Description
Bacon-smothered chicken brings classic comfort to dinner tables with rich, savory flavors melding perfectly. Crispy bacon and tender chicken create a mouthwatering combination that satisfies hunger and delights senses, promising you a memorable meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 5 strips thick-cut bacon
- 2 large boneless (skinless chicken breasts)
Coating and Seasoning:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian)
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon ground sage
Liquid and Fat Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 2.5 cups chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
- 1 beef bouillon cube (or 1 teaspoon beef better than bouillon)
- 1/3 cup half and half (mix of milk and cream)
- 1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce (or substitute Worcestershire sauce)
- 2–3 drops Kitchen Bouquet (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare a seasoned flour mixture on a large plate for coating chicken. Gather all gravy ingredients nearby.
- Render bacon in a skillet over medium-low heat until crisp and golden. Transfer bacon to paper towels, preserving 2-4 tablespoons of drippings. Wipe pan clean.
- Butterfly chicken breasts horizontally, then gently pound between plastic wrap to create uniform 3/4-inch thickness.
- Pat chicken pieces dry, then thoroughly dredge in seasoned flour mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Reheat bacon drippings with additional oil in the skillet. Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until achieving a rich golden-brown exterior.
- Remove chicken from pan. Melt butter and whisk in flour to create a smooth, blonde roux.
- Slowly incorporate broth and half-and-half into roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Add remaining gravy seasonings and simmer until thickened.
- Return chicken to gravy, sprinkle with crumbled bacon. Reduce heat, cover, and allow to simmer 10-15 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
- Plate and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Recommend serving alongside creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Notes
- Choose high-quality bacon with good fat content for maximum flavor infusion into the chicken.
- Pat chicken breasts completely dry before dredging to ensure crispy, even coating that adheres perfectly.
- Use cast iron skillet for superior heat distribution and developing rich, deep browning on chicken.
- Adjust cooking temperature carefully to prevent burning while achieving golden-brown exterior and juicy interior.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 1065 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 1020 mg
- Fat: 88 g
- Saturated Fat: 32 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 52 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 62 g
- Cholesterol: 230 mg