Creamy Garlic Bacon Chicken Skillet
Description
Creamy Garlic Bacon Chicken Skillet is a rich, savory, and comforting one-pan dinner loaded with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and a velvety garlic cream sauce. This easy skillet recipe is packed with flavor and perfect for busy weeknights, cozy dinners, or low-carb comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: spinach or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- In the same skillet, add olive oil if needed and cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape up flavorful browned bits from the pan.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Return chicken and bacon to the skillet.
- Simmer for 3–5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Garnish with parsley or spinach if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- Chicken thighs stay extra juicy and flavorful.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother than packaged cheese.
- Sauce thickens more as it cools.
Tips
- Add mushrooms for extra richness.
- Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
- For a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables.
Servings
4 servings
Nutritional Info (Approx. Per Serving)
- Calories: 540
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fat: 40g
- Fiber: 0g
Benefits
- High in protein
- Rich creamy comfort-food flavor
- Easy one-pan meal
- Low-carb friendly option
- Family-friendly dinner recipe
Q&A
Can I use turkey bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon works well for a lighter version.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan alternatives.
How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, though cream sauces may separate slightly when reheated.
What sides pair best?
Pasta, roasted vegetables, rice, mashed potatoes, or salad.