Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen only to end up with a mediocre meal? What if I told you that you could create a mouthwatering, restaurant-quality dinner in just 30 minutes? Get ready to revolutionize your weeknight dinner game with our insanely delicious Creamy Bacon Chicken recipe. This isn’t just any chicken dish; it’s a flavor explosion that’ll have your family and friends begging for seconds. So, grab your apron and let’s dive into the world of creamy, bacon-infused perfection that’s about to make you the talk of the dinner table!
Ingredients
To begin, gather these flavorful components:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices bacon, diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients
First and foremost, dice the bacon and mince the garlic. Then, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Bacon
Next, in a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Afterward, remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pan.
- Sear the Chicken
Subsequently, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for 4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Create the Creamy Sauce
After removing the chicken, add minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 30 seconds. Then, pour in the cream and chicken broth. Add the Parmesan cheese and thyme, stirring to combine. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Combine and Finish
Finally, return the bacon and chicken to the skillet. Coat the chicken with the sauce and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
Serving Suggestions
Once done, garnish with fresh parsley if desired. You can serve this dish with:
- Steamed vegetables
- Mashed potatoes
- A simple green salad
- Pasta of your choice
Tips for Success
- For extra flavor, you can add mushrooms or spinach to the sauce.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it for a few extra minutes before adding the chicken back in.
- To make this dish lighter, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.
Variations
Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking. Here are some ideas:
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for even juicier meat
- Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for depth of flavor
- Incorporate different cheeses like Gruyère or cheddar for variety
- Spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or gently warm the dish on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream if needed to revive the sauce.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this 30-Minute Creamy Bacon Chicken recipe is a true lifesaver for busy cooks who don’t want to compromise on flavor. With minimal prep and quick cooking time, you’ll have a delicious, comforting meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Why not give it a try for your next dinner?
Creamy Bacon Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 6 slices of bacon, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: Cook the diced bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Soften the onion and garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the heavy cream and cheese: Add the heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Return the chicken and bacon to the skillet: Return the chicken and bacon to the skillet and stir to combine with the creamy sauce.
- Season with thyme and salt and pepper: Season the chicken and sauce with dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the creamy bacon chicken hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley (if desired).
Notes
- Use a different type of protein: Use a different type of protein, such as pork or beef, for a unique flavor and texture.
- Add some heat: Add some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick of heat.
- Use a different type of cheese: Use a different type of cheese, such as mozzarella or feta, for a unique flavor.
- Add some veggies: Add some chopped veggies, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, to the sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
- Spicy Creamy Bacon Chicken: Add some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick of heat.
- Italian-Style Creamy Bacon Chicken: Add some chopped prosciutto or pancetta to the sauce for a salty, savory flavor.
- Veggie Creamy Bacon Chicken: Add some chopped veggies, such as zucchini or eggplant, to the sauce for added flavor and nutrition.