Are you craving a dish that’s both sweet and savory, with a creamy texture and a touch of crunch? Look no further than this mouthwatering recipe for Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken With Crispy Bacon. Combining tender chicken breasts with a luscious honey mustard sauce and crispy bacon, this dish is a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions when you want to impress.
Ingredients:
- ⅓ cup honey
- 3 level tablespoons whole grain mustard
- 1 ½ tablespoons minced garlic (or 3-4 cloves crushed garlic)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to season
- 5 skinless and boneless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)
- ½ cup diced bacon, trimmed of rind and fat
- ⅓ cup cream (light or reduced fat)
- 1 cup milk (skim, 2% or full fat – almond milk may be used for a dairy-free option)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (corn flour) mixed with 1 tablespoon water
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Directions:
- Prepare the Honey Mustard Sauce: In a large, shallow dish, combine the honey, mustard, minced garlic, olive oil, and salt to taste. Coat the chicken evenly in the sauce and set aside to marinate.
- Cook the Bacon: Heat a nonstick pan or skillet over medium heat. Fry the diced bacon until crispy, then transfer it to a plate and set aside.
- Sear the Chicken: In the same pan with the leftover oil from the bacon, sear the chicken breasts on each side until they begin to brown, about 3 minutes per side. The chicken doesn’t need to be completely cooked through at this stage.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Add any remaining honey mustard sauce from the dish into the pan along with the cream and milk. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through.
- Thicken the Sauce: Pour the cornstarch mixture into the center of the pan, stirring it through the sauce until it thickens slightly. Return the chicken to the pan, coating it with the sauce.
- Assemble and Serve: Top the chicken with the crispy bacon and chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot over steamed or roasted vegetables, pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serve Immediately: Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken with Crispy Bacon is best served immediately after cooking to enjoy the optimal flavors and textures.
- Garnish Before Serving: Before serving, garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Pairing Suggestions: This dish pairs perfectly with a variety of side dishes such as steamed or roasted vegetables, pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Choose your favorite accompaniment to complete the meal.
- Reheating: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, stirring in between.
- Avoid Freezing: Due to the creamy nature of the sauce, it is not recommended to freeze Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken with Crispy Bacon as it may alter the texture upon thawing and reheating.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the honey mustard sauce and marinate the chicken in advance. Store the marinated chicken in the refrigerator until ready to cook, then follow the remaining steps for a quick and easy meal.
- Portion Control: When serving, use a sharp knife to cut the chicken into individual portions. This helps control serving sizes and ensures each serving gets an equal amount of sauce and bacon.
- Creative Leftovers: If you have leftover chicken, consider slicing it and using it as a filling for sandwiches, wraps, or salads for a delicious lunch option the next day.
- Refrigerate Properly: Store any leftover bacon separately from the chicken to maintain its crispiness. Place it in an airtight container or zip-top bag and refrigerate.
- Enjoy Freshness: Enjoy the Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken with Crispy Bacon while it’s fresh and hot for the most enjoyable dining experience. Share this delightful dish with family and friends and savor every delicious bite!
Variations:
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the honey mustard sauce for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian-friendly version of this dish.
- Seafood Variation: Swap the chicken for shrimp or scallops for a seafood twist on this creamy dish.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or basil to add depth of flavor to the sauce.
- Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle grated cheddar or Gruyère cheese over the chicken before topping it with bacon for an extra cheesy touch.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and cornstarch to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Asian Fusion: Replace the whole grain mustard with soy sauce and rice vinegar, and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for an Asian-inspired twist.
- Mushroom Medley: Add sliced mushrooms to the sauce for a delicious earthy flavor and extra texture.
- Healthy Swap: Substitute the cream with Greek yogurt or coconut cream for a lighter alternative without sacrificing creaminess.
- Citrus Zest: Enhance the flavor profile by adding a squeeze of lemon or orange juice to the sauce for a refreshing citrus twist.
- Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the finished dish for a tangy-sweet flavor contrast.
- Caramelized Onions: Top the chicken with caramelized onions for added sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted almonds or walnuts over the finished dish for a delightful nutty crunch.
- Pasta Bake: Mix cooked pasta directly into the sauce and bake it in the oven with an additional layer of cheese on top for a comforting pasta bake.
- Tex-Mex Flair: Add a pinch of chili powder and cumin to the sauce and top the dish with sliced avocado and cilantro for a Tex-Mex twist.
FAQs :
- Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe? While boneless chicken breasts are recommended for quicker cooking, you can use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Can I omit the bacon for a vegetarian version? Yes, simply omit the bacon or replace it with vegetarian bacon alternatives or crispy tofu cubes.
- Can I use different types of mustard? Absolutely! Experiment with Dijon mustard, honey mustard, or spicy mustard for unique flavor variations.
- How can I make this dish dairy-free? Substitute the cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative, and use dairy-free cheese if desired.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken in advance and cook it just before serving.
- Can I use frozen chicken? It’s best to use fresh chicken for optimal flavor and texture, but you can use thawed frozen chicken if needed. Ensure it is fully thawed before cooking.
- How do I prevent the sauce from curdling? To prevent the sauce from curdling, ensure the heat is on low when adding dairy products and avoid boiling the sauce once the cream is added.
- Can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce? Yes, feel free to adjust the amount of honey to suit your taste preferences. Add more for a sweeter sauce or reduce it for a less sweet flavor.
- What can I serve with this dish? This creamy honey mustard chicken pairs well with steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, rice, or a side salad.
- Can I freeze leftovers? While you can freeze leftovers, keep in mind that the texture may change upon thawing. Store them in an airtight container and consume within one month for the best quality.
In conclusion, this Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken With Crispy Bacon recipe is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors that is sure to please your palate. With its simple ingredients and quick preparation time, it’s an ideal choice for any occasion when you want to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Try it tonight and treat yourself to a culinary delight that you’ll want to make again and again!
