Chicken Bacon One Pot Meal Recipe

Weeknights in our house can often feel like a whirlwind. Between after-school activities, homework help, and just general end-of-day fatigue, the last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That’s why I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are not only delicious and satisfying but also incredibly easy to prepare and clean up. This Chicken Bacon One Pot Meal has become an absolute staple in our rotation, and for good reason. From the moment the savory aroma of bacon starts to fill the kitchen to the last delicious bite, this dish is a winner. My family devours it every time, even my picky eaters who usually turn their noses up at anything with vegetables (they surprisingly gobble up the peas!). The best part? Everything cooks in just one skillet, minimizing dishes and maximizing flavor. It’s the perfect blend of comfort food and convenience, making it ideal for busy weeknights or any time you crave a hearty, flavorful meal without the fuss. If you’re searching for a new go-to weeknight dinner that’s guaranteed to be a hit, look no further – this Chicken Bacon One Pot Meal is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Your Delicious One Pot Chicken and Bacon Meal

This recipe is wonderfully straightforward, calling for simple, everyday ingredients that you likely already have on hand or can easily find at your local grocery store. Let’s break down each ingredient and explore why it’s essential to this flavorful one-pot wonder.

• 2 Large Chicken Breasts, Split into 2: Chicken breast is the star protein of this dish, providing a lean and satisfying base. Splitting the large breasts into two ensures they cook more evenly and quickly in the skillet, preventing them from drying out while the potatoes and peas cook through. When choosing your chicken, opt for boneless, skinless breasts for ease of preparation. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a richer flavor and slightly more forgiving texture, but be mindful that thighs may take a bit longer to cook. For optimal flavor and texture, consider using air-chilled chicken if available, as it tends to be less watery and more flavorful. If you’re using frozen chicken, make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent a watery sauce.
• 1 Medium Potato, Cubed: Potatoes are the hearty carbohydrate component of this meal, adding substance and creaminess as they cook in the flavorful sauce. A medium-sized potato, like a Yukon Gold or Russet, works perfectly. Yukon Golds are particularly great because they have a slightly buttery flavor and hold their shape well during cooking, preventing them from becoming mushy. Russet potatoes are also a good option, but they are starchier, which can contribute to a thicker sauce. Cubing the potato into bite-sized pieces ensures they cook evenly and quickly alongside the chicken and peas. Make sure your potato cubes are roughly the same size for consistent cooking. If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, you could substitute with cauliflower florets, although the cooking time might need to be adjusted slightly.
• 1 Cup Frozen Peas: Frozen peas add a touch of sweetness, vibrant color, and a boost of vitamins and minerals to this dish. Frozen peas are incredibly convenient and readily available, making them a fantastic choice for weeknight cooking. They cook quickly and retain their bright green color and slightly sweet flavor when added towards the end of the cooking process. Using frozen peas directly from the freezer ensures they don’t become mushy. If you prefer fresh peas, you can certainly use them, but you might need to add them a bit earlier in the cooking process to ensure they are tender. Other green vegetables like green beans or broccoli florets could also be substituted for peas, depending on your preference.
• 4 Slices Turkey Bacon, Sliced: Turkey bacon provides that irresistible smoky, savory bacon flavor while being a slightly leaner alternative to traditional pork bacon. Slicing the bacon before cooking allows it to crisp up beautifully and render its flavorful fat, which is crucial for browning the chicken and potatoes. If you prefer traditional pork bacon, feel free to use it instead. Thick-cut bacon will add even more flavor and texture. For a vegetarian option, you could omit the bacon entirely or use a plant-based bacon substitute to add a smoky flavor.
• 1 Cup Chicken Stock: Chicken stock is the liquid base of the sauce, adding depth of flavor and moisture to the dish. Using a good quality chicken stock is essential for enhancing the overall taste of the meal. Low-sodium chicken stock is recommended to control the saltiness of the dish. You can also use homemade chicken stock for an even richer flavor. If you don’t have chicken stock on hand, you can substitute with chicken broth or even water in a pinch, but the flavor will be less pronounced. For a richer sauce, consider using bone broth, which adds extra nutrients and depth of flavor.
• ½ Teaspoon Olive Oil: Olive oil is used to lightly grease the skillet and help prevent the bacon from sticking while it cooks. A good quality extra virgin olive oil adds a subtle fruity flavor. You can also use other cooking oils with a neutral flavor, such as canola oil or vegetable oil, if you prefer. The small amount of olive oil helps to ensure the bacon and chicken brown nicely and don’t stick to the skillet.
• Salt and Pepper to Taste: Salt and pepper are the fundamental seasonings that enhance all the flavors in this dish. Seasoning generously with salt and pepper at each stage of cooking is key to creating a flavorful and well-balanced meal. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed throughout the cooking process. Freshly ground black pepper is always preferred for its brighter flavor. Consider using sea salt or kosher salt for their clean taste. Don’t be afraid to be generous with your seasoning, as it truly elevates the final dish. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning to customize the flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Your One Pot Chicken Bacon Delight

This recipe is designed for simplicity and ease. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your delicious Chicken Bacon One Pot Meal.

1. Crisp the Bacon: Begin by placing your sliced turkey bacon in a large rimmed skillet. It’s best to start with a cold skillet to allow the bacon fat to render slowly, resulting in crispier bacon. Cook the bacon over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it is nicely browned and crispy. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Keep a close eye on the bacon to prevent it from burning, especially as it starts to crisp up. The aroma of cooking bacon is the first sign of deliciousness to come!
2. Reserve Bacon and Bacon Fat: Once the bacon is crispy, carefully remove it from the skillet using a slotted spoon or tongs. Place the crispy bacon on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess fat and keep it crisp. Now, the secret ingredient – the rendered bacon fat! Carefully pour off all but 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat from the skillet. The bacon fat is packed with flavor and will be used to brown the chicken and potatoes, adding a depth of savory goodness to the entire dish. If you find you don’t have quite a tablespoon of bacon fat, you can supplement with a little extra olive oil.
3. Brown the Chicken: Increase the heat in the skillet to medium-high. Season your chicken breasts generously on both sides with salt and pepper. Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the skillet with the reserved bacon fat. Brown the chicken on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side, until they develop a nice golden-brown crust. Browning the chicken is crucial for developing flavor and creating a beautiful sear that locks in moisture. Don’t worry about cooking the chicken all the way through at this stage; you just want to get a nice color on the outside.
4. Sauté the Potatoes: Remove the browned chicken breasts from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. Now, add the cubed potatoes to the skillet with the remaining bacon fat (and any chicken juices that might have rendered). Increase the heat slightly if needed and cook the potatoes, stirring occasionally, until they start to brown and soften slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Browning the potatoes adds another layer of flavor and texture to the dish. Make sure to stir them regularly to ensure they brown evenly and don’t stick to the bottom of the skillet.
5. Simmer with Chicken Stock: Return the browned chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them amongst the potatoes. Pour in the chicken stock, ensuring it reaches around the chicken and potatoes. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the chicken is cooked through. Simmering allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly. The chicken stock will infuse the potatoes and chicken with moisture and flavor, creating a delicious and cohesive dish. To check if the chicken is cooked through, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of a chicken breast; it should register 165°F (74°C). The potatoes should be easily pierced with a fork when they are tender.
6. Add the Peas: Once the potatoes are tender and the chicken is cooked through, remove the lid from the skillet. Stir in the frozen peas. Let them cook in the simmering sauce for just 1-2 minutes, until they are heated through and bright green. Peas cook very quickly, so you only need to heat them through at the end. Overcooking peas can make them mushy and lose their vibrant color.
7. Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can let the mixture simmer uncovered for a few more minutes after adding the peas, allowing the sauce to reduce and thicken slightly. Alternatively, for a quicker thickening method, you can mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the skillet and simmer for a minute or two until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
8. Serve and Garnish: Remove the skillet from the heat. Carefully transfer the Chicken Bacon One Pot Meal to a serving platter or serve directly from the skillet. Sprinkle the crispy cooked bacon generously over the top of the dish. The crispy bacon adds a delightful textural contrast and a final burst of flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutritional Facts at a Glance

Understanding the nutritional content of your meals is important. Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional information for this Chicken Bacon One Pot Meal:

• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: Approximately 279 kcal per serving

Please note that these are approximate values and can vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes. This meal is a good source of protein from the chicken and bacon, carbohydrates from the potatoes, and vitamins and minerals from the peas. It’s a relatively balanced meal that can be part of a healthy diet.

Preparation Time Breakdown

One of the greatest advantages of this recipe is its speed and efficiency. Here’s a breakdown of the time involved:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • This includes chopping the potato, slicing the bacon, splitting the chicken breasts (if needed), and gathering your ingredients. The minimal prep time makes this recipe perfect for even the busiest weeknights.
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • This encompasses the time to cook the bacon, brown the chicken, sauté the potatoes, simmer the dish, and cook the peas. The relatively short cook time ensures you can have dinner on the table in under an hour.
• Total Time: 40 minutes
  • From start to finish, this entire meal is ready in just 40 minutes, making it an incredibly quick and convenient option for a satisfying and flavorful dinner.

How to Serve Your Chicken Bacon One Pot Meal

This versatile one-pot meal can be served in a variety of ways to suit your preferences and complement the flavors. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Simple and Classic: Serve the Chicken Bacon One Pot Meal as is, straight from the skillet or platter. The combination of chicken, potatoes, peas, and bacon is satisfying and flavorful enough to stand alone.
• Over Rice or Grains: For a heartier meal, serve the Chicken Bacon One Pot Meal over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, quinoa, or couscous. The grains will soak up the delicious sauce and add extra carbohydrates for a more substantial dish.
• With Crusty Bread: Pair this meal with a side of crusty bread, such as baguette slices or sourdough, for soaking up the flavorful sauce. Garlic bread would be an especially delicious accompaniment.
• Alongside a Salad: To add some freshness and balance to the meal, serve it with a simple side salad. A green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing or a Caesar salad would complement the richness of the one-pot meal.
• Garnished with Fresh Herbs: Elevate the presentation and add a burst of fresh flavor by garnishing the dish with chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill just before serving. A sprinkle of fresh thyme would also be lovely.

Additional Tips for One Pot Chicken Bacon Perfection

To ensure your Chicken Bacon One Pot Meal is a resounding success every time, here are five helpful tips:

1. Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: Use a large enough skillet to ensure the chicken and potatoes brown properly and cook evenly. Overcrowding the skillet can lead to steaming instead of browning, which will affect the flavor and texture of the dish. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding.
2. Season Generously at Each Stage: Seasoning with salt and pepper is crucial for building flavor. Season the chicken before browning, the potatoes while sautéing, and taste and adjust the seasoning of the sauce before adding the peas. Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper – it really makes a difference!
3. Control the Heat: Pay attention to the heat levels throughout the cooking process. Medium heat for the bacon, medium-high for browning the chicken and potatoes, and low heat for simmering. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
4. Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to customize the vegetables in this dish to your liking. You can add other vegetables like sliced carrots, diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms along with or instead of the peas. Just be mindful of the cooking times of different vegetables and add them accordingly. Heartier vegetables like carrots and onions should be added earlier than quicker-cooking vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
5. Make it Ahead of Time: This Chicken Bacon One Pot Meal can be made ahead of time and reheated. Prepare the recipe up to the point of adding the peas. Let it cool slightly, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When ready to serve, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, then add the peas and cook for 1-2 minutes before serving. The flavors often meld together even more beautifully when reheated.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Chicken Bacon One Pot Meal

Here are some common questions you might have about making this delicious one-pot meal:

Q1: Can I use bone-in chicken instead of chicken breasts?

A: Yes, you can use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks for this recipe. Bone-in chicken will add even more flavor to the dish. However, keep in mind that bone-in chicken typically takes longer to cook than boneless chicken breasts. You may need to increase the simmering time to ensure the chicken is cooked through. Check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork.

Q2: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken stock. Double-check the label of your chicken stock to ensure it is certified gluten-free, especially if you are cooking for someone with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance. All other ingredients in the recipe are naturally gluten-free.

Q3: Can I substitute the turkey bacon with something else?

A: If you don’t want to use turkey bacon, you can substitute it with traditional pork bacon, pancetta, or even chorizo for a different flavor profile. For a vegetarian or vegan option, you can omit the bacon entirely or use a plant-based bacon substitute to add a smoky flavor. You could also add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the dish to mimic the smoky flavor of bacon.

Q4: How do I store leftovers and reheat them?

A: Store leftover Chicken Bacon One Pot Meal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can gently reheat it in a skillet over medium heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken stock or water if needed to prevent it from drying out. You can also reheat it in the microwave in individual portions.

Q5: Can I double this recipe to serve a larger crowd?

A: Yes, you can easily double or even triple this recipe to serve a larger crowd. Make sure you use a large enough skillet or Dutch oven to accommodate the increased ingredients. You may need to increase the cooking time slightly when doubling or tripling the recipe to ensure everything cooks through evenly. It’s a great recipe for family gatherings or potlucks!

This Chicken Bacon One Pot Meal is truly a weeknight dinner champion. It’s easy, flavorful, and satisfying, and the minimal cleanup is a major bonus. Give it a try, and I’m confident it will become a regular in your meal rotation too! Enjoy!

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