One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken Recipe

The Ultimate One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken Recipe Tonight

Weeknight dinners demand simple, delicious solutions like this one pan creamy bacon chicken that transforms ordinary ingredients into a mouthwatering meal.

Crispy bacon, tender chicken, and a luxurious sauce come together effortlessly in just one skillet.

The aroma fills your kitchen with comfort and warmth.

Creamy sauces have a magical way of making even the most basic ingredients taste extraordinary.

Each bite promises rich, savory flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

This recipe proves that gourmet-style meals can be quick, easy, and absolutely delectable.

FAQs

  • Can I use different cuts of chicken?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs or boneless chicken tenders. Just adjust cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked.

  • Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Absolutely! The recipe is low-carb with high-fat ingredients like bacon, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, making it perfect for keto diets.

  • How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle some cayenne pepper when seasoning the chicken for extra heat.

  • What if I don't have Parmesan cheese?

You can substitute with Romano cheese or use a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for a similar creamy texture.

One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken – The Ultimate Comfort Dish

  • Quick and Easy Cleanup: Enjoy a delicious meal without drowning in dirty dishes since everything cooks in one skillet, saving you precious time and energy after cooking.
  • Flavor-Packed Comfort: Combining crispy bacon, creamy sauce, and tender chicken creates a mouthwatering dish that delivers rich, satisfying flavors in every single bite.
  • Versatile Weeknight Winner: Perfect for busy families and home cooks, this recipe works brilliantly as a fast dinner solution that impresses without requiring complicated cooking techniques or exotic ingredients.
  • Minimal Ingredient Magic: Uses simple pantry staples and standard proteins, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels while guaranteeing a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Ingredients List for One Pan Bacon Chicken

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender cuts that form the heart of this delicious one-pan meal.
  • Bacon: Crispy, flavorful meat that adds a rich, smoky element to the dish.
Sauce and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy combination that creates a luxurious, velvety sauce with deep savory notes.
  • Olive Oil: Helps to sauté and add a subtle, smooth base flavor.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides a warm, intense flavor to the sauce.
Seasoning and Garnish:
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh herb that adds a pop of color and light herbal finish to the dish.

Stepwise Guide for Creamy Bacon Chicken Perfection

Step 1: Crisp Up The Bacon

Sizzle bacon in a large skillet until it turns golden and crispy.

Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, keeping all that delicious bacon grease in the pan.

Step 2: Brown The Chicken

Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

Cook the chicken in the same skillet, creating a beautiful golden-brown crust on both sides.

Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Fragrant Garlic

Add a touch of olive oil to the skillet and gently sauté minced garlic until it releases its amazing aroma and turns slightly golden.

Step 4: Create A Luxurious Sauce

Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese.

Whisk the ingredients together, allowing the sauce to simmer and thicken into a rich, creamy consistency.

Step 5: Reunite Chicken With Sauce

Carefully return the chicken to the skillet, nestling the pieces into the creamy sauce.

Let everything simmer for about 10 minutes, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked through and absorbing all the incredible flavors.

Step 6: Add Crispy Bacon Topping

Crumble the reserved bacon over the chicken and sauce, adding a delightful crunch and smoky flavor to the dish.

Step 7: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh herb flavor.

Serve hot and enjoy your one-pan culinary masterpiece.

Bacon Chicken Tips for Creamy One Pan Results

  • Save some crispy bacon bits as a crunchy topping for extra texture and flavor when serving.
  • Adjust sauce thickness by simmering longer for a thicker consistency or adding more broth for a lighter sauce.
  • Replace chicken breasts with thighs or turkey for a different protein option that works equally well in this recipe.
  • Skip the heavy cream and use full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative that maintains creamy richness.
  • Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary instead of parsley to add a unique aromatic twist to the dish.

One Pan Chicken Variations to Try This Week

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a lactose-free option.
  • Low-Carb Makeover: Swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs and use cauliflower cream instead of heavy cream to reduce carbohydrate content.
  • Mediterranean Inspiration: Add sun-dried tomatoes, swap bacon for pancetta, and sprinkle feta cheese on top for a Mediterranean-style transformation.
  • Keto-Friendly Version: Use bone-in chicken thighs, increase bacon amount, and add extra butter to boost fat content while maintaining low carbohydrate profile.

Plating Creamy Bacon Chicken for Family Dinners

  • Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Serve this hearty chicken dish as the star of your evening meal, surrounded by warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious creamy sauce.
  • Romantic Date Night Plating: Elegantly arrange the chicken on a white plate, drizzle extra sauce around the edges, and sprinkle crispy bacon bits for a sophisticated touch that impresses your partner.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Pack individual portions in meal prep containers with a side of roasted vegetables or steamed rice, creating a convenient and delicious lunch option for busy workdays.
  • Rustic Farmhouse Style: Present the skillet directly at the table, allowing everyone to serve themselves family-style, creating a warm and inviting dining experience that encourages sharing and conversation.

Storing One Pan Bacon Chicken for Later

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Ensure the chicken is completely cooled before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Pack the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
  • Warm leftovers over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally and heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
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One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken Recipe

One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken Recipe


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4.6 from 32 reviews

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

Description

Succulent One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken delivers rich, comforting flavors straight from a home kitchen. Crispy bacon, tender chicken, and velvety sauce combine for a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 6 slices of bacon

Dairy and Sauce Ingredients:

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

Seasonings and Cooking Ingredients:

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Render bacon in a spacious skillet until golden and crisp, then transfer to a plate while preserving the rendered fat.
  2. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear in the same skillet until beautifully caramelized on each side, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
  3. Lower heat and introduce minced garlic to the skillet, allowing it to release its aromatic essence for approximately 30 seconds.
  4. Deglaze the pan by pouring in chicken broth, creating a flavorful base, then incorporate heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until the sauce reaches a luxurious, velvety consistency.
  5. Carefully nestle the seared chicken back into the creamy sauce, reducing heat to medium-low and allowing it to gently simmer for 8-10 minutes, ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  6. Crumble the previously cooked bacon and scatter generously over the chicken and sauce, infusing the dish with a smoky, crisp texture.
  7. Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley across the surface, adding a vibrant touch of color and herbaceous freshness before serving immediately.

Notes

  • Bacon grease adds incredible depth of flavor, ensuring each bite is rich and delicious.
  • Opt for chicken breasts of uniform thickness to guarantee even cooking and prevent dry spots.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
  • Low-sodium chicken broth helps control salt levels, allowing you to adjust seasoning precisely.
  • For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories.
  • Fresh parsley provides bright, fresh contrast to the creamy, indulgent sauce.
  • Quickly pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a perfect golden-brown sear.
  • Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for maximum flavor and smoother sauce texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 595 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 660 mg
  • Fat: 49 g
  • Saturated Fat: 22 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 165 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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