🥓 Creamy Bacon Chicken (Skillet Dinner)

📝 Ingredients

🍗 Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp paprika

• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter

🥓 Bacon

• 6 strips bacon (chopped)

🧄 Cream Sauce

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt & pepper to taste

🌿 Garnish

• Fresh parsley (optional)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Bacon

1. In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon until crispy.

2. Remove and set aside.

3. Leave about 1–2 tbsp bacon grease in the pan.

2️⃣ Sear the Chicken

1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.

2. In the same skillet, add olive oil if needed.

3. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden.

4. Remove and set aside (it will finish cooking in sauce).

3️⃣ Make the Cream Sauce

1. In the same pan, sauté garlic for 30 seconds.

2. Add chicken broth; simmer 2–3 minutes.

3. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan.

4. Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes.

5. Simmer until sauce thickens (about 5 minutes).

4️⃣ Combine

1. Return chicken to skillet.

2. Spoon sauce over the top.

3. Simmer 8–10 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).

4. Sprinkle bacon on top.

5. Garnish with parsley.

Serve over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice.

🔥 Pro Tips

• Pound chicken to even thickness for even cooking.

• For thicker sauce: simmer longer or add 1 tsp cornstarch slurry.

• For extra flavor: add sautéed mushrooms or spinach.

• Want it richer? Add 2 oz cream cheese.

❓ Q & A

Q1: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but sauce will be thinner. Add 1 tsp cornstarch to thicken.

Q2: Can I make this ahead?

Yes. Store in fridge up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid sauce separating.

Q3: Can I bake it instead?

Yes. After making sauce, place in oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes.

Q4: How do I keep chicken juicy?

Don’t overcook. Use a meat thermometer (165°F internal temp).

Q5: Can I make it low-carb?

It already is! Just serve with cauliflower mash or steamed veggies.