Zesty Thyme-Infused Creamy Mushroom Bacon Chicken Thighs Recipe

Succulent chicken thighs dancing with thyme-infused creamy mushroom sauce will make your kitchen smell absolutely irresistible.

Crispy bacon adds a smoky depth that transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner.

Fragrant herbs mingle with rich, velvety textures promising pure comfort.

Mushrooms caramelize beautifully, releasing their earthy essence into every delectable bite.

Simple ingredients combine with remarkable elegance for a meal that feels both sophisticated and homey.

Hunger will spark immediately when you catch the first whiff of this incredible dish.

We promise this recipe will become your new favorite go-to meal that impresses without complicated techniques.

Flavor Twists For Mushroom Bacon Chicken

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond cream for a lighter, lactose-free version. Use turkey bacon or plant-based bacon bits to maintain the smoky flavor profile.
• Herb Garden Fusion: Swap thyme with rosemary or sage for a different herbal note. Add roasted garlic cloves to the mushroom sauce for extra depth and complexity.
• Low-Carb Champion: Skip the vegetable oil and use rendered bacon fat for cooking. Substitute Italian seasoning with a blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and parsley to keep the dish keto-friendly.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Replace chicken thighs with thick portobello mushroom steaks. Use smoked paprika and liquid smoke to mimic the bacon's smoky essence, and swap bacon with crispy tempeh or seitan strips.

Suggested Pairings For Mushroom Bacon Chicken

• Rustic Farmhouse Feast: Pair this rich chicken dish with crusty sourdough bread to soak up the delectable creamy sauce.
• Hearty Veggie Companion: Roast seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts or asparagus alongside the chicken for a complete balanced meal.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the savory mushroom and bacon flavors with a crisp Chardonnay or light Pinot Noir that enhances the dish's creamy texture.
• Elegant Plating Style: Arrange chicken thighs on a warm white plate, generously drizzle the thyme-infused sauce, and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for a restaurant-quality presentation.

Storage Guidelines For Mushroom Bacon Chicken

• Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Separate the chicken and sauce to prevent soggy skin.
• Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Place chicken and sauce in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring sauce between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but reduce cooking time to prevent drying out and ensure they reach 165°F internal temperature.

• Do I need fresh thyme or can I use dried?

Fresh thyme provides the best flavor, but dried thyme works as a substitute. Use about ½ teaspoon of dried thyme if you don’t have fresh.

• What type of mushrooms work best for this recipe?

White button, cremini, or portobello mushrooms are excellent choices. Select fresh, firm mushrooms without blemishes for the best results.

• Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, this dish is naturally low-carb and fits well into a ketogenic diet with high-fat ingredients like heavy cream, bacon, and chicken thighs.

Why Thyme-Infused Mushroom Bacon Chicken Thighs

• Savor Quick Flavor Explosion: This recipe delivers a mouthwatering combination of crispy chicken skin, creamy mushroom sauce, and smoky bacon in one delightful dish.
• Minimal Cooking Skills Required: Perfect for home cooks of all levels, the step-by-step process ensures anyone can create a restaurant-worthy meal without advanced culinary techniques.
• Versatile Weeknight Wonder: Ideal for busy families seeking a delicious dinner that comes together easily, providing maximum taste with minimal preparation time.
• One-Skillet Convenience: Streamlines cooking and cleanup by using the same skillet for multiple recipe steps, reducing dish washing and kitchen mess.

Ingredients For Thyme-Infused Mushroom Bacon Chicken

• Chicken Thighs: A flavorful cut of meat that becomes tender and juicy when baked with crispy skin.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Seasonings that provide depth and complexity to the chicken's taste profile.
• Fresh Thyme: An aromatic herb that adds a subtle earthy and slightly minty flavor to the dish.

• Vegetable Oil: A neutral cooking oil used for searing and preventing ingredients from sticking to the pan.
• Heavy Cream: A rich dairy product that creates a luxurious and creamy sauce with a smooth texture.

• Bacon: A savory, smoky ingredient that adds richness and depth to the mushroom sauce.
• Mushrooms: A versatile vegetable that provides an earthy flavor and meaty texture to the dish.

How To Cook Mushroom Bacon Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F, creating the perfect cooking environment for your delicious chicken.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning

Step 3: Create a Golden Crust

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Gently place chicken thighs skin-side down, letting them sizzle and transform into a crispy golden masterpiece for about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the beautifully seared chicken thighs to a foil-lined baking sheet, skin-side up.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 5: Prepare the Magical Sauce

In the same skillet, drizzle a touch more vegetable oil over medium heat.

Toss in sliced mushrooms and let them dance and caramelize for about 3 minutes, flipping once to develop rich, deep flavors.

Step 6: Bacon Bliss

Sprinkle chopped bacon into the skillet, letting it sizzle and release its smoky goodness.

Step 7: Create the Creamy Sauce

• Salt
• Fresh thyme

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.

Let it bubble and thicken for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 8: Final Fusion

Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, nestle the thighs into the creamy mushroom bacon sauce.

Spoon the luxurious sauce over the chicken, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the chicken immediately, allowing the warm, creamy sauce to embrace the crispy-skinned chicken thighs.

Serve hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight.

Tips For Mushroom Bacon Chicken Thighs

• Cook chicken thighs skin-side down first to achieve a golden, crispy exterior that locks in delicious flavor and creates a beautiful presentation.
• Cook mushrooms without salt initially to help them brown perfectly and develop rich, deep flavors that complement the chicken.
• Add crispy bacon to the sauce for an extra layer of smoky, savory goodness that elevates the entire dish's taste profile.
• Use fresh thyme to introduce a subtle herbal note that beautifully ties together the creamy sauce and tender chicken.
• Always check chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure food safety while maintaining juicy, tender meat.

Thyme-Infused Creamy Mushroom Bacon Chicken Thighs Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savory thyme-infused creamy mushroom bacon chicken thighs blend rustic French countryside flavors with comforting home cooking. Hearty ingredients meld together, delivering a rich, satisfying meal that will transport you to a cozy kitchen nestled in Provence.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 bone-in (skin-on) chicken thighs
• 5 slices bacon (cooked and chopped)

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 6 ounces (170 grams) white mushrooms (sliced)
• 5 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (dried thyme, oregano, or a blend)

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• 0.125 teaspoons salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Calibrate oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) for optimal cooking environment.
2. Generously coat chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning across both surfaces to enhance flavor profile.
3. Activate large skillet over medium-high heat with vegetable oil to create perfect searing conditions.
4. Position chicken thighs skin-side down, allowing golden-brown crust to develop for approximately 5 minutes.
5. Transfer seared chicken to foil-lined baking sheet, positioning skin-side upward for even roasting.
6. Roast chicken in preheated oven for 20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring complete protein doneness.
7. Return skillet to medium heat with additional vegetable oil for sauce preparation.
8. Introduce sliced mushrooms without salt, caramelizing through strategic flipping for approximately 3 minutes.
9. Incorporate chopped bacon into mushroom mixture, rendering additional flavor complexity.
10. Pour heavy cream into skillet, complementing with salt and fresh thyme sprigs.
11. Elevate mixture to boiling point, then reduce to gentle simmer for 2 minutes, allowing sauce to thicken naturally.
12. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary for balanced flavor profile.
13. Carefully nestle roasted chicken thighs into mushroom bacon sauce.
14. Lavish chicken with creamy sauce, presenting warm dish for immediate enjoyment.

Notes

• Customize the seasoning by experimenting with different herb blends like herbes de Provence or za’atar for a unique flavor profile.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt to reduce calories and add a tangy twist.
• Ensure mushrooms caramelize perfectly by avoiding overcrowding the pan and using high heat to create a golden-brown exterior.
• Create a gluten-free option by using cornstarch instead of traditional flour-based thickeners in the sauce.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 597 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 48 g
• Saturated Fat: 21 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 195 mg