Creamy Chicken with Mushrooms and Bacon

(Rich, Comforting, and Full of Flavor)

Creamy Chicken with Mushrooms and Bacon is a classic comfort dish that combines tender chicken, savory mushrooms, crispy bacon, and a luscious cream sauce. It’s a satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet is simple enough for a weeknight dinner. The balance of smoky, earthy, and creamy flavors makes this dish a favorite for both casual meals and special occasions.

Serve it with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up every bit of the delicious sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-pan meal with minimal cleanup
Rich, creamy sauce packed with flavor
Ready in under 40 minutes
Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing
Perfect for meal prep or leftovers

Ingredients

Serves 4.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
150 g (5 oz) bacon, diced
250 g (9 oz) mushrooms, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment Needed

Large skillet or sauté pan
Tongs
Wooden spoon or spatula

Instructions

1. Season and Sear the Chicken

Season the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

2. Cook the Bacon

In the same pan, add the diced bacon. Cook until crispy. Remove excess grease if needed, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.

3. Sauté the Mushrooms

Add the mushrooms to the skillet and cook until golden and their moisture has evaporated, about 5–7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
Add cream, Dijon mustard, and thyme. Stir well and let the sauce simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.

5. Combine and Finish

Return the chicken and bacon to the pan. Spoon sauce over the chicken.
Simmer for 8–10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is rich and creamy.

If using Parmesan, stir it in at the end for extra richness.

6. Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken

Chicken thighs stay extra juicy and flavorful
Brown the mushrooms well for deeper flavor
Don’t boil the sauce—keep it at a gentle simmer
Add Parmesan gradually to prevent clumping
Taste and adjust seasoning before serving

Variations

Garlic Lovers: Add extra garlic or roasted garlic
Low-Carb/Keto: Serve with cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles
Spinach Addition: Stir in fresh spinach at the end
White Wine Version: Replace half the broth with dry white wine
Extra Creamy: Add a spoonful of cream cheese

Storage

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Reheating: Reheat gently over low heat to keep sauce smooth
Freezing: Not recommended, as cream sauces may separate

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with:

Pasta or egg noodles
Mashed or roasted potatoes
Steamed green beans or asparagus
Crusty bread or dinner rolls

Final Thoughts

Creamy Chicken with Mushrooms and Bacon is a comforting, flavorful dish that delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The combination of tender chicken, smoky bacon, and velvety sauce makes it a dependable favorite for any night of the week.