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One-pan creamy chicken and bacon

One-pan creamy chicken and bacon

Enjoy a quick and easy one-pan recipe combining tender chicken breasts, smoky bacon, and a rich, creamy sauce made with heavy cream, garlic, onions, and Parmesan cheese. This comforting meal is cooked all in one skillet for minimal cleanup, delivering delicious flavors and perfect texture in under 30 minutes. Ideal for busy weeknights or cozy dinners, it’s highly versatile and can be customized with your favorite herbs, veggies, or dietary swaps.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 6 strips of bacon

Dairy

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, diced

Fats

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (if needed for sautéing)

Herbs & Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Bacon: Start by cooking the bacon strips in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and set aside on paper towels to drain excess grease, leaving the flavorful bacon fat in the pan for the next step.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and sear for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown but not fully cooked through. Remove and keep warm.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing in the bacon fat until the onions turn translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Prepare the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine with the sautéed onions and garlic. Add grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt gradually into the sauce, stirring until smooth.
  5. Combine Everything: Return the chicken and cooked bacon to the skillet. Spoon the creamy sauce over the chicken, reduce heat to low, and simmer gently for 7-10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Finish and Garnish: Sprinkle fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Notes

  • Use room temperature chicken to ensure even cooking and juiciness.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook bacon and chicken in batches if needed to get a perfect sear.
  • If the cream sauce becomes too thick, thin it out with a splash of chicken broth or milk.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end to keep their flavor bright and vibrant.
  • Let the cooked chicken rest a few minutes before slicing to lock in juices.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pan, creamy chicken, bacon recipe, quick chicken dinner, easy skillet meal, comfort food, creamy sauce, family favorite