Introduction:
Indulge in this rich and savory Cheesy Baked Chicken with Creamy Bacon Sauce, a perfect comfort meal for dinner. Juicy chicken thighs are smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce packed with crispy bacon bits, delivering a flavor explosion in every bite. It’s an easy-to-make dish that will impress any crowd, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a special occasion. Serve this alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or fresh vegetables for a meal everyone will love.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season and Sear Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry and season them with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, add butter, and sear the chicken thighs skin-side down for about 5 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip the thighs and cook for another 3 minutes.
- Prepare Creamy Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, add heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the crumbled bacon and shredded cheese (reserve some cheese for topping). Cook until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce thickens about 2-3 minutes.
- Bake the Chicken: Pour the creamy bacon sauce over the seared chicken thighs in the skillet. Top with the remaining shredded cheese. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.
Enjoy your delicious cheesy baked chicken with the creamy bacon sauce for a hearty, flavorful meal!