Chicken breast and bacon in cheese sauce

Chicken Breast and Bacon in Cheese Sauce Recipe

This creamy and savory dish combines tender chicken breast, crispy bacon, and a luscious cheese sauce for a meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve it over rice, pasta, or with roasted vegetables for a hearty, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Serves 4

• Chicken and Bacon:
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 6 slices of bacon, diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Cheese Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups whole milk (warm)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Cracked black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

2. Cook the Bacon

1. In the same skillet, add the diced bacon. Cook over medium heat until crispy, stirring occasionally.
2. Use a slotted spoon to remove the cooked bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 1-2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.

3. Make the Cheese Sauce

1. Create a roux: In the same skillet (clean out excess grease if necessary), melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is golden and bubbly.
2. Add the milk: Slowly pour in the warm milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, until the mixture thickens.
3. Add the cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning as needed.

4. Combine Everything

1. Return the chicken: Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet with the cheese sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook on low heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
2. Add the bacon: Sprinkle the cooked bacon over the chicken and sauce during the last 2 minutes of cooking.

5. Serve and Garnish

1. Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and cracked black pepper for added flavor and presentation.
2. Serve immediately with your choice of sides, such as steamed rice, buttered noodles, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.

Tips for Success

• Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack for unique flavors.
• Chicken Thickness: Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for quicker and more uniform cooking.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat to maintain the sauce’s creaminess.
• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce for a hint of heat.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this rich dish with a crisp green salad or roasted asparagus to balance the flavors. A glass of chilled white wine, such as Chardonnay, complements the creamy cheese sauce beautifully.

Enjoy this indulgent, crowd-pleasing meal that combines classic flavors with a touch of comfort food flair!