Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken with Crispy Bacon

  1. Prepare the Chicken
    Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder on both sides.

  2. Cook the Bacon
    In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet, crumble it, and set aside. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet for added flavor.

  3. Sear the Chicken
    Increase the heat to medium-high and add the olive oil and butter to the skillet with the bacon grease. Once melted and hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts.
    Cook for 6–7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
    Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

  4. Make the Creamy Sauce
    Lower the heat to medium. Add the heavy cream, honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar (if using) to the skillet. Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
    Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.

  5. Combine Chicken and Sauce
    Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Let them simmer in the sauce for another 2–3 minutes to absorb the flavors.

  6. Add Bacon
    Stir in most of the crumbled bacon, reserving a small amount for garnishing later. Mix well to combine the bacon with the sauce.

  7. Serve
    Transfer the chicken to serving plates, drizzle with extra sauce, and garnish with the reserved crumbled bacon and fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color.
    Serve warm with your choice of sides, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Tips for Success

  • Use Thick-Cut Bacon: Thicker bacon holds up better when crumbled and adds more flavor to the dish.

  • Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out easily, so remove them from the skillet as soon as they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

  • Adjust Sweetness: Taste the sauce before adding all the honey—if you prefer less sweetness, start with ¼ cup and adjust to your liking.

  • Add Veggies: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or caramelized onions for extra nutrition and flavor.

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

Perfect Pairings
This Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken with Crispy Bacon pairs beautifully with:

  • Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up the rich honey mustard sauce.

  • Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, carrots, or green beans add a healthy touch.

  • Rice or Quinoa: Serve over fluffy rice or quinoa for a filling and nutritious base.

  • Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread complements the creamy sauce.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)
Calories: ~450 kcal
Protein: ~35g
Carbohydrates: ~20g
Fat: ~28g
Fiber: ~1g

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