One-pan creamy chicken and bacon
A comforting and easy one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breasts, crispy smoky bacon, and a rich creamy sauce made with garlic, Parmesan, and fresh herbs. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish offers minimal cleanup and is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying and simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Protein
- 2–3 chicken breasts (about 1 to 1.5 pounds), skinless and boneless
- 4–6 strips of bacon
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh herbs (thyme or parsley), 1-2 tablespoons chopped
Dairy & Liquids
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Prepare the bacon and chicken: Cook the bacon strips in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear them in the pan until golden brown on each side but not fully cooked, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Sauté garlic and deglaze: Remove the chicken and add minced garlic to the bacon drippings, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up the browned bits to enhance flavor.
- Create the creamy sauce: Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer gently, allowing the sauce to thicken to a rich and velvety texture. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.
- Finish cooking the chicken in the sauce: Return the seared chicken breasts to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Chop the crispy bacon and sprinkle over the dish before serving.
Notes
- Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure proper searing and a golden crust.
- Use fresh garlic for best aroma and flavor.
- Allow the sauce to simmer to develop a creamy texture.
- Rest the chicken for a few minutes after cooking to keep it juicy.
- Adjust creaminess by adding more cream or broth based on preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
Keywords: one-pan, creamy chicken, bacon, quick dinner, easy recipe, gluten-free, comfort food