You wouldn't think chicken and pork would go together well, kind of like wearing striped pants and a polka-dotted shirt, it seems mismatched. But this One-Pan Smothered Cheesy Chicken and Bacon works.
Amish cooks will make One-Pan Smothered Chicken and Bacon frequently for a Sunday supper. The sizzling bacon creates a glaze that you then use to coat the chicken and this creates an incredible flavor. Another touch is to add some asparagus to the skillet. Or as this recipe suggests, smother it in onion and cheese. This recipe was sent into me from a Rhoda Yoder in Choteau, Oklahoma.
My parents tried this recipe and loved it. The brown sugar adds a hint of sweetness to this dish. which adds a nice bit of balance to the dish.
🙋 Why Chicken and Bacon?
This culinary combination will not only save you time and effort, but it will also tantalize your taste buds with a symphony of flavors. Picture succulent chicken, perfectly seared and infused with smoky bacon goodness, all cooked together in one pan. The result? A mouthwatering masterpiece that will leave you craving for more. Whether you're a busy professional, a parent on the go, or simply someone who appreciates a good meal, these one-pan wonders are a game-changer.
According to the USDA, In 2018, 65.2 pounds of chicken per person were available for Americans to eat (on a boneless, edible basis), compared to 54.6 pounds of beef. Chicken began its upward climb in the 1940s, overtaking pork in 1996 as the second most consumed meat. And now Americans eat more chicken than beef. The Amish have not been immune to this trend either. Chicken has increased in popularity on Amish farms to the point that chicken is served for more suppers than beef, it seems.
Chicken is often more flavorful on Amish farms than other places because they really have a varied diet of kitchen scraps, seeds, insects, and they exercise more than in big factory farm settings which helps they develop big muscles, which make for a better cut of meat.
👨🍳 Creative variations of one-pan chicken and bacon dishes
While the classic combinations of chicken and bacon are undeniably delicious, there are endless possibilities for creative variations that will take your taste buds on a flavorful journey. One option is a Chicken and Bacon Skewer, where marinated chicken and bacon are threaded onto skewers and grilled to perfection. The smoky flavors of the bacon infuse the chicken, creating a mouthwatering combination.
Another creative idea is a Chicken and Bacon Pizza (the Amish love pizza-inspired dishes!) , where a crispy pizza crust is topped with grilled chicken, crispy bacon, cheese, and your favorite toppings. The result is a pizza that is loaded with flavor and sure to satisfy any pizza lover. Don't be afraid to experiment with different herbs, spices, and sauces to create your own unique twist on one-pan chicken and bacon dishes. The possibilities are truly endless.
📋 Tips for cooking chicken and bacon in one pan
Cooking chicken and bacon in one pan may seem intimidating, but with a few simple tips, you'll be able to create culinary masterpieces with ease. First and foremost, make sure to choose high-quality ingredients. Look for organic, free-range chicken and nitrate-free bacon for the best flavor and health benefits, this type of chicken is also what Amish cooks would typically use.
Next, ensure that your pan is hot before adding the chicken and bacon. This will help to create a beautiful sear and lock in the flavors. When cooking, be mindful of the cooking times for both chicken and bacon, as they require different cooking temperatures and times. Start by cooking the bacon first until crispy, then remove from the pan and set aside. Cook the chicken in the remaining bacon fat, ensuring that it is cooked through and golden. Finally, let the chicken and bacon rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Follow these tips, and you'll be well on your way to creating one-pan chicken and bacon dishes that will impress even the most discerning food critic.
🙋 FAQ Amish Chicken & Bacon
Yes, just follow recipe instructions as given, but substitute veggie bacon. You won't have the bacon grease to work with, so there will be a little less bacon flavor, but it works.
Store in the refrigerator in an air-tight container, then just heat in the microwave or regular oven when ready to eat!
📜 Step by Step One-Pan Smothered Chicken & Bacon
Use fresh chicken breasts for this One-Pan Smothered Chicken and Bacon dish and then heat them up.
And then fry some bacon.
This dish pairs well with fresh buttered summer corn or some asparagus on the side.
Delicious supper for anytime of year.
🥓 More Amish Recipes With Bacon
Potato Bacon Pancakes - Delicious!
Bacon-wrapped steaks - super!
Roast Chicken With Bacon Drippings- amazing!
Pea and Bacon Salad - perfect!
🖨️ Full Recipe
One-Pan Smothered Chicken and Bacon
Ingredients
- 4 (6 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halve
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon tablespoon vegetable oil
- 8 strips bacon
- 1 onion, sliced
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese
Instructions
- Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat; cook the chicken breasts in hot oil until no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, 13 to 15 minutes.
- Remove and keep warm
- .Place bacon in large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes.
- Drain bacon slices on paper towels; reserve 2 tablespoons drippings.
- Cook and stir onion and brown sugar in reserved drippings until onion is golden, about 5 minutes.
- Place two bacon strips on each chicken breast half; top with caramelized onions and sprinkle with Colby-Monterey Jack cheese.
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