Creamy Bacon Chicken: A Comfort Food Classic with a Gourmet Twist
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ToggleWhy You’ll Love This Creamy Bacon Chicken Recipe
A Personal Note from the Kitchen
You know those evenings when you just want something warm, rich, and utterly satisfying? This Creamy Bacon Chicken is that answer. There’s a reason dishes like this become staples in households. It doesn’t just feed your body—it comforts your soul. Whether you’re cooking for your family or treating yourself after a long day, this recipe delivers. Imagine the scent of bacon sizzling, the aroma of garlic mingling with butter, and juicy chicken simmering in a thick, creamy sauce. If that sounds like your idea of food heaven, keep reading—this one’s for you.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Creamy Bacon Chicken
Pantry & Fresh Staples
Here’s everything you need to bring this rich and flavorful dish to life. Use the table below to guide your shopping:
Quantity | Ingredient | Notes |
---|---|---|
6 slices | Bacon | Can substitute with turkey bacon |
2 large | Chicken breasts | Boneless, skinless; sliced lengthwise |
As needed | All-purpose flour | For dredging |
1/4 tsp | Garlic powder | Enhances the garlic sauce |
To taste | Ground black pepper | Freshly cracked preferred |
1/2 cup | Chicken broth | Low sodium if preferred |
1/2 tsp | Lemon juice | Brightens the sauce |
1 tbsp | Unsalted butter | Adds richness |
1 cup | Heavy cream | For the creamy sauce base |
Ingredient Insights
- Choose thick-cut bacon for extra flavor and crunch
- Thinly sliced chicken cutlets cook faster and absorb the sauce better
- If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, substitute the cream with coconut cream
- For a lower-fat version, try half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream
Want to dive deeper into how garlic and dairy can benefit your health? Check out this Healthline guide.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Bacon Chicken
Step 1 – Crispy Bacon Base
You’ll start by slicing your bacon into small, even pieces. Place them in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook them slowly—this helps to render out the fat, giving you both crisp bacon and that essential bacon grease for cooking. Once crispy (about 10 minutes), remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the skillet.
Step 2 – Prep and Sear the Chicken
While your bacon cooks, slice your chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create four thin cutlets. Pat them dry, then season both sides with garlic powder and ground black pepper. Lightly dredge each cutlet in flour, shaking off the excess. This creates a light crust that holds the sauce beautifully. In the same skillet with bacon fat, cook the chicken cutlets over medium-high heat for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown. If the oil starts to splatter, slightly lower the heat. Once browned, remove the chicken and set it aside.
Step 3 – Deglaze and Build the Sauce
To the same skillet, add your chicken broth, lemon juice, and butter. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom—that’s where the flavor lives. Let the mixture simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until it reduces by half. This not only concentrates the flavor but also creates a rich base for your sauce.
Step 4 – Creamy Finish & Final Simmer
Once your sauce base has reduced, stir in the heavy cream. Bring it to a gentle bubble. Then return the chicken and bacon to the skillet. Simmer everything together for another 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your liking and the chicken is fully cooked through. Spoon the sauce over the chicken as it cooks to ensure maximum flavor infusion.
Pro Tips for Perfect Creamy Bacon Chicken
- Always pat your chicken dry before seasoning to help the flour stick and brown evenly
- For extra garlic flavor, add 1-2 cloves of freshly minced garlic when adding the broth
- Keep your heat medium to avoid burning the sauce
- Don’t skip the lemon juice—it cuts through the richness beautifully
- Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and brightness
What to Serve with Creamy Bacon Chicken
Delicious Pairing Ideas
Serve this Creamy Bacon Chicken with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Buttered egg noodles or fettuccine
- Steamed or roasted green beans
- Garlic bread or a crusty baguette
- A side salad with balsamic vinaigrette
- A glass of dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc
Nutrition Facts & Calorie Information
Each serving contains approximately:
- Calories: ~550
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 8g Note: These values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and substitutions.
Want to explore the nutritional value of cream and garlic further? Visit Healthline’s nutritional guide for more information.
FAQs About Creamy Bacon Chicken
Can I make Creamy Bacon Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it in advance and reheat gently over low heat. If the sauce thickens too much in the fridge, add a splash of chicken broth or cream when reheating.
Can I freeze Creamy Bacon Chicken?
You can freeze it, but the sauce may separate slightly upon thawing. Reheat slowly while stirring frequently to bring it back together.
Can I make Creamy Bacon Chicken gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use a gluten-free flour blend for dredging and double-check that your chicken broth is certified gluten-free.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can swap it with coconut cream, half-and-half, or even a mix of milk and cornstarch if you’re looking for a lighter sauce.
Conclusion – A Creamy Bacon Chicken Recipe You’ll Make Again and Again
This Creamy Bacon Chicken recipe isn’t just another dinner idea—it’s a celebration of bold flavors and home-cooked warmth. From the crispy bacon to the silky garlic sauce, every bite is a comfort food masterpiece. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or whipping it up for a weeknight meal, it’s guaranteed to impress. Ready to experience the magic of this dish yourself? Head to your kitchen, grab those ingredients, and let the aroma of Creamy Bacon Chicken bring joy to your evening.
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Creamy Bacon Chicken in a Rich Garlic Sauce
Creamy bacon chicken is a quick and flavorful dinner made in 30 minutes with a rich garlic cream sauce—perfect for weeknights.
- Author: Chef Rina
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
Ingredients
6 slices of bacon
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
All-purpose flour (for dredging)
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
Slice the bacon into small pieces and place in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until crispy, about 10 minutes. Remove the bacon and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the skillet.
While the bacon cooks, slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create four thinner cutlets. Season both sides with garlic powder and black pepper, then lightly coat in flour.
In the same skillet, cook the chicken over medium-high heat for about 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Lower the heat slightly if the oil splatters. Once browned, remove the chicken and set aside.
To the skillet, add chicken broth, lemon juice, and butter. Let the mixture simmer for 3–4 minutes until reduced by half.
Stir in the heavy cream. When it begins to bubble, return the chicken and bacon to the skillet. Simmer for another 5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens to your liking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 550 kcal