One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken Recipe

Looking for a delicious, easy-to-make dinner that’s sure to impress? This One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken recipe is the perfect choice! With tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich, creamy sauce, this dish is packed with flavor and comes together in just one pan for minimal cleanup. Keep reading to learn how to make this scrumptious meal that will become a family favorite.

this Recipes

What is One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken?

One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken is a mouthwatering dish featuring juicy chicken breasts cooked with crispy bacon in a luscious, creamy sauce. This recipe combines savory bacon, tender chicken, and a rich, velvety sauce made with cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. It’s an easy and convenient recipe that delivers gourmet flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients List for One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken

To make this delectable One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken, you will need the following ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 slices of bacon, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Substitutions and Variations

This versatile recipe can be customized to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:

• Chicken Alternatives: Use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a juicier option.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
• Vegetables: Add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, Gruyère, or Asiago for a unique twist.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps to create the perfect One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken:

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

1. Heat Pan: Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
2. Cook Bacon: Add the chopped bacon to the pan and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Leave the bacon grease in the pan.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

1. Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. Sear Chicken: In the same pan with the bacon grease, add the olive oil if needed. Add the chicken breasts and sear until golden brown on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic

1. Cook Onions: In the same pan, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
2. Season Sauce: Add the Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
3. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 5: Combine and Cook

1. Add Chicken and Bacon: Return the chicken breasts and cooked bacon to the pan, nestling them into the sauce.
2. Simmer: Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
2. Serve: Serve the creamy bacon chicken hot, with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.

How to Cook One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels, leaving the bacon grease in the pan.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In the same pan with the bacon grease, add olive oil if needed. Add the chicken breasts and sear until golden brown on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic

In the same pan, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add the Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 5: Combine and Cook

Return the chicken breasts and cooked bacon to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve the creamy bacon chicken hot with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the Pan: Ensure the chicken breasts have enough space in the pan to sear properly. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of searing.
• Burning the Garlic: Add the garlic after the onions have cooked to avoid burning it. Garlic cooks quickly and can turn bitter if overcooked.
• Curdling the Sauce: Keep the heat low when adding cream to prevent curdling. Stir the sauce continuously for a smooth consistency.

Serving and Presentation Tips

To make your One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken look as good as it tastes, consider these serving and presentation tips:

• Plating: Serve the chicken breasts on individual plates with a generous amount of creamy sauce spooned over the top.
• Garnishes: Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil and a few crispy bacon bits for a visually appealing touch.
• Accompaniments: Pair with roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

How to Serve One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken

Serve this dish hot, straight from the pan. Pair it with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables to soak up the delicious creamy sauce. A side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad also makes a perfect accompaniment.

Presentation Ideas for One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken

For an appealing presentation, use these ideas:

• Serving Dish: Serve the chicken in the skillet for a rustic, family-style presentation.
• Individual Plates: Plate each chicken breast individually, adding a portion of sauce and sides.
• Garnish: Top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a few extra bacon bits for added color and texture.

One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken Recipe Tips

• Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality bacon and fresh Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
• Consistent Searing: Ensure even heat distribution by using a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan.
• Extra Sauce: Double the sauce ingredients if you prefer a saucier dish or to have extra for serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
A: Yes, you can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce may not be as thick and creamy.

Q: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A: Absolutely! Add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: While you can freeze the dish, the cream sauce may change in texture when thawed. For best results, prepare and enjoy fresh.

Q: What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
A: You can substitute Parmesan with other hard cheeses like Asiago or Pecorino Romano.

Conclusion

This One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken is a delightful dish that combines juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich, creamy sauce for a truly satisfying meal. With its easy preparation and gourmet flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Follow this guide to create a mouthwatering dinner that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy!

Print