Description
This Loaded Chicken Bacon Skillet Dinner is a rich, one-pan meal made with tender chicken, crispy turkey bacon, and a creamy Parmesan garlic sauce. Packed with protein and layered with smoky, savory flavor, it’s the perfect 30-minute dinner for busy weeknights. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, it delivers maximum flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
- 4 slices turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chopped turkey bacon until crispy. Remove from the skillet and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of the drippings.
Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
Add olive oil to the same skillet and cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add smoked paprika and onion powder.
Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Simmer for a couple of minutes.
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook until the sauce is thickened.
Return the chicken and turkey bacon to the skillet, stirring to coat with the sauce. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes.
Garnish with chopped parsley before serving, if desired.
Notes
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Chicken: Use either thighs for more flavor or breasts for a leaner meal. Cut into bite-sized chunks for even cooking.
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Bacon: Turkey bacon keeps this dish lighter, but pork bacon can be used for a richer variation.
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Cream: For a dairy-free option, use unsweetened coconut cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan.
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Reheating: Add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to keep the sauce smooth.
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Customizations: Add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition.