This Creamy Bacon Chicken recipe features juicy chicken breasts, crispy bacon, and a rich, creamy sauce made with garlic, chicken broth, lemon juice, and heavy cream. The combination of tender chicken and flavorful bacon in a luscious sauce creates a dish that’s both comforting and flavorful. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is easy to prepare and packed with savory ingredients. Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables for a complete meal that everyone will love. Simple, delicious, and guaranteed to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 6 strips bacon
- 2 large chicken breasts
- Flour for dredging
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: Cut the bacon into small pieces using kitchen shears, and add it to a skillet. Fry over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, or until crispy. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan for cooking.
- Prepare the Chicken: While the bacon is cooking, slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 4 smaller cutlets. Season the chicken with garlic powder and pepper, then dredge it in flour, coating both sides evenly.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the floured chicken cutlets to the skillet with the remaining bacon fat. Cook over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown. If the pan starts to splatter, lower the heat slightly. Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
- Make the Sauce: Add the chicken broth, lemon juice, and butter to the skillet. Let the mixture bubble for 3-4 minutes until it reduces by half.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in the heavy cream, and once it begins to bubble, return the chicken and crispy bacon to the skillet. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and the sauce to thicken to your desired consistency.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of crispy bacon, creamy sauce, and tender chicken makes this dish irresistible.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Comfort Food: With bacon and cream, this dish is full of comforting flavors, making it an instant family favorite.
Tips
- Chicken Thickness: Ensure the chicken breasts are evenly cut for consistent cooking. You can also pound them out slightly if needed.
- Bacon Flavor: For extra flavor, try using thick-cut bacon.
- Low-Fat Version: Use half-and-half or a lower-fat milk option in place of heavy cream to lighten up the dish.
Variations and Substitutions
- Add Veggies: Add mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Alternative Meats: This recipe also works well with boneless skinless chicken thighs or even pork chops.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat in the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of chicken?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs or even whole chicken breasts can be used, though cooking times may vary slightly.
Can I make this ahead of time?
The chicken and sauce can be prepped ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat and serve when ready.
What can I serve with this dish?
This creamy bacon chicken pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the creamy bacon chicken over a bed of mashed potatoes to soak up the rich sauce.
- Pair with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.
- For an extra indulgent dish, serve with garlic bread to enjoy the creamy sauce to the last drop.
Creamy Bacon Chicken Recipe
4
servings5
minutes25
minutesIngredients
6 strips bacon
2 large chicken breasts
Flour for dredging
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Pepper to taste
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup heavy/whipping cream
Directions
- Cook the Bacon: Cut the bacon into small pieces using kitchen shears, and add it to a skillet. Fry over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, or until crispy. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan for cooking.
- Prepare the Chicken: While the bacon is cooking, slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 4 smaller cutlets. Season the chicken with garlic powder and pepper, then dredge it in flour, coating both sides evenly.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the floured chicken cutlets to the skillet with the remaining bacon fat. Cook over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown. If the pan starts to splatter, lower the heat slightly. Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
- Make the Sauce: Add the chicken broth, lemon juice, and butter to the skillet. Let the mixture bubble for 3-4 minutes until it reduces by half.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in the heavy cream, and once it begins to bubble, return the chicken and crispy bacon to the skillet. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and the sauce to thicken to your desired consistency.
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