Sizzling One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken Recipe for Cozy Nights

Crispy bacon adds delightful flavor to this one-pan creamy bacon chicken that promises restaurant-quality comfort at home.

Skillful cooking techniques merge simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal everyone will adore.

Home chefs can whip up this delectable dish without complicated steps or multiple pots.

Tender chicken breasts nestle perfectly in a rich, velvety sauce that hints at gourmet sophistication.

Minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction make this recipe a weeknight winner for busy households.

Cheese and cream create a luxurious backdrop for smoky bacon bits that dance across each savory bite.

You won’t believe how easily this impressive dinner comes together in just one skillet.

FAQs

• Can I use different cuts of chicken?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs or boneless chicken breasts. Just ensure they’re cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.

• Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free version.

• How do I prevent the chicken from becoming tough?

Cook the chicken on medium heat and avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness and remove from heat once it reaches 165°F.

• Can I prep this dish ahead of time?

You can cook the bacon and chicken in advance, store separately in the refrigerator, and quickly reheat and assemble the sauce when ready to serve.

The Creamy Bacon Chicken One-Pan Wonder

• Minimize Kitchen Chaos: Prepare a delectable meal using just one pan, reducing cleanup time and simplifying your cooking process.
• Flavor Explosion: Combine crispy bacon, tender chicken, and a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce that creates a mouthwatering experience in every bite.
• Quick Comfort Cuisine: Craft a restaurant-quality dish in less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or spontaneous family meals.
• Crowd-Pleasing Performance: Deliver a protein-packed recipe that appeals to meat lovers and satisfies diverse taste preferences with its savory, indulgent profile.

Ingredients Needed to Create This Rich Dish

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that serves as the primary ingredient for this hearty one-pan dish.
• Bacon: Adds rich, smoky flavor and crispy texture to the chicken.

• Chicken Broth: Provides a savory liquid base for the creamy sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and smooth sauce with luxurious consistency.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty and nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

• Garlic, Fresh Parsley: Garlic adds depth and aroma, while parsley provides a fresh, bright finish to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds a subtle fruity undertone to the cooking process.

How to Cook a Creamy and Flavorful Bacon Chicken Dinner

Step 1: Sizzle Crispy Bacon

Toss bacon slices into a large skillet and cook over medium heat until they transform into perfectly crispy, golden-brown strips. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, letting it drain and become wonderfully crunchy.

Step 2: Golden Chicken Searing

Drizzle olive oil into the same pan where the bacon just cooked. Place chicken breasts in the hot skillet and cook until each side develops a beautiful golden-brown crust, creating delicious caramelized edges.

Step 3: Aromatic Garlic Infusion

Remove the chicken momentarily and drop minced garlic into the pan. Quickly sauté the garlic until it releases its fragrant aroma, filling your kitchen with an irresistible scent.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce Base

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream

Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and start creating a luxurious sauce.

Step 5: Cheese Melting Magic

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese into the simmering sauce.

Stir continuously until the cheese completely melts, transforming the liquid into a smooth, velvety mixture.

Step 6: Final Simmering Symphony

Return the golden chicken and crispy bacon to the pan.

Let everything simmer together, ensuring the chicken cooks through and absorbs all the rich, creamy flavors.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Chop fresh parsley and scatter it over the dish.

Plate your one-pan creamy bacon chicken and get ready to enjoy a mouthwatering meal that’s both elegant and comforting.

Helpful Tips for Texture and Seasoning Balance

• Swap chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier, more flavorful dish that stays tender during cooking.
• Reduce heavy cream calories by using half-and-half or milk mixed with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
• Chop bacon into smaller pieces for more even distribution and crispy texture throughout the sauce.
• Include fresh spinach or sun-dried tomatoes during the final simmer to add extra nutrition and vibrant colors.
• Pat chicken dry before cooking to ensure perfect golden-brown searing and prevent steaming instead of browning.

Flavor Twists to Keep the Recipe Fresh

• Low-Carb Keto Version: Replace chicken broth with bone broth, use heavy cream, and skip Parmesan for a strict ketogenic approach.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, and ensure dairy-free bacon.
• Turkey Bacon Health Swap: Replace regular bacon with turkey bacon for a leaner protein option, maintaining the same creamy sauce technique.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Swap chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, use plant-based bacon bits, and maintain the creamy sauce structure with cashew cream.

Serving Suggestions to Complete Your Plate

• Cozy Family Feast: Serve this hearty dish over fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Rustic Dinner Plate: Pair with roasted asparagus or a crisp green salad to balance the rich, creamy flavors of the chicken and bacon.
• Weekend Brunch Twist: Slice the chicken and serve on toasted ciabatta bread with a side of scrambled eggs for a decadent weekend breakfast experience.
• Quick Meal Prep Option: Pack individual portions in meal prep containers with a side of steamed vegetables for an easy, satisfying lunch during the work week.

Tips for Storing Leftovers Safely

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Place chicken and sauce together to keep the meat moist and prevent drying out.
• Cool the dish completely before refrigerating to maintain food safety and texture.
• Transfer leftovers to a freezer-safe container if you want to freeze for up to 2 months.

Best One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy bacon chicken dazzles taste buds with rich, comforting flavors from a single skillet. Crispy bacon, tender chicken, and velvety sauce blend perfectly for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 6 slices bacon

Dairy and Cream:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 3 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Render bacon in a spacious skillet over medium heat until achieving a crisp, golden texture, approximately 5-7 minutes. Transfer crispy bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.
2. Without cleaning the skillet, allow residual bacon fat to remain. Sear chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes per side until developing a rich, caramelized exterior.
3. Extract chicken from the skillet, leaving behind flavorful pan drippings. Introduce minced garlic, sautéing briefly until fragrant and translucent.
4. Deglaze the pan by pouring chicken broth, scraping accumulated browned bits from the bottom. Add heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Incorporate grated Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until the sauce transforms into a silky, uniform consistency.
6. Carefully reintroduce chicken and crumbled bacon into the creamy sauce. Reduce heat and allow to simmer for 3-4 minutes, ensuring chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
7. Finish the dish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley across the top, creating a vibrant presentation. Serve immediately while sauce remains warm and luxurious.

Notes

• Crisp bacon beforehand for maximum flavor infusion and textural contrast in the dish.
• Choose thick-cut bacon to ensure robust crunchiness and rich smoky taste throughout the recipe.
• Pat chicken breasts dry before cooking to achieve perfect golden-brown searing without excess moisture.
• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother sauce and more even cooking process.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg