Creamy Bacon Chicken

This Creamy Bacon Chicken recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a rich and velvety sauce made from cream, crispy bacon, and a hint of garlic. The dish is elevated with the addition of fresh herbs, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures that make it perfect for any dinner table. It's a comforting yet sophisticated meal that meets dietary preferences while keeping the traditional elements intact.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 6 strips of bacon, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In the same skillet, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
4. Add the heavy cream, dried thyme, and dried basil to the skillet. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
5. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the creamy sauce over them. Add the crispy bacon back into the skillet and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
6. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.