side of roasted green beans or a vibrant garden salad.
FAQs
- Can I use turkey bacon in this recipe?
- Yes, turkey bacon can be a healthier alternative but won’t provide as much fat, which contributes to the flavor of the sauce.
- How can I store leftovers?
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove.
- Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
- It’s best enjoyed fresh, as the cream sauce may separate when frozen and reheated.
Tips and Tricks
- Achieving the perfect sear on the chicken: Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken to get a good sear which locks in flavor.
- Thickening the sauce: Adjust the amount of flour based on how thick you like your sauce. More flour will yield a thicker sauce.
This guide provides all you need to create a delicious Creamy Bacon Chicken dish that’s sure to please any crowd, combining classic comfort food elements with practical cooking tips for the best results.
Creamy Bacon Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut in half lengthwise
- 6 strips thick-cut bacon
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 tbsp teaspoon garlic powder
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour, for dredging
- 1/2 tbsp lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients:
- Start by cutting the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets. This helps them cook more evenly and quickly.
- Season the chicken cutlets with garlic powder and black pepper.
Cook the Bacon:
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until crisp. Remove the bacon and set it aside on paper towels to drain. Keep about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan, discarding any excess.
Brown the Chicken
- Add butter to the skillet with the remaining bacon fat. Once melted, lightly dredge the chicken cutlets in flour, shaking off any excess, and place them in the skillet.
- Cook each side for about 4-5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Allow the broth to reduce slightly, then stir in the heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Chop or crumble the cooked bacon and add it back to the skillet.
Combine and Serve:
- Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it in the creamy bacon sauce. Simmer everything together for an additional 3-5 minutes until the chicken is hot and the sauce has thickened.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
