One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken Recipe

Sizzling One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken Recipe That Wows

Culinary magic happens when a simple one pan creamy bacon chicken dish meets unexpected flavor combinations.

Crispy bacon bits promise delectable moments of pure comfort.

Weeknight dinners rarely feel this effortless or delicious.

Home cooks searching for quick meal solutions will adore this streamlined approach.

Every ingredient plays a crucial role in creating mouth-watering depth.

Skillful techniques merge protein and smoky notes into a harmonious blend.

The aroma alone will make you eager to start cooking.

One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken Stores Best This Way

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Chicken and sauce will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer cooled chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing bacon as it may become soggy.
  • Warm chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated through.
  • Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Add extra cream or broth to maintain moisture and prevent sauce from separating.

Dinner Matches for One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken

  • Savor Complementary Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp Chardonnay with balanced oak notes to match the creamy sauce and enhance the chicken's rich flavors.
  • Elevate Side Dish Selection: Roasted garlic mashed potatoes perfectly absorb the luxurious sauce while providing a creamy texture that complements the chicken's golden crispiness.
  • Refresh with Bright Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the dish's richness and provide a zesty contrast to the heavy cream and bacon.
  • Balance with Crusty Bread: Serve warm, crusty French bread to soak up the delectable sauce, allowing diners to enjoy every last drop of the flavorful cooking liquid.

Creamy Bacon Chicken Ideas

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk for a lighter, lactose-free version. Use olive oil instead of butter to maintain the creamy texture.
  • Low-Carb Option: Swap flour with almond flour or coconut flour for coating chicken. Skip the sherry and use extra chicken broth to reduce carbohydrate content.
  • Herb-Infused Variation: Substitute dried thyme with fresh rosemary or sage. Add minced garlic for an extra flavor boost. Replace bacon with pancetta or turkey bacon for a different protein profile.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free flour blend for coating chicken. Ensure chicken broth and Dijon mustard are certified gluten-free. Verify all ingredients meet gluten-free standards before preparing.

FAQs

  • Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly in this recipe. They’re often more flavorful and stay juicier than chicken breasts, and they’ll absorb the creamy sauce beautifully.

  • Is it necessary to use dry sherry?

No, the dry sherry is optional. If you don’t have it or prefer not to use alcohol, you can simply skip it without affecting the overall taste of the dish.

  • How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the chicken to ensure there’s no pink meat remaining.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend when coating the chicken. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken With Big Flavor

  • Quick Weeknight Savior: Rescue dinner in just 30 minutes with this hassle-free one-pan marvel that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet meal without complex cooking techniques.
  • Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Combines familiar flavors like bacon and chicken that kids and adults adore, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys a delicious dinner without picky eater battles.
  • Minimal Cleanup Champion: Using a single skillet means fewer dishes to wash, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal kitchen mess and time spent on cleanup.
  • Versatile Comfort Food: Easily adaptable by swapping proteins or adding vegetables, this creamy chicken dish works perfectly for weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, or when you crave a rich, satisfying meal.

What You’ll Pull Together For Bacon Chicken

Meat Base:
  • Bacon, Chicken Breasts: Provide the main protein and a delicious smoky flavor. Choose thick-cut bacon for extra crispiness and fresh, plump chicken breasts for best results.
Seasoning and Coating:
  • All-Purpose Flour, Salt, Black Pepper: Create a light coating for the chicken and add essential seasoning. Use fine-ground flour for even coating and freshly ground black pepper for more intense flavor.
Fat and Richness:
  • Butter: Adds a rich, creamy texture and helps in cooking the chicken. Select unsalted butter for better control of the dish's overall saltiness.

One Pan Bacon Chicken Step-by-Step

Step 1: Crisp Up The Bacon

Fry bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until perfectly crispy.

Transfer bacon to a plate, keeping the delicious bacon fat in the pan.

Step 2: Prepare The Chicken

Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.

Gently coat each piece with flour, creating a light, golden-ready exterior.

Step 3: Brown The Chicken

Melt butter into the bacon-infused skillet.

Carefully place chicken in the pan and cook until each side turns a beautiful golden brown.

Remove chicken and set aside temporarily.

Step 4: Sauté The Aromatics

Introduce another pat of butter to the skillet.

Toss in finely chopped onions and cook until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet fragrance.

Step 5: Build The Flavor Base

Sprinkle in dried thyme and optional dry sherry.

Let the herbs and alcohol dance together for about a minute, creating a rich aromatic foundation.

Step 6: Create The Creamy Sauce

Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream.

Stir gently until the liquids merge into a smooth, luscious mixture.

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.

Step 7: Enhance And Combine

Stir in Dijon mustard, additional salt, and black pepper.

Return the golden chicken to the skillet, allowing it to simmer in the creamy sauce until the chicken is perfectly cooked and the sauce thickens beautifully.

Step 8: Finish And Serve

Crumble the crispy bacon over the top of the chicken.

The salty, crunchy bacon adds a delightful texture and flavor to this one-pan wonder.

Smart Ideas for One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken

  • Save the rendered bacon fat in the skillet to add rich, smoky depth to your chicken and sauce.
  • Dust chicken with flour for a crispy exterior that helps thicken the sauce and creates a beautiful golden-brown crust.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring juicy and perfectly cooked meat every time.
  • Swap dry sherry with white wine or chicken stock for different flavor profiles, or use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
  • Slice chicken before serving to help sauce penetrate the meat and make the dish easier to eat, especially for family-style meals.
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One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken Recipe

One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken Recipe


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4.9 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Sizzling bacon and tender chicken dance together in this irresistible One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken recipe, promising comfort and flavor in each delightful bite. Simple ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 6 slices bacon

Seasonings and Thickeners:

  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Fats:

  • 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

  1. Render bacon in a spacious skillet over medium heat until achieving a crisp, golden texture. Transfer the bacon to a plate, preserving the flavorful rendered fat within the pan.
  2. Generously season chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then delicately dust with a light coating of flour to create a protective crust.
  3. Introduce a tablespoon of butter into the bacon-infused skillet, allowing it to melt and blend with the existing fat. Carefully place the flour-coated chicken into the pan, searing until a rich, caramelized exterior develops on both sides. Temporarily remove the chicken and set aside.
  4. Within the same skillet, melt additional butter and add finely diced onions. Sauté until the onions become translucent and release their aromatic essence.
  5. Sprinkle dried thyme into the pan and deglaze with optional dry sherry, allowing the alcohol to intensify the underlying flavors for approximately one minute.
  6. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking thoroughly to create a smooth, cohesive sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the liquid to begin reducing.
  7. Incorporate Dijon mustard, adjusting the seasoning with salt and black pepper. Carefully return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling the pieces into the creamy sauce. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens and the chicken reaches complete doneness.
  8. Garnish the dish by crumbling the previously prepared crispy bacon over the top, adding a final layer of smoky, crunchy texture before serving.

Notes

  • Bacon fat adds incredible depth of flavor, so resist the urge to drain it completely for maximum taste.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F without overcooking, keeping it juicy and tender.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt and reduce butter quantity.
  • Gluten-free adaptation works perfectly by replacing wheat flour with cornstarch or almond flour for coating chicken.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 690mg
  • Fat: 36g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 24g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 130mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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