Ready in: 30 minutes · Serves: 4 · Technique: Skillet Cooking · Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.
Quick Answer
This Creamy Bacon Mushroom Thyme Chicken is a comforting dish perfect for cozy nights, filled with savory flavors and a rich sauce.
When the leaves start to turn a rich amber and the air turns crisp here in New York City, I can’t help but dream of cozy nights in the kitchen, preparing hearty, comforting dishes. One of my all-time favorites, especially as we get closer to Thanksgiving and Christmas, is this Creamy Bacon Mushroom Thyme Chicken. This dish is the epitome of warmth, bringing together the savory richness of bacon, the earthiness of mushrooms, and the aromatic lift of fresh thyme.
A Cozy Holiday Treat
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy sauce that perfectly complements the chicken.
- Easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Hearty and satisfying, ideal for chilly fall evenings.
- Combines the smoky flavor of bacon with the earthiness of mushrooms.
- Can be made in advance for a quick and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients for a delightful culinary experience:
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Sauce
- 4 strips of bacon, diced
- 8 ounces of cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup of chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
How to Make Creamy Bacon Mushroom Thyme Chicken (Step-by-Step)
Follow these detailed steps to create a magnificent dish that everyone will love.
Step 1: Prep Your Chicken
Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. I like to use Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance the flavor.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once shimmering, carefully place the seasoned chicken in the skillet. Sear for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. The aroma wafts through the air, and you can already start to feel hungry! Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon
In the same skillet, add the diced bacon. Let it cook until it’s crispy and has released its delightful fats, about 4-5 minutes. This step adds a smoky flavor that’s hard to resist.
Step 4: Sauté the Mushrooms
Once your bacon is ready, toss in the sliced mushrooms. The nutty aroma of browning mushrooms fills your kitchen—trust me, this is the scent that says dinner is going to be fabulous. Sauté until they’re tender, around 5 minutes.
Step 5: Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute until fragrant—you’re going to want to take a moment to soak in this incredible smell.
Step 6: Create the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze and lift all those lovely browned bits. Bring to a simmer, then add the heavy cream, thyme, and Parmesan cheese. Stir it all together and cook until it’s slightly thickened, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
Step 7: Combine Everything
Return the chicken to the skillet, letting it bask in that glorious sauce. Allow it to simmer for an additional 7-10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The center of the chicken will have a slight jiggle, showcasing the creamy exterior.
Step 8: Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a side salad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Pan: Don’t crowd the skillet when searing the chicken; it won’t brown properly. Work in batches if necessary.
- Neglecting to Deglaze: Skipping the deglazing step means missing out on vital flavor from the crispy bits at the bottom of your pan. Take that extra minute!
- Under-seasoning: Make sure to season at every stage, especially the chicken at the beginning. A dish can often need that pinch of salt to bring all flavors to life.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- For optimum creaminess, ensure your heavy cream is at room temperature before adding it to the skillet.
- Try using fresh thyme if you have it available; the flavor is more vibrant and aromatic compared to dried.
- This dish can easily be prepared in advance; simply store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove.
Variations
- Swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer dark meat.
- Use white button mushrooms instead of cremini for a milder flavor.
- Substitute half of the heavy cream with sour cream for a tangy twist.
- Experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary or oregano, for a unique flavor profile.
How to Serve
- Pair with mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
- Serve alongside steamed green beans or asparagus for a fresh contrast.
- Offer a crisp side salad for added texture and freshness.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to avoid curdling the cream. Add a splash of chicken broth for extra sauciness if desired.
- Freezing: It is not recommended to freeze this dish as the cream may separate upon thawing.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
While testing this recipe, I found that the key to creating a luscious, creamy sauce lies in the quality of your ingredients, especially the cheese and cream. Additionally, don’t rush the cooking process; taking your time allows the flavors to deepen beautifully.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 4 servings · Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~480 calories · 28g protein · 9g carbs · 36g fat
Creamy Bacon Mushroom Thyme Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Once shimmering, sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, cook the diced bacon until crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Add the mushrooms and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, then pour in the chicken broth. Scrape the bottom to deglaze and bring to a simmer.
- Add heavy cream, thyme, and Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring until slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, allow it to simmer for an additional 7-10 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work beautifully in this recipe. They tend to be juicier and can add even more flavor to the dish.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but keep in mind the sauce may not be as creamy. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut cream works well.
How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check this, or cut into the chicken to ensure it is no longer pink in the center.
