Creamy Turkey Bacon Chicken
This creamy Turkey Bacon chicken recipe is a decadent and delicious dinner that’s easy enough for a weeknight and tasty enough for company. With just 30 minutes from prep to plate, this meal combines tender chicken with crispy turkey bacon in a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, it’s sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish fits perfectly into busy weeknights.
- Deliciously Decadent: The combination of turkey bacon and creamy sauce creates a flavor that feels indulgent.
- Versatile Meal: Pair it with rice, pasta, or vegetables for a complete meal that suits any occasion.
- Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults will love the rich flavors and satisfying textures.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Tools and Preparation
To make this creamy Turkey Bacon chicken recipe successfully, you’ll need some essential tools. Gather these items before you start cooking for a smooth experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Kitchen Shears
- Measuring Cups
- Cutting Board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A good skillet allows for even cooking of both the chicken and bacon, ensuring perfect browning.
- Kitchen Shears: These are handy for cutting the turkey bacon quickly and easily without making a mess.
- Measuring Cups: Accurate measurements ensure that all ingredients are balanced, leading to the best flavor.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 6 strips Turkey Bacon
- 2 large chicken breasts
- Flour (for dredging)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pepper (to taste)
For the Sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
How to Make Creamy Turkey Bacon Chicken
Step 1: Cook the Turkey Bacon
Cut the turkey bacon into pieces using kitchen shears. Add it to a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry until crispy, about 10 minutes. Once done, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 2 tablespoons of fat in the pan.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While the bacon cooks, cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create four smaller cutlets. Season them with garlic powder and pepper. Coat each piece lightly in flour.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Add the floured chicken cutlets to the skillet with remaining turkey bacon fat. Cook over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. If splattering occurs, reduce heat slightly. Once browned, remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
In the same skillet, add chicken broth, lemon juice, and butter. Allow it to bubble and reduce by half, which should take about 3–4 minutes.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Stir in heavy cream until it starts bubbling again. Add back in the cooked chicken and turkey bacon. Let everything cook together for another 5 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked through and sauce has thickened to your liking.
Enjoy your creamy Turkey Bacon chicken served over pasta or rice!
How to Serve Creamy Turkey Bacon Chicken
Serving Creamy Turkey Bacon Chicken is simple and versatile. This dish pairs beautifully with various sides and garnishes that enhance its rich flavors. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
With Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.
- Thyme Sprigs: Add a few sprigs of thyme as a garnish to complement the creamy sauce.
Over Rice or Pasta
- White Rice: Serve the chicken over fluffy white rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Fettuccine Pasta: Toss fettuccine in the cream sauce for a satisfying pasta dish.
Accompanied by Vegetables
- Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds color and a healthy crunch.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make an excellent base for this rich chicken dish.
With a Salad
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad provides a crisp, refreshing contrast to the creamy chicken.
- Mixed Greens: Lightly dressed mixed greens add freshness and balance the richness of the meal.
How to Perfect Creamy Turkey Bacon Chicken
Perfecting your Creamy Turkey Bacon Chicken can take your cooking to the next level. Here are some helpful tips.
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh turkey bacon and high-quality chicken breasts will enhance flavor.
- Don’t Rush Cooking the Bacon: Allowing the turkey bacon to become crispy adds depth to the overall dish.
- Monitor Heat Levels: Adjusting heat while cooking ensures even browning and prevents burning.
- Let It Simmer: Allowing the cream sauce to simmer helps thicken it and intensifies flavors.
- Taste as You Go: Sampling your dish during cooking allows you to adjust seasoning to your preference.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Turkey Bacon Chicken
Pairing side dishes with Creamy Turkey Bacon Chicken can enhance your overall dining experience. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce; simply brush with garlic butter and toast until golden.
- Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned roasted asparagus is a delicious way to add veggie goodness.
- Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with cucumbers and tomatoes provides a nutritious balance.
- Coleslaw: The crunchiness of coleslaw offers a nice contrast to the creamy chicken.
- Baked Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes add natural sweetness that complements the savory flavors of the dish.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob brings a sweet, summery touch that pairs well with rich meals.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing your creamy Turkey Bacon chicken, it’s easy to make a few missteps. Here are some common mistakes and tips on how to avoid them.
- Overcooking the Chicken: Ensure you monitor the chicken closely while cooking. Overcooking can lead to dry meat. Aim for a golden-brown color and check with a meat thermometer for doneness.
- Ignoring the Fat: The fat left in the pan from the turkey bacon adds flavor. Don’t discard it all! Use just enough for cooking the chicken to enhance the dish.
- Skipping Seasoning: Seasoning is key for flavor. Don’t skip adding pepper and garlic powder before dredging; it builds a delicious taste foundation.
- Not Reducing the Sauce: A creamy sauce needs time to reduce for optimal thickness. Allow it to bubble until it’s reduced by half; this brings out rich flavors.
- Using Low-Quality Cream: The cream makes this dish decadent. Choose high-quality heavy cream for the best results; it will improve texture and flavor significantly.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Enjoy within 3-4 days for best quality.
Freezing Creamy Turkey Bacon Chicken
- Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating Creamy Turkey Bacon Chicken
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until hot throughout.
- Stovetop: Reheat over low heat while stirring gently until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses some common queries about making creamy Turkey Bacon chicken.
How can I customize creamy Turkey Bacon chicken?
You can add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms during cooking. This not only enhances flavor but also boosts nutrition.
Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?
Yes, you can substitute regular bacon if you prefer its flavor, but keep in mind that it will increase the fat content of the dish.
What sides pair well with creamy Turkey Bacon chicken?
Serve this dish with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad for a complete meal that balances flavors perfectly.
How do I know when my chicken is fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). You can also cut into the thickest part; there should be no pink remaining.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Turkey Bacon chicken is a delightful dish that combines rich flavors with satisfying textures. It’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or spices to suit your taste!
Creamy Turkey Bacon Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of Creamy Turkey Bacon Chicken, a delightful dish that transforms a busy weeknight dinner into a luxurious experience. This recipe features tender chicken breasts seared to perfection and enveloped in a creamy sauce infused with crispy turkey bacon. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an effortless yet impressive meal for both family gatherings and entertaining guests. Serve it over pasta or rice, and watch everyone at the table savor every bite. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this dish is sure to become a weeknight favorite.
Ingredients
- 6 strips Turkey Bacon
- 2 large chicken breasts
- Flour (for dredging)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
Instructions
- Cut turkey bacon into pieces and fry in a skillet over medium-high heat until crispy (about 10 minutes). Transfer to paper towels, leaving some fat in the pan.
- Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create cutlets. Season with garlic powder and pepper, then dredge lightly in flour.
- Sear chicken cutlets in the skillet with remaining bacon fat for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, add chicken broth, lemon juice, and butter; let bubble for about 3–4 minutes to reduce by half.
- Stir in heavy cream and return chicken and bacon to the skillet. Simmer for another 5 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 320g)
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 48g
- Saturated Fat: 24g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider incorporating vegetables like spinach or mushrooms during cooking. If you prefer regular bacon over turkey bacon, feel free to substitute it while being mindful of increased fat content.
