When it comes to hearty comfort food that delivers both flavor and satisfaction, nothing beats a skillet of homemade smothered chicken. This dish brings together tender chicken breasts, smoky crispy bacon, and a velvety cream sauce that coats every bite. It’s a recipe that feels indulgent yet remains simple enough for weeknight cooking. Best of all, it’s made using one skillet, which means fewer dishes and easier cleanup.

The magic of this recipe starts with bacon. Cooking the bacon first not only gives you crispy, flavorful bits for topping but also leaves behind savory drippings in the skillet. These drippings infuse the chicken with rich flavor while ensuring it stays juicy and tender. The chicken is dredged in a seasoned flour mixture that adds just the right amount of coating, giving the meat a golden crust while locking in the juices.

The seasoning blend is key here it combines garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, parsley, salt, and pepper. These simple pantry staples work together to create depth of flavor without overpowering the natural taste of the chicken. A little extra seasoned flour is set aside to help thicken the sauce later, which is an easy trick that guarantees a smooth, restaurant-style finish.

After searing the chicken in the bacon drippings, the skillet is transformed into a sauce base. Butter, broth, and cream come together with the reserved flour to create a silky, savory gravy. This sauce is the “smothering” element that makes the dish so comforting. As the chicken simmers gently in the sauce, it absorbs all those rich flavors, becoming tender and juicy.

To finish, the crispy bacon is chopped and sprinkled over the chicken, adding texture and smoky notes that perfectly complement the creamy sauce. A little fresh parsley brightens up the dish and makes it visually appealing. This combination of textures—crispy bacon, tender chicken, and creamy sauce ensures every bite is satisfying.

Smothered chicken is versatile when it comes to serving. Pair it with mashed potatoes, rice, or even pasta to soak up that luscious gravy. For a lighter option, serve it with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad. It’s hearty enough for a family dinner but also elegant enough for entertaining guests.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s customizable. You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half to cut back on calories, or reduce butter if there’s already enough richness from the bacon drippings. The dish stores well too—simply refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days, making it great for meal prep.

Tips and Tricks:

• Cream choice matters: Use heavy cream for a richer sauce or half-and-half for a lighter option.
• Skip extra butter if needed: If the bacon drippings are plentiful, reduce or eliminate added butter.
• Don’t rush the sauce: Let it simmer gently to achieve the perfect creamy thickness.
• Serving ideas: Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted veggies for a complete meal.

This smothered chicken recipe delivers maximum comfort in every bite. With its balance of crispy bacon, juicy chicken, and a luscious gravy, it’s the kind of dish that becomes a family favorite. Simple steps, one skillet, and ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen this is comfort food at its finest.

Smothered Chicken

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

25

minutes

Total time

45

minutes

A comforting one skillet chicken dinner made with juicy chicken breasts, smoky bacon, and a creamy, flavorful sauce. Perfect for weeknights or family dinners.

Ingredients

• 2 strips thick-cut bacon (or 3 thin-cut strips)

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1–1 ¼ lbs), sliced lengthwise into 4 thin cutlets

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative)

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp dried parsley

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp fine salt (plus more to taste)

• ¼ tsp black pepper (plus more to taste)

• 1–2 tbsp butter

• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth or bone broth

• ¼ cup half-and-half or heavy cream

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

• In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium-high heat until crisp. Set aside on paper towels, leaving bacon drippings in the pan.
• Mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Reserve 2 tbsp of this seasoned flour for the sauce.
• Dredge chicken cutlets in the remaining seasoned flour, coating evenly.
• Cook chicken in the bacon drippings for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and fully cooked (165°F). Transfer to a plate.
• Melt butter in the skillet, then whisk in the reserved seasoned flour. Slowly add broth and whisk until smooth. Stir in cream and simmer 4–5 minutes until thickened.
• Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over top.
• Chop the bacon and sprinkle over chicken. Garnish with parsley if desired.
• Serve hot with your favorite sides.

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