Cheesy Baked Chicken with Creamy Bacon Sauce

This Cheesy Baked Chicken with Creamy Bacon Sauce is the perfect combination of tender, juicy chicken and a rich, creamy sauce that packs a punch of flavor. The chicken is seasoned to perfection, baked until golden and juicy, and then smothered with a luscious bacon-infused sauce that’s irresistible. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. The addition of crispy bacon adds a smoky richness that complements the creamy sauce, and the melted cheese on top makes each bite indulgently satisfying. Pair it with some roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete and comforting meal.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Creamy Bacon Sauce:

• 6 slices of bacon, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for a tangy twist)
• ½ cup chicken broth (or white wine)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or thyme, for garnish (optional)

• Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Chicken:

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried thyme (if using).
  • Place the seasoned chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased baking dish.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through.
  • Once cooked, remove from the oven and set aside.

  2. Cook the Bacon:

  • While the chicken is baking, cook the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally, allowing the bacon to crisp up and render its fat. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
  • Once crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet.

  3. Make the Creamy Sauce:

  • In the same skillet with the remaining bacon fat, sauté the minced garlic over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
  • Add the chicken broth (or white wine) to the skillet, scraping up any bits of bacon from the bottom. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard (if using). Stir well to combine.
  • Let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and become creamy.
  • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the cooked bacon back into the sauce and stir until combined.

  4. Assemble the Dish:

  • Place the cooked chicken breasts in a serving dish or back on the baking sheet if you want to finish in the oven.
  • Pour the creamy bacon sauce generously over each chicken breast.
  • Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top of the sauce-covered chicken.
  • If you want to melt the cheese and add a bit of a golden crust, place the dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes (watch carefully to prevent burning).

  5. Serve:

  • Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove from the oven. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme, if desired.
  • Serve the Cheesy Baked Chicken with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or a side salad.

  • Tips and Variations:

    • Chicken Thighs: Feel free to use bone-in chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option. Just adjust the cooking time.
    • Low-Carb: For a low-carb option, skip the mashed potatoes and serve the chicken with roasted cauliflower or zucchini noodles.
    • Cheese Swap: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or a blend of Italian cheeses for added depth of flavor.
    • Spice it up: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick.

    • This Cheesy Baked Chicken with Creamy Bacon Sauce is rich, savory, and downright indulgent — a comforting meal the whole family will love.