Description
Creamy Chicken with Egg Noodles
Crispy bacon takes this creamy chicken dish to the next level!
Ingredients:
4 chicken thighs
300g egg noodles
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
4 slices crispy bacon, crumbled
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp butter
Instructions:
Cook chicken in butter, set aside, and cook garlic in the same pan.
Add broth, simmer, and stir in cream.
Return chicken and bacon, simmer until thickened.
Serve over noodles and top with extra bacon.
Bacon makes everything better!
#BaconCreamChicken
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Season 4 chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. In a large skillet or pan, melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down if they have skin, and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside on a plate.
2. In the same pan, add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (this adds great flavor). Bring to a simmer and let it reduce slightly for 2-3 minutes.
4. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream until fully combined.
5. Return the cooked chicken thighs and any accumulated juices to the pan. Add most of your crumbled crispy bacon (reserve some for garnish). Let the sauce simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, until it thickens to a creamy consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
6. While the sauce simmers, cook 300g of egg noodles according to package directions in a separate pot of salted boiling water. Drain well.
7. To serve, divide the cooked egg noodles among plates. Top with a chicken thigh and spoon the creamy bacon sauce over everything. Garnish with the reserved crumbled bacon.
Serving Suggestions
This rich and comforting dish pairs beautifully with simple sides that add freshness and texture. Serve it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or glazed carrots also make excellent vegetable accompaniments. For a complete cozy meal, add a slice of crusty bread to soak up every last bit of the delicious sauce.
How-to Summary
In summary, this dish is built by searing chicken, creating a creamy pan sauce with garlic, broth, and cream in the same skillet, and finishing by simmering the chicken and bacon in the sauce. It’s all served over a bed of buttery egg noodles for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, but chicken breasts are leaner and can dry out if overcooked. Use boneless, skinless breasts and reduce the initial searing time to 4-5 minutes per side. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
How can I make this dish less rich? Substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or full-fat evaporated milk for a slightly lighter, yet still creamy, sauce. You can also use less bacon.
My sauce is too thin. How do I thicken it? Let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce. Alternatively, create a quick slurry by mixing 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the simmering sauce until thickened.
Can I prepare any components ahead of time? You can cook the bacon and shred it ahead of time. You can also cook the chicken thighs in advance and re-warm them in the sauce. For best results, cook the noodles fresh.
What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers? Store the creamy chicken, bacon, and noodles separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the sauce and chicken gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed. Reheat noodles with a bit of water to prevent sticking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the garlic: Burnt garlic becomes bitter. Add it to the pan just after removing the chicken and cook only until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Adding cream to boiling liquid: Always reduce the heat to low before stirring in the cream to prevent it from curdling or separating.
- Using watery broth: A low-quality or overly diluted broth will make your sauce bland and thin. Use a good-quality, full-flavored chicken stock or broth.
- Crowding the pan when searing chicken: If the pan is too crowded, the chicken will steam instead of developing a flavorful golden-brown sear. Cook in batches if necessary.
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken with Egg Noodles is the epitome of satisfying comfort food, combining tender chicken, a luxuriously rich sauce, and the irresistible salty crunch of bacon. By following the detailed steps and tips provided, you can easily master this restaurant-worthy dish at home. It’s a versatile recipe perfect for a family dinner or impressing guests, proving that sometimes the most beloved meals are also wonderfully simple to create.
