Creamy Chicken Delight with Bacon Recipe: A Dreamy Dinner Win

My weeknight dinner game completely changed when I discovered this creamy chicken delight with bacon that blends rich flavors and unexpected textures.

Crispy bacon adds a smoky punch to tender chicken pieces.

Salt and pepper become magical seasoning agents in this straightforward dish.

Weeknight meals rarely feel this luxurious without complex techniques.

Who doesn’t love a recipe that delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal effort?

Each bite promises comfort and indulgence without overwhelming your kitchen skills.

Dive in and savor every delectable moment of culinary magic.

Chicken Delight With Bacon and Creamy Goodness

• Quick Flavor Explosion: Bacon grease and Parmesan cheese create a rich, creamy sauce that transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy dinner with minimal cooking skills required.
• One-Skillet Magic: Minimize dirty dishes and cooking time by preparing everything in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze and saving precious evening minutes for relaxation.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to satisfy different taste preferences, making it an ideal option for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.

Chicken with Bacon (Creamy Delight) Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: Juicy and tender protein base, boneless and skinless preferred for even cooking.
• Bacon: Crispy and flavorful meat that adds rich, smoky depth to the dish, thick-cut bacon recommended.

• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious and velvety sauce texture, full-fat version provides best richness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty and sharp flavor complexity, freshly grated preferred over pre-shredded.

• Onion: Provides sweet and savory foundational flavor, yellow or white onions work well.
• Garlic: Adds intense aromatic punch, fresh cloves preferred over pre-minced.

• Salt: Fundamental flavor enhancer, kosher or sea salt recommended.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and depth, freshly ground preferred.
• Paprika: Provides subtle warmth and color, sweet or smoked varieties work.
• Chicken Broth: Creates liquid base for sauce, low-sodium preferred for better control.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds tangy complexity and slight heat.
• Italian Seasoning: Blends herbs for additional flavor dimension.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh finishing touch with green color contrast.
• Olive Oil or Butter: Optional fat for cooking, helps prevent sticking.

Chicken with Bacon Creamy Delight Method

Step 1: Flavor the Poultry

Grab your chicken breasts and sprinkle them generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a dash of vibrant paprika.

Massage the seasonings into the meat to ensure every bite is packed with delicious flavor.

Step 2: Crisp Up the Bacon

Heat a large skillet over medium flame.

Toss in the diced bacon and cook until it transforms into golden, crunchy bits.

Use a slotted spoon to transfer the crispy bacon to a plate, leaving behind the delectable bacon grease in the skillet.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

If the skillet looks dry, add a splash of olive oil or a pat of butter.

Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the sizzling bacon-infused pan.

Cook over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior.

Transfer the partially cooked chicken to a separate plate.

Step 4: Wake Up the Aromatics

In the same magical skillet, introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic.

Stir and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become soft, translucent, and fill the kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Step 5: Create the Luxurious Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

• Heavy cream
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Dijon mustard
• Italian seasoning

Let the sauce simmer and thicken for 2-3 minutes, creating a rich, creamy base.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Gently return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce.

Sprinkle the crispy bacon over the top.

Allow everything to simmer for 8-10 minutes, ensuring the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 7: Final Touch and Serve

Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve this mouthwatering creation over your favorite accompaniment – whether it’s twirly pasta, fluffy rice, or creamy mashed potatoes.

Chicken Prep Tips For Bacon Cream Delight

• Use the rendered bacon fat to infuse extra flavor into the chicken and sauce, creating a rich, depth of taste that elevates the entire dish.
• Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F without overcooking, keeping it juicy and tender.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it out with a splash of chicken broth or water, stirring continuously to maintain a smooth consistency.
• Skip the pasta and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly version that's equally delicious and satisfying.
• Replace chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a more forgiving protein that stays moist and absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully.

Reheating Creamy Chicken with Bacon

• Transfer leftover chicken to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Bacon Chicken Delight Complements

• Savor Bacon-Infused Wine Pairing: Crisp white wines like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complement the creamy sauce and smoky bacon perfectly, cutting through the richness while enhancing the dish's complex flavors.
• Craft Herb-Driven Sidekick: Fresh rosemary focaccia bread provides a delightful textural contrast, soaking up the luxurious sauce and offering a herbaceous counterpoint to the creamy chicken.
• Elevate Crisp Veggie Companion: Roasted asparagus with lemon zest brings a bright, fresh element that balances the heavy cream and bacon, adding a light and zesty dimension to the meal.
• Design Refreshing Beverage Match: Sparkling water with a splash of lemon or a light pilsner beer cuts through the richness, cleansing the palate between each decadent bite of the creamy chicken.

Creamy Chicken with Bacon Serving Options

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Comfort: Replace pasta or rice with roasted cauliflower rice, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining rich flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Champion: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese, creating a creamy alternative for lactose-sensitive individuals.
• Herbaceous Mediterranean Remix: Substitute Italian seasoning with dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary, adding a fresh Mediterranean-inspired herb blend to enhance the chicken's taste.
• Spicy Southwest Edition: Add diced green chilies and ground cumin to the sauce, transforming the dish with a bold southwestern flavor that brings exciting heat and complexity.

FAQs

• Is this recipe suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

This dish contains dairy and bacon, which may not be appropriate for vegetarians, vegans, or those with lactose intolerance. However, you can modify ingredients like using plant-based bacon or dairy-free cream alternatives.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They tend to be more flavorful and juicy compared to chicken breasts. Just ensure they reach the same internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.

• What if I don't have Dijon mustard?

Regular yellow mustard can be substituted, though it will slightly alter the flavor profile. If you prefer, you can also skip the mustard entirely without significantly impacting the overall taste of the dish.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

To reduce calories, use less bacon, choose low-fat cream, or substitute some cream with chicken broth. You can also use Greek yogurt as a partial cream replacement for added protein and lower fat content.

Creamy Chicken Delight with Bacon Recipe

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4.5 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent chicken nestles in a luxurious cream sauce with crispy bacon, creating a mouthwatering “creamy chicken delight” that promises comfort and flavor. Rich ingredients blend seamlessly, delivering a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs or 680 grams)
• 6 slices bacon, diced

Dairy and Cream Ingredients:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Transform chicken breasts into a flavor-packed canvas by generously coating with a blend of zesty seasonings, ensuring each surface is thoroughly seasoned.
2. Render bacon pieces in a spacious skillet, allowing them to transform into crispy, golden morsels. Extract the bacon with a perforated utensil, preserving the rendered fat as a flavor foundation.
3. Enhance the skillet with a touch of additional lubricant if needed. Introduce chicken breasts into the aromatic bacon-infused environment, searing each side to develop a rich, caramelized exterior while maintaining internal juiciness.
4. Introduce aromatic companions – finely chopped onion and minced garlic – into the skillet, allowing them to soften and release their fragrant essence, creating a robust flavor base.
5. Liberate the skillet’s concentrated flavors by deglazing with chicken broth, then weave in a luxurious sauce incorporating cream, nutty Parmesan, tangy Dijon, and herbaceous Italian seasoning. Allow the mixture to gently thicken and meld.
6. Reunite the seared chicken and crispy bacon within the creamy sauce, allowing them to simmer harmoniously until the chicken reaches perfect doneness, ensuring each element is thoroughly heated and infused with flavor.
7. Elevate the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, presenting this sumptuous creation atop a complementary foundation like pasta, rice, or creamy potatoes.

Notes

• Swap chicken with turkey or pork for a different protein experience that keeps the dish exciting and versatile.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream to reduce calories and add a tangy twist while maintaining creamy texture.
• Add mushrooms or spinach during sautéing for extra nutrition and a delightful flavor boost that elevates the entire meal.
• Choose gluten-free options like coconut aminos instead of Dijon mustard and serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb adaptation that doesn’t compromise taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg