Description
Creamy Garlic Bacon Chicken
Rich and flavorful, this Creamy Garlic Bacon Chicken is perfect for dinner parties or a comforting family meal.
Ingredients:
4 chicken fillets
6 bacon strips
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
1 tsp dried basil
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
Cook bacon strips until crispy. Remove and chop.
Season chicken with basil, salt, and pepper. Sear in the same pan until browned. Remove.
Sauté garlic, then stir in broth and cream. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
Mix in Parmesan, then add chicken and bacon. Cook for 5 more minutes.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm.
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a flawless dish. First, in a large skillet over medium heat, cook the 6 bacon strips until very crispy. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the rendered fat in the pan. Once cool, chop the bacon. Pat the 4 chicken fillets dry and season generously on both sides with salt, pepper, and the 1 tsp of dried basil. Increase the heat to medium-high and sear the chicken in the bacon fat for 5-6 minutes per side, until deeply golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and sauté for just 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes to thicken slightly. Whisk in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Return the chicken and chopped bacon to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let everything heat through together for 5 more minutes.
Serving Suggestions
This rich and creamy chicken is best served over a base that can soak up the delicious sauce. Consider plating it atop a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or steamed white rice. For a lighter option, serve with roasted asparagus, green beans, or a simple side salad with a sharp vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan and fresh basil leaves adds the perfect finishing touch.
How-to Summary
In summary: Cook bacon, then sear seasoned chicken in the bacon fat. Remove both. Sauté garlic, deglaze with broth, then add cream and simmer. Stir in Parmesan to create the sauce, then return chicken and bacon to the pan to warm through. Garnish and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of fillets? Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent choice and will remain juicy. Adjust cooking time slightly as needed.
How can I make this sauce less rich? Substitute half of the heavy cream with full-fat milk or use half cream and half broth. The sauce will be slightly thinner but still flavorful.
What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? You can cook the bacon and sear the chicken ahead. Before serving, make the sauce and combine everything to heat through for the best texture.
Is there a substitute for Parmesan cheese? Yes, you can use another hard, aged cheese like Pecorino Romano, or for a different flavor, a tablespoon of cream cheese can also add richness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Garlic: Burnt garlic turns bitter. Sauté it only until fragrant, just 30-60 seconds.
- Using Thin-Cut Chicken: Very thin fillets will overcook during searing. Use uniformly thick fillets or pound them to an even thickness.
- Adding Cheese to Boiling Liquid: Adding Parmesan to a rapidly boiling sauce can cause it to clump or become grainy. Ensure the sauce is at a gentle simmer.
- Skipping the Deglazing Step: Not scraping the flavorful browned bits (fond) from the pan after searing the chicken means missing out on deep flavor.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Bacon Chicken is a reliably impressive dish that combines simple, savory ingredients into a luxurious meal. By following the step-by-step guide and heeding the common pitfalls, you can create a restaurant-quality dinner at home. Its versatility in serving and straightforward technique make it a perfect recipe for both weeknights and special occasions. Enjoy the delicious results of this comforting classic.