Background and History
Smothered Bacon Chicken is a comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of crispy bacon, tender chicken, and a creamy sauce. This dish has Southern roots and is known for its hearty, satisfying nature. It’s a perfect example of comfort food, often enjoyed as a family dinner or special occasion meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (optional for garnish)
Serves
- 4 servings
Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme.
Cook the Bacon
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy.
- Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Reserve about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
Cook the Chicken
- In the same skillet with the bacon grease, add the chicken breasts.
- Cook over medium heat until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce
- Add the olive oil to the skillet if needed, then add the onions and mushrooms.
- Cook until the onions are translucent and the mushrooms are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Stir in the heavy cream and continue to simmer until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
Combine and Serve
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them.
- Crumble the cooked bacon over the top.
- Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to heat everything through.
- Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
- Serve hot with your choice of sides, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a lower-fat alternative.
- Add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the sauce for extra nutrition and flavor.
- This dish pairs well with a side of green beans, roasted potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Allergy Warning
- Contains dairy (heavy cream).
- Contains pork (bacon).
- Ensure no cross-contamination with allergens such as nuts if adding optional garnishes.
Enjoy the rich and comforting flavors of Smothered Bacon Chicken, a perfect dish for any occasion that brings a touch of Southern hospitality to your table!
What is smothered chicken made of?
Smothered chicken is made of chicken breasts or thighs cooked in a rich, creamy sauce, often with ingredients like onions, mushrooms, garlic, and spices. It’s commonly topped with crispy bacon for added flavor and texture.
Can you cook chicken and bacon together in the same pan?
Yes, you can cook chicken and bacon together in the same pan. Start by cooking the bacon until crispy, then use the rendered bacon fat to cook the chicken for extra flavor.
What is chicken bacon made of?
Chicken bacon is made from chicken meat that is seasoned, cured, and smoked to mimic the flavor and texture of traditional pork bacon. It’s a leaner alternative to pork bacon.
How to make chicken very soft and tender?
To make chicken very soft and tender, marinate it in a mixture that includes acidic ingredients like lemon juice or yogurt, which help break down the proteins. Cooking it slowly at a lower temperature also helps retain moisture and tenderness.
How do chefs get chicken so tender?
Chefs get chicken tender by using techniques such as brining, marinating, and slow cooking. They often use a combination of these methods to ensure the chicken stays juicy and flavorful.
How do restaurants make chicken soft?
Restaurants make chicken soft by brining it in a saltwater solution, marinating it, or using tenderizing techniques like pounding. They also cook the chicken at the right temperature to avoid overcooking and drying it out.
What is the secret to moist chicken breast?
The secret to moist chicken breast is to avoid overcooking it. Using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the perfect internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and allowing it to rest after cooking helps retain its juices.
How do you tenderize chicken easily?
You can tenderize chicken easily by using a meat mallet to pound it evenly, marinating it in an acidic solution, or using a commercial meat tenderizer. These methods help break down the muscle fibers for a softer texture.
How to cook chicken so it’s not rubbery?
To cook chicken so it’s not rubbery, avoid overcooking and use moist cooking methods like baking, poaching, or slow cooking. Ensuring the chicken is evenly cooked and not exposed to high heat for too long helps maintain a tender texture.
Does chicken get softer the longer you cook it?
Chicken can become softer the longer you cook it, but only up to a point. Slow cooking or braising can make it very tender, but overcooking, especially at high temperatures, can make it tough and dry.
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