Enjoy a savory Bacon Garlic Parmesan Chicken that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. This dish is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or when you simply want to indulge in some comfort food. The unique combination of bacon, garlic, and Parmesan cheese elevates the chicken to a new level, making it a must-try for any chicken lover!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The savory mix of bacon, garlic, and Parmesan creates an explosion of taste in every bite.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal prep time, this recipe suits even beginner cooks.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family gatherings or dinner parties; everyone will love this dish!
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Comfort Food: This dish embodies the essence of comfort food, sure to warm your heart and soul.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience seamless, gather the essential tools needed for this recipe.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Slotted spoon
- Oven-safe dish
- Measuring spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: Ideal for cooking bacon and searing chicken evenly.
- Slotted spoon: Makes transferring cooked bacon easy without excess grease.
- Oven-safe dish: Necessary for finishing the chicken in the oven without needing to switch cookware.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Bacon Mixture
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
For Flavoring
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Bacon Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your chicken cooks evenly and thoroughly.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet over medium heat:
1. Add the chopped bacon.
2. Cook until crispy.
3. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate while leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet with bacon fat:
1. Add minced garlic.
2. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Prepare the Chicken
Season both sides of each chicken breast with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Step 5: Coat with Mixture
In a large bowl:
1. Combine cooked bacon, sautéed garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese.
2. Drench each chicken breast in this mixture, pressing down to coat thoroughly.
Step 6: Cook the Chicken
Return to the skillet:
1. Add olive oil and heat over medium-high heat.
2. Place coated chicken breasts into the skillet.
3. Sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Step 7: Finish Cooking
Transfer everything in the skillet to your preheated oven:
1. Bake for 15-20 minutes.
2. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Remove from oven:
1. Let it rest for a few minutes.
2. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot.
This Bacon Garlic Parmesan Chicken is not only easy to make but also offers incredible flavors that are sure to impress! Enjoy your delicious meal!
How to Serve Bacon Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Serving your Bacon Garlic Parmesan Chicken can elevate the dining experience. Pairing it with the right accompaniments not only enhances flavor but also makes for a more visually appealing plate.
On a Bed of Greens
- Mixed Salad: Serve the chicken over a fresh mixed salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette for a light and nutritious meal.
- Spinach and Arugula: A mix of spinach and arugula adds a peppery taste that complements the savory chicken.
With Creamy Sauces
- Alfredo Sauce: Drizzle warm Alfredo sauce over the chicken for an extra creamy texture that pairs beautifully.
- Garlic Butter Sauce: A simple garlic butter sauce can enhance the flavors of both the chicken and any side dishes.
Accompanied by Starch
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes absorb the juices from the chicken, making each bite delightful.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf adds a nutty flavor that balances the richness of the chicken.
How to Perfect Bacon Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Achieving the perfect Bacon Garlic Parmesan Chicken is all about technique and timing. Follow these tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.
- Seasoning: Don’t be shy with seasoning your chicken. Salt, pepper, and paprika enhance flavor.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and parsley make a big difference in taste compared to dried options.
- Proper Cooking Temperature: Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken for that golden sear.
- Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking helps retain moisture, making it juicy and tender.
- Garnish Generously: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds color but also brightens up the dish’s flavor profile.
Best Side Dishes for Bacon Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Pairing side dishes with your Bacon Garlic Parmesan Chicken can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic options to consider.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread complements the rich flavors of the chicken while providing a satisfying crunch.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted vegetables brings color and nutrients, enhancing your meal’s overall appeal.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad adds protein and fiber, making it a healthy choice alongside this savory dish.
- Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, serve cauliflower rice seasoned with herbs as an excellent substitute for traditional grains.
- Creamed Spinach: Rich creamed spinach pairs beautifully with the flavors of bacon and Parmesan in your chicken.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries add sweetness and texture, balancing out the savory elements on your plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To make the perfect Bacon Garlic Parmesan Chicken, avoid these common pitfalls.
- Using uncooked chicken: Always ensure your chicken breasts are fully cooked. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Skipping seasoning: Don’t neglect the seasoning on your chicken. A good mix of salt, pepper, and paprika enhances flavor and depth.
- Overcrowding the skillet: Avoid placing too many chicken breasts in the skillet at once. This can lead to uneven cooking and prevent a crispy exterior.
- Not letting it rest: Allow your chicken to rest after baking. This step helps retain moisture and improves texture.
- Ignoring garnish: Don’t skip the fresh parsley garnish. It adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that complements the dish beautifully.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Allow chicken to cool completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness.
Freezing Bacon Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Label containers with date and contents for easy identification.
Reheating Bacon Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I customize my Bacon Garlic Parmesan Chicken?
You can add herbs like thyme or rosemary for added flavor. Try different cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for variety.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs will yield a juicier result, and they work well with the same coating.
What side dishes pair well with Bacon Garlic Parmesan Chicken?
Consider serving it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish stores well, making it great for meal prepping throughout the week.
How do I know when my chicken is done cooking?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for perfectly cooked chicken.
Final Thoughts
Bacon Garlic Parmesan Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Feel free to customize it with your favorite herbs or sides to suit your taste. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!
Bacon Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Bacon Garlic Parmesan Chicken, the ultimate comfort food that combines crispy bacon, aromatic garlic, and rich Parmesan cheese for a deliciously satisfying meal. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also promises to impress family and friends at any gathering. Perfectly cooked chicken breasts are coated in a savory mixture that elevates this simple recipe to new culinary heights. Pair it with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or a fresh salad for a well-rounded dinner that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy; transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Sauté garlic in the bacon fat until fragrant and set aside.
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Mix cooked bacon, sautéed garlic, and Parmesan cheese; coat chicken thoroughly.
- Sear chicken in olive oil over medium-high heat until golden brown on both sides.
- Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let rest before garnishing with fresh parsley and serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking/Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (150g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
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