Cheesy Bacon Smothered Chicken (Print version)

Juicy skillet chicken smothered with crisp bacon, creamy pan sauce, and melted cheddar for a hearty family dinner.

# Ingredients:

For the chicken

01 - 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, about 6 oz (170 g) each
02 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
03 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

For the bacon and sauce

07 - 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
08 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 3/4 cup (180 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
10 - 3 oz (85 g) cream cheese, cubed
11 - 1/3 cup (80 ml) heavy cream
12 - 1 cup (115 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
13 - 2 tablespoons sliced green onions

# Instructions:

01 - Place the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until crisp, 6-8 minutes, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 1 tablespoon bacon fat in the skillet.
02 - Pound the chicken breasts to an even 1/2-inch thickness. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
03 - Heat the skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden, then transfer to a plate. The chicken will finish cooking in the sauce.
04 - Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
05 - Whisk in the cream cheese until mostly smooth, then stir in the heavy cream. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until the sauce lightly thickens.
06 - Return the chicken and any juices to the skillet. Spoon sauce over the top, sprinkle with cheddar and cooked bacon, then cover for 5-7 minutes until the cheese melts and the chicken reaches 165 F.
07 - Top with sliced green onions and serve hot with extra sauce spooned over each piece.

# Good to know:

01 - Best served right away while the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
02 - Pound the chicken evenly so all pieces finish at the same time.
03 - Add a splash of broth if the sauce thickens too much before serving.

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