Description
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Bacon
Ingredients:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 slices bacon, chopped
1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 cups fresh spinach
1 tablespoon butter
Instructions:
Season chicken with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, cook bacon until crispy, then remove and drain on paper towels. In the bacon grease, sauté mushrooms until tender. Add butter and garlic, cooking for 30 seconds. Pour in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Stir well and simmer for 2 minutes. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over it, and top with crispy bacon. Serve warm and enjoy!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect results. First, pat the chicken breasts dry and season evenly on both sides. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil until shimmering before adding the chicken. Do not move it for the first 5-6 minutes to achieve a proper golden-brown sear. After cooking, let the chicken rest on a plate tented with foil. For the sauce, cook the chopped bacon until crisp, then use a slotted spoon to remove it, leaving the flavorful grease. Sauté the mushrooms in the bacon fat until they release their moisture and brown. Add the butter and minced garlic, stirring constantly for just 30 seconds to avoid burning. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, using a whisk to incorporate any browned bits from the pan bottom. Add the Parmesan and Italian seasoning, whisking until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly. Finally, stir in the spinach until just wilted.
Serving Suggestions
This rich and creamy chicken is incredibly versatile. For a classic pairing, serve it over a bed of fettuccine or angel hair pasta to soak up the delicious sauce. It also pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, cauliflower mash, or polenta. For a lighter option, try it alongside steamed asparagus, green beans, or a simple garden salad with a vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh chopped parsley.
How-to Summary
To summarize: Season and pan-sear chicken until golden. Remove. Cook bacon until crisp, then remove. Sauté mushrooms in bacon fat. Make the sauce by adding garlic, cream, Parmesan, and seasoning, then simmer. Wilt spinach in the sauce. Return chicken to the skillet, coat with sauce, and top with reserved bacon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, boneless, skinless thighs work wonderfully. They may require a slightly longer cooking time. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
How can I make this dish less heavy? Substitute half the heavy cream with whole milk or half-and-half. For a dairy-free version, use full-fat coconut milk and a nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan alternative.
What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
Can I prepare this sauce ahead of time? You can prepare the bacon and sauce base (through adding the cheese) ahead of time. Store separately. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce, wilt the spinach, and add the freshly cooked chicken.
My sauce seems too thin. How can I thicken it? Let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce. Alternatively, create a slurry with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of cold water, then whisk it into the simmering sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overcrowding the skillet when searing the chicken, as this steams it instead of creating a flavorful crust. Do not burn the garlic; cook it only until fragrant (about 30 seconds). When adding the Parmesan, ensure the cream is hot but not boiling vigorously to prevent the cheese from separating or becoming grainy. Finally, do not overcook the spinach—add it last and only until wilted to maintain texture and color.
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Bacon is a restaurant-quality meal that is deceptively simple to make at home. The combination of savory bacon, tender chicken, and a luxuriously creamy Parmesan sauce is guaranteed to become a family favorite. By following the detailed steps and tips provided, you can avoid common pitfalls and create a perfectly balanced, impressive dish any night of the week.