Description
Creamy Garlic Chicken with Bacon
Description:
Fresh, creamy, and full of flavor, this garlic chicken with bacon is a must-try!
A sprinkle of parsley adds brightness to the rich, cheesy sauce, making it a perfectly balanced dish. Serve over pasta or with sautéed greens for an unforgettable dinner.
Ingredients:
Chicken breasts (boneless)
Bacon (crumbled)
Garlic (minced)
Heavy cream
Parmesan (grated)
Butter
Salt, pepper, and parsley
Instructions:
Fry bacon until crispy. Remove and crumble.
Sear chicken in bacon grease. Remove when golden.
Melt butter, sauté garlic, then whisk in cream and Parmesan.
Return chicken to sauce, top with bacon and parsley.
#FreshFlavors
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare Ingredients: Cut chicken breasts into even cutlets. Mince garlic, grate Parmesan, and chop parsley. Pat chicken dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Cook Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon strips until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the grease in the pan. Crumble bacon once cooled.
3. Sear Chicken: Increase heat to medium-high. Add chicken to the bacon grease and sear for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.
4. Make the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream, whisking to combine. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
5. Finish the Sauce: Remove the skillet from heat. Whisk in the grated Parmesan until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine: Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet, turning to coat in the sauce. Simmer together for 1-2 minutes to reheat the chicken.
7. Serve: Plate the chicken, spoon extra sauce over the top, and garnish with crumbled bacon and fresh parsley.
Serving Suggestions
This rich and creamy dish pairs beautifully with sides that can soak up the delicious sauce. Serve it over a bed of fettuccine, angel hair pasta, or creamy mashed potatoes. For a lighter option, try it with zucchini noodles, steamed broccoli, or a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A crusty loaf of garlic bread is non-negotiable for cleaning the plate.
How-to Summary
Cook bacon, then sear seasoned chicken in the rendered fat. Set both aside. In the same pan, make a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce with butter, garlic, cream, and cheese. Return chicken to the sauce to warm through, then top with bacon and parsley before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work well and offer a richer flavor. Adjust cooking time as needed, as thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.
How can I make this sauce less thick? If the sauce becomes too thick, simply thin it out by whisking in a splash of chicken broth, milk, or additional cream until you reach your desired consistency.
What’s a good substitute for heavy cream? For a slightly lighter version, half-and-half can be used, but the sauce will be less rich and may not thicken as much. Full-fat coconut milk is a good dairy-free alternative.
How should I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? You can prep components ahead (cook bacon, season chicken), but for best results, cook the dish just before serving. The fresh sauce can separate if reheated excessively.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Pan: Sear chicken in batches if necessary. Overcrowding steams the chicken instead of creating a golden sear.
- Burning the Garlic: Garlic burns quickly. Sauté it only for 30 seconds until fragrant before adding the cream.
- Adding Cheese to High Heat: Always remove the pan from heat before whisking in the Parmesan to prevent the sauce from breaking or becoming grainy.
- Using Pre-Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting. Freshly grate your Parmesan for a silky sauce.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Chicken with Bacon is a decadent, restaurant-quality meal that is deceptively simple to make at home. By mastering the sear and building a luxurious pan sauce, you create a dish that is both comforting and impressive. Remember the key tips: get a good sear, avoid burning the garlic, and use freshly grated cheese. With this reliable recipe and its versatile serving options, you have the perfect centerpiece for a memorable weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal. Enjoy the rich, #FreshFlavors!
