One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken Recipe

Sizzling One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken Recipe That Wows All

Crafting a delectable one pan creamy bacon chicken promises an effortless culinary adventure that simplifies weeknight cooking.

Weeknight meals demand smart solutions for busy households.

bacon adds a smoky richness that transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary.

Complex flavors emerge from simple ingredients, creating magic in a single skillet.

Crispy bacon bits scattered through tender chicken pieces promise a delightful texture contrast.

Minimal cleanup means you can enjoy more time with loved ones instead of scrubbing multiple dishes.

Come savor this irresistible combination that brings comfort and excitement to your dinner table.

FAQs

  • Can I use other types of meat instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with pork chops or turkey breasts. Just ensure the meat is cooked to the proper internal temperature.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free. However, double-check your chicken broth and Parmesan cheese to confirm they are gluten-free certified.

  • How can I make this dish healthier?

Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, use turkey bacon, and increase the spinach portion for more nutrients.

  • Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can partially prepare by cooking bacon and chicken in advance. Assemble and finish the sauce just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.

One-Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken Packed with Flavor

  • Whip Up a Hassle-Free Meal: This one-pan wonder eliminates multiple dish cleanup, making cooking and washing up a breeze for busy home chefs.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like spinach for kale or add different herbs to match your taste preferences and pantry supplies.
  • Pack a Flavor Punch: Crispy bacon, creamy sauce, and tender chicken create a mouthwatering combination that satisfies serious comfort food cravings without complicated techniques.
  • Impress Without Stress: Looks and tastes gourmet but requires minimal cooking skills, perfect for weeknight dinners or surprising guests with a restaurant-quality meal.

Ingredients for One-Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender meat that serves as the primary protein in this delicious one-pan meal.
  • Bacon: Crispy and flavorful protein that adds a rich, smoky taste to the dish.
Dairy and Cream Components:
  • Heavy Cream: Provides a luxurious and creamy base for the sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
Herbs, Seasonings, and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that brings depth and pungent flavor to the dish.
  • Italian Seasoning: Blend of dried herbs that adds a classic Mediterranean taste.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.
Additional Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Used for cooking and creating a non-stick surface in the skillet.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and intensifies the savory taste of the sauce.
  • Spinach, Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Fresh vegetables that provide color, nutrition, and additional flavor layers.
  • Fresh Parsley: Garnish that adds a bright, fresh finish to the dish.

How to Cook One-Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken Easily

Step 1: Crisp Up Bacon

Toss chopped bacon into a large skillet and cook over medium heat until it transforms into golden, crunchy perfection.

Transfer the crispy bacon bits to a separate plate, leaving behind the delicious bacon drippings.

Step 2: Brown Chicken Beauties

In the same skillet, drizzle a touch of olive oil and place chicken breasts.

Cook each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust and are fully cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes per side.

Carefully remove chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Awaken Garlic Flavors

Drop minced garlic into the skillet and let it dance and become wonderfully fragrant, which takes about 1 minute.

Step 4: Create Luxurious Sauce

Pour in:
  • Chicken broth
  • Heavy cream

Stir the liquids together until they blend seamlessly.

Step 5: Enhance Sauce Complexity

Sprinkle in:
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes rich, which takes around 3-5 minutes.

Step 6: Reunite Ingredients

Return the chicken and bacon to the skillet.

Add:
  • Fresh spinach
  • Sun-dried tomatoes

Gently stir until spinach wilts and everything mingles together.

Step 7: Final Flourish

Shower the dish with freshly chopped parsley just before serving, adding a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Pro Tips for Creamy and Delicious Bacon Chicken

  • Cook bacon at medium heat, allowing it to render fat slowly for maximum crunchiness without burning.
  • Pat chicken breasts dry before cooking to ensure a golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming instead of searing.
  • Whisk Parmesan cheese gradually into the sauce to prevent clumping and create a silky, consistent texture.
  • Replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version that maintains rich, creamy consistency.
  • Add fresh herbs like basil or thyme during the last minute of cooking to enhance the dish's aromatic profile without overpowering other ingredients.

Variations to Customize One-Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken

  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace chicken with cauliflower steaks, using turkey bacon for a lighter protein option and almond cream instead of heavy cream.
  • Mediterranean Herb Remix: Substitute chicken with turkey, use feta cheese instead of Parmesan, and add fresh oregano and diced olives for a Greek-inspired version.
  • Dairy-Free Lean Version: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast, and include grilled tofu as a protein alternative for plant-based diets.
  • Spicy Southwest Upgrade: Replace Italian seasoning with chili powder, add diced green chilies, use pepper jack cheese, and include sliced jalapeños for a zesty kick.

Serving Ideas for One-Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken

  • Rustic Family Dinner Delight: Serve this creamy bacon chicken over fluffy white rice or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.
  • Elegant Weeknight Plate: Pair with roasted asparagus or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal that looks and tastes restaurant-worthy.
  • Low-Carb Comfort Option: Skip the grains and serve directly on a bed of sautéed zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter version that doesn't compromise on flavor.
  • Brunch Twist: Transform leftovers into a decadent chicken and bacon frittata by chopping the chicken and mixing with eggs for a weekend morning treat.

How to Store One-Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken Safely

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken remains safe and tasty.
  • Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly and freeze for 2-3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
  • Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken Recipe

One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken Recipe


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4.8 from 25 reviews

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

Description

Creamy bacon chicken pasta blends Italian-inspired comfort with smoky bacon’s rich flavor. Home cooks discover an effortless weeknight meal that satisfies hunger and delights palates with minimal cleanup.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 8 slices bacon, chopped

Dairy and Cream:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Render bacon pieces in a skillet at medium temperature until crisp and golden, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
  2. Use the same skillet to sear chicken breasts in olive oil, cooking approximately 5-6 minutes per side until thoroughly cooked and developing a rich caramel-like exterior.
  3. Infuse the pan with minced garlic, allowing its aromatic essence to permeate the cooking surface for roughly 45-60 seconds.
  4. Deglaze the skillet by introducing chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking to create a harmonious liquid base.
  5. Incorporate Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, stirring continuously until the sauce transforms into a velvety, thickened consistency.
  6. Reintroduce the reserved bacon and chicken into the creamy sauce, then gently fold in fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, allowing the greens to gently wilt and absorb the surrounding flavors.
  7. Finish the dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley as a vibrant garnish, adding a final layer of freshness and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Trim chicken breasts evenly to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
  • Pat chicken dry with paper towels before cooking to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust and enhance flavor absorption.
  • Use thick-cut bacon for extra crispiness and richer flavor profile in the dish.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt, reducing overall calorie content while maintaining creamy texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 535 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 43 g
  • Cholesterol: 165 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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