This Creamy Chicken Delight with Bacon is a dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a luscious creamy sauce come together for a meal that’s as comforting as it is flavorful. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, this recipe is bound to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Rich and creamy: The velvety sauce ties all the flavors together beautifully.
Easy to make: Simple ingredients, one pan, and minimal prep mean less stress.
Versatile: Pair it with pasta, rice, or veggies for a complete meal.

Ingredients

Chicken breasts or thighs
Bacon, diced
Heavy cream
Garlic, minced
Onion, finely chopped
Chicken broth
Parmesan cheese, grated
Olive oil or butter
Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning
Fresh parsley for garnish

Full list of ingredients and measurements can be found in the recipe card below.

Directions

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the bacon until crispy, then remove and set aside. Leave about 1–2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear in the skillet until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until softened and fragrant.
Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits, then stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer until slightly thickened.
Return the chicken and bacon to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the chicken. Cook for a few more minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the flavors meld together.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Pound the chicken to an even thickness for quicker and more even cooking.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
For a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tsp water).
Adjust the seasoning at the end, as the bacon and Parmesan are naturally salty.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Swap chicken breasts for thighs for a juicier option.
Add mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for extra texture and nutrients.
Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free version.
Use turkey bacon for a leaner alternative.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Pair this creamy chicken with buttery mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or al dente pasta to soak up the sauce. For a lighter meal, serve it with roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad. A glass of white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc makes the perfect accompaniment.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving as it can make the chicken tough and the sauce split.

FAQs

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken a day ahead. Reheat them together gently before serving.

2. Can I use other cheeses?
Absolutely! Try Pecorino Romano or Gruyère for a different flavor profile.

3. Can I freeze this dish?
Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well, as they can separate. If you must freeze, omit the cream and add it fresh when reheating.

4. How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Delight with Bacon is everything you want in a comfort meal: rich, indulgent, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick dinner or serving it to impress guests, this dish will never disappoint. Try it tonight and bask in the compliments!

Creamy Chicken Delight with Bacon

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Author: Jake
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

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Description

This rich and indulgent dish combines tender chicken breasts, crispy bacon, and a creamy sauce packed with flavor. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or a special dinner, this recipe pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Instructions

Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Cook the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.
Sear the chicken: Add olive oil or butter to the skillet if needed. Cook the chicken breasts in the bacon grease over medium-high heat, about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown (they don’t need to be fully cooked yet). Remove and set aside.
Sauté the aromatics: In the same skillet, add the onion and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened and fragrant.
Make the sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Combine everything: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet along with the cooked bacon. Simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Notes

For extra richness, substitute some of the chicken broth with white wine.
Add vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for added color and flavor.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
Calories: 470
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 17g
Trans Fat: 720mg
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 140mg