Baked Creamy Bacon Chicken
Baked Creamy Bacon Chicken is a delicious and comforting dish that everyone will love. With tender chicken, creamy cheese, and crispy bacon, this recipe covers all the bases for a hearty meal. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is great because it combines simple ingredients into a tasty meal that feels indulgent. The creaminess of the cheese pairs perfectly with the smokiness of the bacon, making it a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and can be baked in one dish, making cleanup a breeze!
How to Make Baked Creamy Bacon Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced in half horizontally
- 0.25 cup water
- 1.5 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dried chives
- 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1.5 teaspoons onion powder
- 0.75 teaspoon dried dill
- 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 0.125 teaspoon fine salt
- 8 oz cream cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided into two half cup portions
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crisped and crumbled, divided
- 1 scallion, thinly sliced
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Drizzle olive oil across the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Lay the chicken breasts in a single layer across the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Pour water and apple cider vinegar over the chicken.
- Sprinkle chives, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt evenly across the meat.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and discard the foil.
- Scatter cream cheese, half cup of cheddar, and half of the crumbled bacon over the chicken.
- Cover with foil again and return to the oven for 15 minutes.
- Remove and shred the chicken with two forks, mixing it into the melted cream cheese.
- Top with remaining cheddar, bacon, and scallions.
- Switch the oven to broil and broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve warm.
How to Serve Baked Creamy Bacon Chicken
Baked Creamy Bacon Chicken is great served with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. You can also pair it with rice or mashed potatoes to soak up all the delicious sauce.
How to Store Baked Creamy Bacon Chicken
After the dish cools, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at a low temperature until heated through.
Tips to Make Baked Creamy Bacon Chicken
- Use high-quality bacon for added flavor.
- Feel free to add more spices or herbs based on your preference.
- For a little extra crunch, you can add some breadcrumbs on top before broiling.
Variation
You can easily add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the mix for added nutrition. Simply layer them in with the chicken before baking.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but you may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked through.
2. Is there a dairy-free option?
You can substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use dairy-free cheese for a lactose-free version.
3. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish ahead of time and keep it covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
