If you’re looking for a recipe that’s both indulgent and easy to make, look no further than this One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken. This dish combines the savory flavor of bacon with tender chicken breasts, all enveloped in a luscious creamy sauce that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or just a weeknight dinner, this recipe has you covered. Read on for a step-by-step guide to making this delicious meal, along with tips, variations, and answers to common questions.
What is One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken?
One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that combines the rich, smoky flavor of bacon with tender chicken breasts. The chicken is first seasoned and lightly floured, then seared to golden perfection. After that, it’s simmered in a luxurious cream-based sauce made with butter, onions, thyme, and chicken broth, with optional sherry for an extra layer of flavor. The result is a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. What makes this dish even better is that it’s all made in one pan, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
Ingredients List for One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken
To create this delightful dish, you'll need the following ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 6 slices bacon: Provides a smoky, savory flavor that infuses the entire dish.
- 2 chicken breasts: Choose large, boneless, and skinless breasts for the best results.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Used for dredging the chicken, creating a light, crispy coating.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the chicken.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and balances the richness of the dish.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Used for cooking the chicken to give it a golden crust.
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter: Creates the base of the sauce, adding richness and depth.
- 1 onion, finely chopped: Provides sweetness and flavor to the sauce (Note: You can substitute with shallots for a milder taste).
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme: Adds an earthy, aromatic note to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons dry sherry (optional): Adds a layer of complexity and enhances the overall flavor (Note: You can substitute with white wine or chicken broth).
- ¾ cups chicken broth/stock: Forms the base of the sauce, adding moisture and flavor.
- 1 ¼ cups heavy cream: Creates a rich, creamy texture that coats the chicken beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy flavor that balances the richness of the cream.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the sauce.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and complexity.
Substitutions and Variations
One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken is a versatile dish, and there are plenty of ways to tweak the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs:
- Bacon Alternatives: If you’re looking to make this dish a bit lighter, you can substitute turkey bacon or even pancetta for a different flavor profile. For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and add a smoky paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the flavor.
- Chicken Substitutes: While chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe, chicken thighs can be used for a juicier, more flavorful alternative. If you prefer white meat, pork chops can also be a good substitute.
- Dairy-Free Option: If you need to make this dish dairy-free, swap the butter with a plant-based alternative and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. The flavor will be slightly different, but still deliciously creamy.
- Gluten-Free Variation: To make the dish gluten-free, simply use gluten-free flour to dredge the chicken. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
- Herb Substitutions: If you don’t have thyme on hand, you can use rosemary or sage. Each herb will give the dish a different but equally delicious flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to start cooking. Follow these detailed instructions to create a perfect One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Bacon
- Begin by cooking the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Keep the bacon fat in the skillet.
- While the bacon is cooking, prepare the chicken. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt and pepper. Dredge the chicken breasts in flour, shaking off any excess.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Add the tablespoon of butter to the skillet with the bacon fat. Heat over medium-high heat until melted.
- Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Cover with foil to keep warm.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Stir in the dried thyme and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- If using, pour in the dry sherry and deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the sherry simmer for about 2 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Allow the broth to reduce by half, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Finish the Sauce
- Lower the heat to medium and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Add the Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper, stirring until fully combined.
- Let the sauce simmer for about 5-7 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them to coat.
- Crumble the cooked bacon over the top of the chicken.
- Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for an additional 3-5 minutes to absorb all the flavors.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken, there are a few common mistakes to avoid to ensure your dish turns out perfectly:
- Overcrowding the Pan: When searing the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can cause the chicken to steam instead of sear, leading to less flavorful results.
- Not Deglazing the Pan: Don’t skip the step of deglazing the pan after cooking the chicken and onions. The browned bits on the bottom of the pan add immense flavor to the sauce.
- Curdling the Cream: To prevent the cream from curdling, make sure to lower the heat before adding it to the pan. Also, avoid bringing the sauce to a rapid boil once the cream is added.
- Undercooking or Overcooking the Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Undercooked chicken can be unsafe, while overcooked chicken can be dry.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How you serve and present your One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken can make a big difference in the overall dining experience. Here are some tips to elevate your dish:
- Serving: This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple pasta like linguine or fettuccine. The creamy sauce acts as a perfect complement to these sides, soaking in and adding flavor.
- Presentation Ideas: For a visually appealing presentation, garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme. You can also add a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper or a few flakes of sea salt for texture.
- Plate Like a Pro: When plating, place the chicken breast at the center of the plate, spooning the sauce generously over the top. Arrange your chosen side dish beside it, and scatter the crumbled bacon over everything for a final touch.
One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken Recipe Tips
Here are a few additional tips to help you make the best One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken, quality bacon, and fresh cream make a big difference in flavor. Try to use the best ingredients you can find.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed. A little more salt, pepper, or mustard can make all the difference.
- Reheating Tips: If you have leftovers, reheat them gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce as it reheats.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes, chicken thighs can be used in this recipe. They are juicier and more flavorful, though you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
Q: What can I use instead of sherry in the sauce?
A: If you don’t have sherry on hand, you can substitute it with white wine or additional chicken broth. Each option will add a different flavor profile.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make this dish a few hours ahead of time. Keep it covered and warm in the oven at a low temperature, or reheat it gently on the stove before serving.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a bit of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: While you can freeze it, the texture of the cream sauce may change upon reheating. If freezing, store the chicken and sauce separately for the best results.
Conclusion
This One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken recipe is the epitome of comfort food. With its rich and creamy sauce, smoky bacon, and tender chicken, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress. Plus, the simplicity of using just one pan makes it an easy choice for any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, follow the step-by-step instructions, and enjoy a delicious meal that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat.
PrintOne Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken Recipe
Savor the rich flavors of this One Pan Creamy Bacon Chicken recipe, where succulent chicken breasts are cooked to perfection in a velvety bacon-infused cream sauce. Keywords: creamy bacon chicken, one-pan chicken recipe.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 6 slices bacon
- 2 chicken breasts
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter
- For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons dry sherry (optional)
- ¾ cups chicken broth/stock
- 1 ¼ cups heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cook the bacon until crispy, then set aside. Coat the chicken breasts in flour, salt, and pepper. Brown the chicken in butter using the same pan.
- Make the Sauce: Add additional butter to the pan, sauté the onions with thyme, and add the sherry if using. Pour in the chicken broth, cream, mustard, and seasoning.
- Combine: Return the chicken and bacon to the pan, simmer until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use smoked or unsmoked bacon as preferred.
- For even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
- Substitute shallots for a milder onion flavor.
- Dry sherry adds depth but can be omitted for a non-alcoholic version.
- Adjust the Dijon mustard to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (¼ of the recipe)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 22G
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
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