Short Description

Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts smothered in a rich, creamy mushroom sauce with crispy bacon—for a comforting and flavor-packed dinner.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines savory bacon, earthy mushrooms, and tender chicken in one luscious dish.
• Ready in under an hour—perfect for weeknight dinners with an elegant feel.
• Rich and comforting, yet easy to prepare with minimal fuss.

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ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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directions

1. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, pour in the olive oil. Sear the chicken for about 5–6 minutes on each side, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
3. In the same skillet, cook the chopped bacon until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and leave the drippings behind.
4. Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and sauté for 4–5 minutes until tender; then add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, and thyme. Let the sauce simmer for 4–5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
6. Return the chicken and bacon to the skillet, spooning sauce over the chicken. Allow everything to heat together for 2–3 minutes.
7. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately—complements mashed potatoes, pasta, or a crisp green salad.

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Servings and timing

• Servings: Designed to serve 4.
• Timing:
  • Preparation & Searing: ~15 minutes
  • Sauce & Finishing: ~15 minutes
  • Total: Approximately 30 minutes

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Variations

• Lightened-up version: Use low-fat milk or half-and-half in place of heavy cream.
• Healthier twist: Substitute bacon with turkey bacon or omit it entirely and deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine for flavor.
• Creamy alternative: Blend part of the sauce with Greek yogurt (added off the heat) for a lighter tangy finish.
• Herb variations: Swap thyme for rosemary or sage for a deeper flavor profile.
• Flavor boost: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese for richness, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat.

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storage/reheating

• To store: Let it cool completely, then refrigerate in a covered container for up to 3–4 days.
• To freeze: Seal in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw fully in the fridge before reheating.
• To reheat:
  • From the fridge: Warm gently in a covered skillet over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.
  • From frozen: Thaw first, then reheat as above—or bake covered in a 350 °F oven for 15–20 minutes until warmed through.

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FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes—boneless, skinless thighs are even juicier. Reduce cooking time slightly as they can cook faster.

2. Is it okay to skip the bacon?

Absolutely. For a lighter or vegetarian option, omit the bacon and deglaze the pan with white wine or extra broth.

3. What if my sauce doesn’t thicken enough?

Continue simmering gently until desired consistency. You can also mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with water and stir it in for a thicker texture.

4. Can I prepare parts of this ahead of time?

Yes—cook the bacon and prepare the mushrooms ahead. Store separately and finish cooking when ready to serve.

5. Can this be made gluten-free?

Yes—just double-check that the chicken broth is gluten-free and that the Dijon mustard contains no wheat derivatives.

6. What side pairs best with this dish?

Mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or a warm grain like farro are all excellent choices to soak up the sauce.

7. Can I substitute heavy cream?

Yes—half-and-half or light cream works, but the sauce will be slightly thinner. You may need to cook a bit longer to reduce.

8. How can I enhance the mushroom flavor?

Choose a mix of cremini, baby bella, or even wild mushrooms like chanterelles or shiitake for richer taste.

9. Will the sauce separate if reheated?

It can. Reheat gently over low heat and stir frequently. Add a touch of cream or broth if separation occurs.

10. Is this suitable for meal prep?

Yes—divide into portions and store. Reheat in a skillet or microwave, adding a little broth to revive the sauce.

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Conclusion

Creamy Bacon Mushroom Chicken delivers rich, savory indulgence in a quick and effortless package. With luscious sauce, hearty chicken, and smoky bacon, it’s a dish that comforts and satisfies. Versatile and adaptable, this recipe makes an elegant weeknight meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

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