If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Creamy Bacon Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender chicken breasts lightly seasoned and coated in a delicate flour dusting, seared to golden perfection in crispy bacon fat, and then enveloped in a luscious, velvety cream sauce bursting with smoky, savory bacon bits. Each bite delivers a perfect blend of rich flavors and comforting textures that come together effortlessly for a meal that’s both elegant enough for guests and simple enough for a weeknight dinner. This recipe perfectly balances ease and indulgence, making it a new favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Creamy Bacon Chicken Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that each play a critical role. From the smoky depth of bacon to the richness of heavy cream, each component not only contributes flavor but also texture and color to create a dish that’s truly special without requiring a long trip to the grocery store.
- Bacon strips (6): Provides crispiness and smoky fat perfect for cooking the chicken and flavoring the sauce.
- Chicken breasts (2 large): The hearty, lean protein base of the dish, cut into smaller cutlets for quick and even cooking.
- Flour (for dredging): Helps create a light crust on the chicken, locking in moisture and thickening the sauce.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Adds subtle aromatic depth to the chicken seasoning.
- Pepper (to taste): Gives a mild kick and balances the richness of the cream.
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Adds savory umami and helps deglaze the pan, bringing flavor into the sauce.
- Lemon juice (1/2 teaspoon): Offers a bright, tangy contrast that lifts the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Butter (1 tablespoon): Enriches the sauce with a silky texture and enhances flavor.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): The star ingredient that makes the sauce irresistibly creamy and luxurious.
How to Make Creamy Bacon Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Crisp the Bacon
Start by cutting the bacon into bite-sized pieces. Using kitchen shears makes this quick and easy. In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until it reaches a satisfying crispiness, about 10 minutes. Once done, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Don’t discard all the fat in the pan—leave about two tablespoons, which will be the secret to infusing your chicken with incredible smoky flavor.
Step 2: Prep and Season the Chicken
While your bacon crisps up, butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing them in half lengthwise, giving you four smaller cutlets that cook evenly and quickly. Sprinkle each piece lightly with garlic powder and freshly cracked pepper. Then, dredge them lightly in flour; this is key for creating a delicate crust and thickening the sauce later on.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Place the seasoned and floured chicken cutlets in the hot skillet, carefully cooking them in the reserved bacon fat over medium-high heat. Cook each side for about 4 to 5 minutes or until golden brown. If you notice too much splatter, reduce the heat slightly to keep things manageable. Once the chicken turns a beautiful golden color, transfer it to a plate and set aside.
Step 4: Create the Sauce Base
Lower the heat to medium and pour the chicken broth, lemon juice, and butter into the skillet. This combination will deglaze the pan, lifting all those flavorful browned bits from the searing process. Let the mixture bubble gently until it reduces by half, approximately 3 to 4 minutes, intensifying those fabulous flavors and building the sauce’s foundation.
Step 5: Finish with Cream and Combine
Stir the heavy cream into the skillet and watch it come to a gentle bubble. Now, nestle the cooked chicken cutlets back into the pan along with the crispy bacon pieces. Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens to the perfect creamy consistency. The result is a silky, flavorful sauce coated irresistibly over tender chicken and salty bacon.
How to Serve Creamy Bacon Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a lovely burst of green and fresh herbal notes, perfectly cutting through the rich creaminess. A few extra crispy bacon bits on top can provide a delightful crunch and highlight the star ingredient even more.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple, subtle sides that soak up the luscious sauce. Creamy mashed potatoes, buttery garlic bread, or even fluffy rice are classic choices, while roasted vegetables or steamed asparagus bring a fresh contrast in flavor and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fancier presentation, serve the chicken atop a bed of sautéed spinach or wilted kale for color and nutrition. A drizzle of lemon zest on the finished dish adds a zingy brightness that makes this Creamy Bacon Chicken Recipe feel special enough for a dinner party or a cozy night in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it an excellent make-ahead meal for busy days. Consume within 3 to 4 days for the best taste and quality.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well. Portion the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers and label with the date. Frozen creamy chicken dishes can be kept for up to 2 months. Thaw gently in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent separation of the cream sauce. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream during reheating can help revive the smooth texture. Avoid microwaving at high power as it can make the sauce curdle.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring extra juiciness and flavor, and they work well in this creamy bacon sauce. Just be sure to adjust cooking times slightly, as thighs might need a bit longer to reach doneness.
Is there a way to make the sauce lighter?
If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, though the sauce won’t be as rich and velvety. Alternatively, using Greek yogurt stirred in at the end off the heat can add creaminess without all the fat.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour for dredging the chicken. Make sure any broth you use is also certified gluten-free to keep the dish safe.
What can I add to the sauce for extra flavor?
Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, a touch of Dijon mustard, or a splash of white wine added during the sauce reduction can add exciting layers of flavor. Just remember to keep the balance so the bacon and cream remain the stars.
How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
To thicken the sauce, remove the chicken and let the sauce simmer a bit longer until it reduces to your desired consistency. Alternatively, mix a little flour or cornstarch with water and whisk it in, cooking briefly until thickened.
Final Thoughts
There is something genuinely comforting about this Creamy Bacon Chicken Recipe that makes it a standout in any meal rotation. It’s the kind of dish that brings smiles around the table and satisfies cravings deeply. Whether you’re cooking for a loved one or treating yourself, give this recipe a try—you’ll quickly see why it’s such a beloved favorite.
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Creamy Bacon Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Bacon Chicken recipe combines crispy bacon and tender chicken cutlets in a rich, velvety cream sauce flavored with garlic and lemon. It’s an easy skillet-cooked dish perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that serves four.
Ingredients
Bacon and Chicken
- 6 strips bacon
- 2 large chicken breasts (cut into 4 smaller cutlets)
- Flour (for dredging, about 1/4 cup)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pepper to taste
Sauce
- 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 strips into pieces with kitchen shears and fry them in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes until crispy. Remove the bacon and transfer onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave approximately 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.
- Prepare the chicken: Slice the two large chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 4 cutlets. Sprinkle them evenly with garlic powder and pepper, then dredge each piece in flour to coat.
- Cook the chicken: Add the floured chicken cutlets to the skillet with the bacon fat. Cook over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. If it splatters excessively, lower the heat. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set aside.
- Make the sauce: To the same skillet, add chicken broth, lemon juice, and butter. Let the mixture bubble and reduce by half over about 3-4 minutes.
- Add cream and finish the dish: Stir in the heavy cream and wait until it begins to bubble. Return the cooked chicken cutlets and crispy bacon to the skillet. Simmer together for an additional 5 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the sauce is reduced to your preferred consistency.
Notes
- Use kitchen shears for quick and safe bacon cutting.
- Adjust pepper seasoning according to your taste preferences.
- This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking that juices run clear or using a meat thermometer to reach 165°F (74°C).
- To lighten the dish, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though sauce richness will be affected.
