If you’re looking for a dish that combines richness, creaminess, and savory flavors, this Creamy Chicken with Bacon Lardons is the perfect choice. Tender chicken fillets are cooked to golden perfection, then combined with crispy bacon lardons and a luscious creamy sauce. With hints of mustard and a touch of garlic, this dish is packed with flavor, making it a delicious option for a cozy family lunch or a special occasion. It’s easy to prepare, versatile, and can be served with various sides like rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless chicken fillets (about 200g each)
- 200g smoked bacon lardons
- 1 finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 200ml thick sour cream
- 100ml chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Nutritional Info:
- Calories: 450 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic. Cut the chicken fillets if needed to ensure they are even-sized, which will help them cook uniformly. Prepare the bacon lardons, making sure they are in small, bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Once the butter has melted, place the chicken fillets in the pan. Sear the chicken on each side for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until they develop a golden-brown crust. The goal here is to get a nice sear on the outside, which will lock in the juices. Transfer the chicken from the skillet and place it on a separate plate to rest
Step 3: Crisp the Bacon Lardons
Using the same skillet, add the 200g of bacon lardons. Let them cook for a few minutes until they become crispy and the fat starts to render out. Bacon lardons add a wonderful, smoky flavor to the dish, making it more savory and satisfying. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
After the bacon is crispy, add 1 finely chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Stir and cook until the onion turns translucent and soft, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as this will make it taste bitter.
Step 5: Combine the Chicken with Creamy Sauce Ingredients
Return the seared chicken fillets to the skillet with the bacon, onions, and garlic. Reduce the heat to low and add 200ml of thick sour cream, 100ml of chicken broth, and 1 tablespoon of whole grain mustard. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. The sauce should begin to turn creamy and coat the chicken nicely.
Step 6: Season and Simmer
Add salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to your taste preferences. Cover the skillet and let the chicken simmer in the creamy sauce for 15-20 minutes. This step allows the chicken to absorb all the flavors, making it tender and juicy. The sauce will also thicken during this time, becoming rich and smooth. Stir the mixture occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Step 7: Final Touches
Before serving, check the seasoning once more and adjust if necessary. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and a hint of freshness. The parsley adds a subtle contrast to the richness of the dish, enhancing the overall presentation.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Your Creamy Chicken with Bacon Lardons is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it hot with your choice of sides. This dish pairs exceptionally well with:
- Fluffy white rice: The creaminess of the sauce complements the neutral flavor of rice, soaking up every bit of the delicious sauce.
- Al dente pasta: A perfect match for the creamy texture of the dish, pasta adds heartiness and makes for a fulfilling meal.
- Steamed vegetables: For a lighter option, serve with broccoli, green beans, or asparagus. The freshness of the vegetables cuts through the richness of the sauce.
Tips and Variations
- Extra Vegetables: If you want to add more vegetables to the dish, consider including mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers. Simply sauté them after cooking the onions and garlic.
- Cheese Addition: For a creamier and richer sauce, add a handful of grated Parmesan cheese just before serving. It will melt into the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper when sautéing the onions and garlic.
- Herbal Variations: Experiment with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil for a more aromatic experience.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is a great balance of creamy, savory, and slightly tangy flavors. The sour cream provides a luxurious texture that coats the chicken, while the mustard adds a slight tanginess, cutting through the richness. The bacon lardons infuse the dish with a smoky, savory element that complements the other ingredients beautifully. Cooking the chicken fillets until they are just golden ensures that they remain tender and juicy, absorbing all the flavors from the creamy sauce.