If you’re craving a dish that combines rich, comforting flavors with a touch of elegance, the Creamy Garlic Chicken with Bacon Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This recipe marries tender, juicy chicken breasts with a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce, all elevated by the irresistible crunch and smoky depth of crispy bacon. It’s a dish that feels both indulgent and homey at the same time, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests without complication.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this dish just right is all about the simplicity and quality of your ingredients. Each component plays a key role: the chicken provides a hearty base, the bacon brings smoky crunch, the garlic adds aromatic depth, and the cream and wine enrich the sauce with silky texture and subtle complexity.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender and lean, these form the star of the dish and soak up all the flavorful sauce.
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken.
- All-purpose flour: Helps create a delicate crust on the chicken and thickens the sauce slightly.
- Thick-cut bacon: Adds smoky, crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Danish Creamery premium salted butter: Used in two stages to sear the chicken and brown the garlic; butter lends richness and depth.
- Garlic cloves: Whole peeled cloves roast gently into golden nuggets that infuse the sauce with deep, mellow flavor.
- Dry white wine: The acidity brightens the dish and balances the richness of the cream.
- Heavy cream: Creates the luxurious, silky sauce that clings to the chicken and bacon.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous pop of color and flavor as a garnish.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken with Bacon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning both sides of each chicken breast generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. This simple step layers in essential flavor from the beginning and ensures every bite is delicious.
Step 2: Dredge in Flour
Pour the flour onto a plate and lightly coat each chicken breast, shaking off any excess. The flour creates a lovely golden crust when seared and helps thicken the sauce later on for that perfect creamy consistency.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon
Cut the thick-cut bacon into bite-sized pieces. In a large skillet with high sides, cook over medium heat until the bacon is irresistibly crispy. Then, drain the bacon on paper towels and carefully wipe out the skillet to prepare for the next steps. This bacon is key for adding satisfying texture to the dish.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
Melt 1 ½ tablespoons of butter in the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear until golden brown on one side, about 3–4 minutes, then flip and sear the other side for 2–3 minutes. This quick, high-heat cooking locks in juices and builds delicious flavor. Remove the chicken and set aside, as it will finish cooking in the sauce.
Step 5: Toast the Garlic
To the same skillet, add the remaining butter along with all the peeled garlic cloves. Toast the garlic over medium heat until they turn a light golden brown on all sides. This gentle toasting mellows the garlic’s bite and brings out a sweet nuttiness essential to the sauce.
Step 6: Create the Sauce
Pour in the dry white wine, bring it to a boil, and then reduce to a simmer until it reduces by half. Next, add the heavy cream and bring the mixture back to a boil before simmering gently. This process intensifies the flavors and builds the velvety sauce that makes the Creamy Garlic Chicken with Bacon Recipe so unforgettable.
Step 7: Finish Cooking the Chicken in the Sauce
Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet with the sauce. Cover and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This step ensures the chicken is thoroughly cooked while soaking up all those incredible flavors.
Step 8: Add Bacon and Parsley
Sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces over the chicken and sauce, then finish with a vibrant handful of chopped fresh parsley. This simple garnish not only adds color but also a fresh herbal note that brightens the rich dish.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken with Bacon Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is the go-to garnish here, providing a lovely contrast both visually and flavor-wise. If you want to get fancy, a few lemon zest shavings can add a surprising zesty lift that complements the creamy sauce wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides that soak up its luscious sauce. Think buttery mashed potatoes, garlic roasted vegetables, or even a silky risotto. You can’t go wrong with some crusty bread as well—perfect for sopping up every last bit of that creamy garlic goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, serve the chicken breasts on a bed of creamy polenta, drizzle extra sauce over the top, and scatter the bacon and parsley artistically. Another charming idea is to plate the chicken alongside colorful roasted cherry tomatoes and wilted spinach for a vibrant, balanced plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Creamy Garlic Chicken with Bacon Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep its flavor and texture beautifully for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick meals later in the week.
Freezing
This dish freezes well when stored properly. Freeze the chicken and sauce separately if possible, to maintain the best texture. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers slowly over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream sauce from breaking. Adding a splash of cream or milk can help restore the sauce’s silky texture if needed. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe?
While boneless chicken breasts cook more evenly and quickly in the creamy sauce, you can use bone-in breasts too, but they will require a longer cooking time to ensure they are cooked through.
What can I substitute for dry white wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth with a splash of white wine vinegar or lemon juice can work well to mimic the acidity and depth that the wine adds.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream alternative and use olive oil instead of butter for searing and toasting the garlic.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked properly?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer; the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. The creamy sauce helps keep it moist during the final cooking phase.
Can I double this recipe for a larger group?
Absolutely! Just use a larger skillet or cook in batches to ensure everything cooks evenly and no ingredients are overcrowded, preserving that perfect golden sear and sauce consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Chicken with Bacon Recipe is a treasure for anyone who loves hearty, flavorful meals without fuss. The way the creamy sauce envelops the tender chicken paired with crispy bacon is simply unforgettable. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy every comforting, delicious bite with your loved ones.
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Creamy Garlic Chicken with Bacon Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Creamy Garlic Chicken with Bacon is a succulent skillet dish featuring tender, pan-seared chicken breasts smothered in a rich garlic cream sauce, complemented by crispy bacon and fresh parsley garnish. This easy-to-make recipe balances hearty flavors and comforting textures, perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- Ground black pepper (to taste)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
Bacon and Butter
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon
- 2 tablespoons Danish Creamery premium salted butter (divided)
Sauce
- 1 head garlic (cloves peeled)
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of each chicken breast generously with kosher salt and ground black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Dredge in Flour: Spread the all-purpose flour onto a plate. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. Set aside to prepare for searing.
- Cook the Bacon: Cut the bacon into pieces and cook them in a large skillet with high sides over medium heat until crispy. Once done, transfer the bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Wipe out the skillet to prepare for cooking chicken.
- Sear the Chicken: Melt 1½ tablespoons of butter in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add the floured chicken breasts and sear until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. After searing, transfer the chicken to a clean plate and set aside; it will finish cooking later in the sauce.
- Toast the Garlic: Add the remaining butter to the skillet and reduce heat to medium. Add all peeled garlic cloves and toast them until they turn light brown on all sides. Be cautious to avoid burning the garlic for optimal flavor.
- Deglaze and Reduce: Pour in the dry white wine and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the wine reduces by half, concentrating the flavors.
- Add Cream and Simmer: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture back to a boil before lowering to a simmer to create a rich, creamy sauce.
- Finish Cooking Chicken: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet with the cream sauce. Cover and cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (about 5 minutes), ensuring it is fully cooked and tender.
- Serve: Sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces on top of the chicken and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- For thicker sauce, simmer the cream mixture a bit longer before adding the chicken.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked through and safe to eat.
- Dry white wine can be substituted with chicken broth if preferred.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste before serving.
- Make sure not to burn garlic as it can turn bitter and affect the sauce flavor.
