Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Thighs with Bacon: A Flavor-Packed One-Skillet Meal

There’s something magical about the combination of crispy chicken thighs, smoky bacon, tender mushrooms, and a rich, creamy garlic sauce. This recipe for Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Thighs with Bacon is the ultimate comfort food that feels indulgent yet simple to prepare. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this one-skillet dish delivers bold flavors and creamy goodness that everyone will love.

Whether you serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to create this crowd-pleasing meal, along with tips, variations, and answers to commonly asked questions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich and Creamy Sauce: The combination of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and garlic creates a luscious, velvety sauce that’s bursting with flavor.
2. Perfectly Crispy Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are seared to golden perfection, locking in juices and adding a crispy texture.
3. One-Pan Wonder: Everything comes together in a single skillet, making cleanup quick and easy.
4. Crowd-Pleasing Ingredients: Bacon, mushrooms, and garlic create an irresistible medley of flavors that pair beautifully with the creamy sauce.
5. Customizable and Versatile: Serve this dish over your favorite starch or pair it with roasted veggies for a low-carb option.

Let’s start with the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to make this creamy, bacon-infused chicken dish.

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Thighs with Bacon

Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful one-skillet meal:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (can substitute with chicken breasts or boneless thighs)
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (button, cremini, or shiitake work well)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 tsp garlic paste)
• 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium recommended for better control of salt)
• 1 cup heavy cream (can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated for the best flavor)
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 tsp fresh thyme for a more vibrant flavor)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Thighs with Bacon

Follow these steps for a foolproof, flavorful dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Thighs

1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving crispy skin.
2. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for about 5 minutes per side, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. The chicken will finish cooking later in the sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Bacon

1. In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon. Cook until crispy, stirring occasionally.
2. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the skillet for added flavor.

Step 4: Sauté the Mushrooms

1. Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the bacon drippings.
2. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the mushrooms are softened and slightly golden.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Pour in 1 cup chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits are packed with flavor!
2. Stir in 1 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 tsp dried thyme. Mix well to combine.
3. Season the sauce with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Simmer with Chicken and Bacon

1. Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up, along with the crispy bacon.
2. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F) and the sauce has thickened slightly.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

1. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the skillet from the heat.
2. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley, if desired.
3. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta to soak up all that creamy, flavorful sauce.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Thighs

1. Pat the Chicken Dry: Ensuring the chicken skin is dry before searing is key to achieving crispy, golden skin.
2. Don’t Rush the Sear: Let the chicken cook undisturbed during the searing process to develop a deep, golden crust.
3. Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts smoothly and adds more flavor than pre-grated varieties.
4. Deglaze the Pan: Scrape up the browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan when adding chicken broth. These bits add incredible depth to the sauce.
5. Simmer, Don’t Boil: Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer to avoid curdling the cream.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy garlic mushroom chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up the rich sauce.
• Rice: Steamed white or brown rice provides a hearty base for this dish.
• Pasta: Serve over fettuccine, linguine, or penne for a comforting pasta dinner.
• Vegetables: Pair with roasted broccoli, steamed green beans, or sautéed spinach for a well-rounded plate.
• Crusty Bread: Use slices of crusty bread to mop up the sauce—because it’s just too good to leave behind!

Variations to Try

This dish is versatile and easy to customize. Here are some fun variations to experiment with:

1. Add Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach during the last 5 minutes of simmering for added greens.
2. Use Boneless Chicken: Substitute bone-in chicken thighs with boneless thighs or chicken breasts for quicker cooking.
3. Swap the Bacon: Replace bacon with pancetta for a slightly more sophisticated flavor.
4. Make it Low-Carb: Serve the chicken and sauce over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
5. Add White Wine: Deglaze the pan with 1/2 cup of dry white wine before adding the chicken broth for an extra layer of flavor.

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Health Benefits of This Dish

While indulgent, this recipe also packs some nutritional benefits:

• Protein-Packed Chicken: Chicken thighs provide high-quality protein and essential nutrients like iron and zinc.
• Immune-Boosting Garlic: Garlic is rich in antioxidants and has natural immune-boosting properties.
• Nutrient-Rich Mushrooms: Mushrooms are low in calories and high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
• Bone Health from Parmesan: Parmesan cheese is a good source of calcium and phosphorus, which support bone health.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes! Chicken breasts can be used, but they cook faster, so reduce the simmering time to prevent overcooking.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time and reheat it gently on the stovetop. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much during storage.

3. Can I freeze leftovers?

Cream-based sauces don’t always freeze well, as they can separate when reheated. If you plan to freeze, consider leaving out the cream and adding it fresh when reheating.

4. How do I know the chicken is cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.

5. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

You can use whole milk for a lighter sauce, but the sauce may be thinner and less creamy. Adding a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water) can help thicken it.

6. What mushrooms work best?

Cremini, button, or shiitake mushrooms work wonderfully in this recipe. Use a mix for added texture and flavor.

7. What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?

You can substitute with Pecorino Romano or Gruyère for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken Thighs with Bacon is a dish that strikes the perfect balance between elegance and comfort. The crispy chicken thighs, smoky bacon, earthy mushrooms, and rich garlic cream sauce come together in a symphony of flavors that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this one-skillet meal is a guaranteed hit.

So, gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and prepare to savor every creamy, garlicky bite. Don’t forget to serve it with your favorite sides and garnish with fresh thyme or parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy!

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