🥘 Creamy Garlic Bacon Chicken
❤️ Why You’ll Love It
This dish combines juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and a velvety garlic cream sauce — simple, comforting, and restaurant-worthy. It’s easy enough for a weeknight yet fancy enough for guests.
🧂 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless) | 4 small (or 2 large, halved) | Pounded to even thickness for even cooking |
| Bacon | 6 slices | Regular or thick-cut |
| Garlic | 3–4 cloves | Freshly minced for best flavor |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup | Or half-and-half for lighter sauce |
| Chicken broth | ½ cup | Low-sodium preferred |
| Parmesan cheese | ½ cup | Freshly grated melts better |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp | Optional: add thyme or oregano |
| Paprika | ½ tsp | Adds mild smokiness |
| Olive oil or butter | 1 tbsp | For searing |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste | Season generously |
| Fresh parsley | 1 tbsp, chopped | For garnish |
🔪 Instructions
1. Cook the Bacon
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In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp.
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Remove to a paper towel–lined plate.
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Leave 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet for flavor.
2. Sear the Chicken
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Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
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In the same pan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed).
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Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
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Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
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In the same skillet, add minced garlic. Sauté 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
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Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits (these add deep flavor).
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Add heavy cream and Parmesan, stirring constantly.
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Sprinkle in Italian seasoning and simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until thickened slightly.
4. Combine Everything
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Return the chicken and bacon to the pan.
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Spoon sauce over the chicken and simmer another 2–3 minutes on low heat.
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Adjust salt/pepper as needed.
5. Serve
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Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
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Serve warm with:
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Mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash
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Steamed veggies
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Zucchini noodles or pasta
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🍴 Pro Tips
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Don’t burn the garlic: It turns bitter quickly. Add it after the bacon fat cools slightly.
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For thicker sauce: Simmer longer or add a spoonful of cream cheese.
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Make it dairy-free: Use coconut cream and skip Parmesan.
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Add veggies: Spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes fit perfectly.
💬 Q&A Section
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
✅ Yes! Boneless thighs are juicier and add more flavor. Just adjust cooking time slightly (6–7 minutes per side).
Q2: How can I make this recipe lighter (bariatric or low-fat version)?
💡 Use:
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1 tsp olive oil + nonstick spray (instead of bacon fat)
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Turkey bacon or omit bacon
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Low-fat milk + 1 tsp cornstarch (instead of heavy cream)
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Serve with veggies or cauliflower mash instead of pasta
Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes — cook the chicken and sauce separately, then combine before serving. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or milk.
Q4: Why did my sauce curdle or separate?
This happens if the heat is too high or if cream is added to a very hot pan. Lower the heat before stirring in the cream, and whisk constantly.
Q5: Can I freeze it?
You can freeze it, but the cream sauce may slightly separate when reheated. Stir well and reheat slowly over low heat to bring it back together.