Craving a flavorful and satisfying meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This Chicken Bacon Mushroom recipe is a perfect example of a healthy, homemade dish that's surprisingly easy to make. It's a delightful blend of savory chicken, crispy bacon, and earthy mushrooms, all coming together in a rich and creamy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual weekend meal, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving about 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the skillet.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Add the onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and mushrooms and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the mushrooms have released their moisture and are slightly browned.
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Brown the Chicken: Add the chicken cubes to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
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Make the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form. Stir in the heavy cream, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
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Combine and Serve: Stir in the cooked bacon. Serve the Chicken Bacon Mushroom over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or enjoy it as is. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: When browning the chicken, ensure you don't overcrowd the pan. This will help the chicken brown properly and prevent steaming. Work in batches if necessary.
- Use high-quality bacon: The bacon adds a significant amount of flavor to this dish, so using high-quality bacon is recommended.
- Adjust seasonings to taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and thyme to your liking.
- Add a touch of heat: For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Variations:
- Creamy Tomato Chicken Bacon Mushroom: Add 1/2 cup of diced tomatoes to the skillet along with the mushrooms.
- Chicken Bacon Mushroom with Spinach: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Cheesy Chicken Bacon Mushroom: Sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese over the dish before serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 35-40g
- Fat: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a delicious and healthy meal without sacrificing flavor. It's a testament to the fact that delicious dishes and quick dinner ideas can go hand in hand! Enjoy your homemade Chicken Bacon Mushroom!