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### Instructions for Making Creamy Chicken and Bacon Potato Skillet
This dish is simple to prepare and cooks in just one skillet, making it the perfect option for busy weeknights or when you want a flavorful meal without a lot of effort. Here’s how to make it:
#### **Step 1: Cook the Bacon**
1. **Cook the Bacon:** In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the pan.
#### **Step 2: Sauté the Chicken**
1. **Season the Chicken:** While the bacon is cooking, season the diced chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme.
2. **Cook the Chicken:** In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, add the seasoned chicken pieces. Cook the chicken over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
3. **Remove the Chicken:** Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside with the cooked bacon.
#### **Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables and Potatoes**
1. **Sauté the Onion and Garlic:** In the same skillet, add a bit of olive oil or butter (if needed) and sauté the chopped onion for 2-3 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
2. **Cook the Potatoes:** Add the diced potatoes to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook the potatoes over medium heat for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the pan.
#### **Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Sauce**
1. **Add the Liquids:** Once the potatoes are cooked through, pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Scrape the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to release any flavorful browned bits from the chicken and bacon.
2. **Creamy Mixture:** Add the heavy cream and cream cheese to the skillet. Stir well until the cream cheese has melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
3. **Season the Sauce:** Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. If you like a little kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
#### **Step 5: Combine Everything**
1. **Return the Chicken and Bacon:** Add the cooked chicken and bacon back to the skillet. Stir to combine everything and let the mixture simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
2. **Garnish and Serve:** Once everything is well mixed and heated through, garnish the skillet with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
3. **Serve:** Serve your creamy chicken and bacon potato skillet directly from the pan for an easy, comforting dinner.
### Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken and Bacon Potato Skillet
– **Use Starchy Potatoes:** Russet potatoes or Yukon Golds work best for this dish because they hold their shape and have a creamy texture when cooked. Avoid waxy potatoes, like red potatoes, which can turn mushy.
– **Add Vegetables:** You can easily add more vegetables to this dish. Spinach, peas, bell peppers, or even mushrooms can be sautéed along with the onions and garlic for added flavor and color.
– **Crispier Bacon:** For extra crispy bacon, cook it until it’s nice and crispy before removing it from the skillet. If you prefer, you can cook the bacon in the oven on a baking sheet for more even crispness.
– **Make It Lighter:** If you’re looking to lighten up the recipe, swap out the heavy cream for a lighter alternative, like half-and-half or even milk, and use less cream cheese.
– **Make Ahead:** This dish can be prepped ahead of time. You can cook the chicken and bacon in advance and store them in the fridge, then just reheat them with the potatoes and sauce when you’re ready to serve.
### Final Thoughts
**Creamy Chicken and Bacon Potato Skillet** is the perfect comfort food that’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for feeding the whole family. The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy potatoes in a savory sauce is irresistible. Best of all, this dish comes together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or preparing a meal for a cozy weekend dinner, this skillet dish will quickly become a favorite. Give it a try and enjoy the comforting flavors of chicken, bacon, and potatoes, all in one delicious, creamy skillet.
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