One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken Recipe

Looking for a delicious and hassle-free dinner idea? Our One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken Recipe is the perfect solution! This savory dish combines crispy bacon, tender chicken breasts, and a rich, creamy sauce to create a meal that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for family or guests, this recipe is a winner. Read on for a detailed guide, from ingredients to serving tips, to make this mouthwatering dish your own.

What is One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken?

One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken is a delectable dish that brings together the best of flavors and convenience. With just one pan, you can create a meal that’s both rich and satisfying. The recipe features crispy bacon and juicy chicken breasts, all enveloped in a luscious cream sauce. This dish is perfect for those busy nights when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients List for One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken

For the Chicken

6 slices bacon: Adds a smoky, crispy element to the dish.
2 chicken breasts: Ensure they are of good size to make handling easier.
¼ cup all-purpose flour: Used for coating the chicken and thickening the sauce.
½ teaspoon salt: To season the chicken.
½ teaspoon black pepper: For an additional layer of flavor.
1 tablespoon butter: To help cook the chicken and add richness.

For the Sauce

2 tablespoons butter: Used to cook the onions and add depth to the sauce.
1 finely chopped onion: Adds sweetness and texture.
½ teaspoon dried thyme: For an aromatic hint.
2 tablespoons dry sherry (optional): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth. Can be replaced with white wine or left out.
¾ cups chicken broth/stock: Provides the base for the sauce.
1¼ cups heavy cream: The main component of the creamy sauce.
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a slight tanginess.
¼ teaspoon salt: To season the sauce.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: For a balanced seasoning.

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions:

Turkey bacon: For a lower-fat option, though it won’t provide as much flavor.
Chicken thighs: Instead of breasts for a juicier meat. Cook for 15-20 minutes instead.
White wine or masala: In place of dry sherry for different flavor notes.
Shallots: Instead of onion for a more delicate flavor.
Different mustards: Such as grain, English, or sweet American mustard.

Variations:

Add vegetables: Such as mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra nutrition and color.
Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for some heat.
Herb blend: Use fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or rosemary for added freshness.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Start with the Bacon

Chop the bacon into small dice for even cooking.
Cook the bacon: Place a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook for 8-10 minutes until crispy.
Remove the bacon: Use a slotted spoon to remove the crispy bacon from the pan, leaving behind the bacon fat.

Prepare the Chicken (while the bacon cooks)

Pat the chicken breast dry to ensure it doesn’t slide on the board.
Cut the chicken breast: Lay flat on a chopping board and cut sideways through the breast to create two plump fillets. Repeat with the second breast.
Season and coat: Season the fillets on both sides with salt and pepper, then coat them lightly in flour.

To Finish the Dish

Add butter to the pan: Combine it with the bacon fat. Once melted, add the floured chicken fillets.
Cook the chicken: Fry for about 4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

To Make the Sauce

Cook the onions: Turn heat to low, add butter and chopped onion to the pan. Cook until softened.
Incorporate flour: Add two tablespoons of the remaining dredging flour to the onions and stir.
Whisk in liquids: Slowly whisk in chicken broth and sherry. Scrape the pan bottom for all flavors.
Add seasonings and cream: Stir in ¾ of the crispy bacon, dried thyme, heavy cream, mustard, salt, and pepper.
Simmer with chicken: Return the chicken to the pan, including any juices. Simmer until the sauce thickens and the chicken is heated through.
Serve: Season to taste and sprinkle with the remaining bacon.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using lean bacon: Opt for regular bacon to ensure enough fat for flavor.
Overcooking chicken: Ensure even thickness to cook evenly without drying out.
Skipping the flour step: It thickens the sauce and adds texture.
High heat for sauce: Cook the sauce on low to avoid curdling the cream.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken

With rice or pasta: Complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
Mashed potatoes: For a hearty, comforting meal.
Steamed vegetables: Such as green beans or broccoli for a balanced plate.

Presentation Ideas for One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken

Garnish with herbs: Fresh parsley or chives add a pop of color.
Use a clean plate: Ensure plates are free of splatters for a restaurant-quality look.
Serve family-style: On a large platter with sauce drizzled over the top.

One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken Recipe Tips

Prep ingredients ahead: Makes the cooking process smoother and quicker.
Use fresh ingredients: For the best flavor, especially in the sauce.
Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper to your liking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream? A: Heavy cream is recommended for its richness, but you can use whole milk or a combination of milk and a little cornstarch for a lighter version.

Q: Can this dish be made ahead? A: Yes, you can prepare it in advance and reheat it gently on the stove. Add a splash of cream or broth if the sauce thickens too much.

Q: Is it necessary to use sherry? A: No, sherry is optional. It adds depth, but you can omit it or use white wine or chicken broth instead.

Q: What if I don’t have Dijon mustard? A: You can use other types of mustard like grainy mustard, English mustard, or even sweet American mustard.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free? A: Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for cooking.

Conclusion

Our One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken is a standout dish that combines the simplicity of one-pan cooking with the indulgence of a rich, flavorful sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Try it today and enjoy a delicious meal with minimal cleanup. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family so they can enjoy it too!

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Viviana Smith

Viviana Smith, the founder of Vivi Meals, is a dedicated advocate for holistic living. With a love for food, fitness, and meaningful connections, she established ViviMeals.com to inspire others to embrace a healthy, joyful lifestyle. Viviana believes that wellness is a journey best shared with others.