Looking for a delicious and creamy chicken dish that’s sure to impress? Look no further! This Creamy Bacon Chicken recipe combines the savory goodness of crispy bacon with tender chicken breasts in a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is easy to make and absolutely mouthwatering. Let’s dive into how you can prepare this delectable dish.
Ingredients:
- 6 strips Bacon, cut into small pieces
- 2 large Chicken Breasts, cut in half lengthwise
- Flour for dredging
- 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- Pepper to taste
- 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 into small pieces and add them to a skillet. Fry over medium-high heat until crispy, about 10 minutes. Remove the bacon from the pan and set aside. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan.
- Prepare the Chicken: While the bacon is cooking, prep your chicken breasts by cutting them in half lengthwise to create 4 smaller cutlets. Sprinkle them with garlic powder and pepper, then coat in flour.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the floured chicken cutlets to the skillet with the bacon fat. Cook over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. If the pan starts to splatter, reduce the heat. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add chicken broth, lemon juice, and butter. Allow it to bubble and reduce by half, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Cream and Combine: Stir in the heavy cream. Once the cream begins to bubble, return the chicken and bacon to the pan. Cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has reduced to your desired thickness.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Tips:
- Garnish: Top the Creamy Bacon Chicken with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Side Dishes: Serve with complementary side dishes such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a simple side salad to round out the meal.
- Accompaniments: Pair with a light, crisp white wine or a refreshing sparkling water to balance the richness of the creamy sauce.
- Serving Temperature: This dish is best served hot, straight from the pan. The creamy sauce is most delicious when it’s warm and freshly made.
- Presentation: For an elegant presentation, place the chicken on a serving platter, drizzle with the sauce, and sprinkle the crispy bacon bits on top.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is tightly sealed to maintain freshness.
- Freezing: To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat. You may need to add a splash of cream or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
- Avoid Overcooking: When reheating, avoid overheating as it can cause the sauce to separate or the chicken to become dry. Warm slowly and stir frequently.
- Labeling: If freezing, label the container with the date to keep track of how long it has been stored. This helps ensure you use it within the recommended time frame.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Creamy Bacon Chicken remains flavorful and enjoyable, whether you’re serving it fresh or enjoying it as leftovers.
Variations:
1. Mushroom Creamy Bacon Chicken
- Ingredients: Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms to the skillet after cooking the bacon. Sauté them until tender, then proceed with the recipe as directed.
2. Spinach Creamy Bacon Chicken
- Ingredients: Stir in 1 cup of fresh spinach leaves into the sauce just before adding the chicken and bacon back into the pan. Cook until the spinach wilts.
3. Sun-Dried Tomato Creamy Bacon Chicken
- Ingredients: Incorporate 1/4 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the sauce for a tangy and slightly sweet flavor.
4. Garlic Parmesan Creamy Bacon Chicken
- Ingredients: Add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and an extra clove of minced garlic to the sauce for a rich, cheesy twist.
5. Spicy Creamy Bacon Chicken
- Ingredients: Mix in 1-2 teaspoons of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to add some heat to the creamy sauce.
6. Lemon Herb Creamy Bacon Chicken
- Ingredients: Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon zest and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the sauce for a fresh, herby flavor.
7. BBQ Creamy Bacon Chicken
- Ingredients: Substitute 1/4 cup of the chicken broth with BBQ sauce for a smoky, tangy twist.
8. Creamy Bacon Chicken with Peas
- Ingredients: Stir in 1 cup of frozen peas into the sauce just before adding the chicken and bacon back into the pan. Cook until the peas are heated through.
9. Cajun Creamy Bacon Chicken
- Ingredients: Add 1-2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning to the chicken and bacon mixture for a zesty, Southern kick.
10. Creamy Bacon Chicken with Asparagus
- Ingredients: Add 1 cup of chopped asparagus to the skillet with the chicken. Cook until the asparagus is tender-crisp before serving.
These variations allow you to customize your Creamy Bacon Chicken to suit different tastes and preferences, making this dish even more versatile and delicious!
FAQs:
1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
- Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They will add a slightly different flavor and texture, but they work well with the creamy sauce.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time. Cook the chicken and sauce as directed, then cool, cover, and refrigerate. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed to loosen the sauce.
3. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
- To make the recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend for dredging the chicken. Ensure that the bacon and chicken broth are also gluten-free.
4. Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option?
- Yes, you can use half-and-half or whole milk as a lighter alternative, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy. You may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure the sauce thickens properly.
5. How can I make this dish dairy-free?
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with a non-dairy milk like almond or coconut milk and use dairy-free butter. You can also use a dairy-free cream alternative.
6. Can I freeze Creamy Bacon Chicken?
- Yes, you can freeze this dish. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
7. What can I serve with Creamy Bacon Chicken?
- This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, including mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or a side salad. Steamed vegetables or a simple green vegetable like broccoli or green beans also complement it well.
8. Can I add vegetables to the dish?
- Yes, you can add vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or peas. Add them to the skillet at appropriate times to ensure they are cooked to your liking.
9. How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy?
- To keep the chicken juicy, avoid overcooking it. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and then remove it from the pan as soon as it’s cooked through.
10. Can I use bacon bits instead of fresh bacon?
- While fresh bacon is preferred for its flavor and texture, you can use bacon bits in a pinch. However, the result may lack some of the richness and crispiness that fresh bacon provides.
These FAQs address common questions about preparing and customizing the Creamy Bacon Chicken recipe, helping you achieve the best results and adapt the dish to your needs.