This creamy beer cheese chicken is a hearty dish topped with crispy bacon, making it rich and yummy. The blend of flavors will have you craving more with every bite!
Who doesn’t love chicken with gooey cheese and crunchy bacon? I sometimes make extra just to enjoy the leftovers—if they last that long! 😄
I appreciate how quick it is to prepare this meal. Just cook the chicken, mix in the cheese sauce, and then sprinkle with bacon. Deliciousness in no time!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe as they cook quickly and stay juicy. If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs for extra flavor and tenderness.
Beer: Lager or pale ale works best, as they add a nice depth of flavor. If you’re not a beer fan, chicken broth or vegetable broth can be a good substitute, though it won’t have that unique taste.
Heavy Cream: This ingredient makes the sauce luxuriously creamy. If you’re looking to lighten things up, half-and-half or a non-dairy cream can work, though the texture will vary slightly.
Cheddar Cheese: I recommend a good quality sharp cheddar for the best flavor. If you’re dairy-free, there are great alternatives available like vegan cheese shreds.
Bacon: Crisp bacon adds a fantastic crunch. For a healthier alternative, turkey bacon or pancetta can be used. If you want to skip meat, smoked paprika can give a similar smokiness.
How Do You Ensure the Chicken Is Perfectly Cooked?
Getting perfectly cooked chicken is key! Start by seasoning the chicken well with salt and pepper. Searing it in olive oil at medium-high heat helps lock in the juices and create a nice crust.
- Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—165°F (75°C) is the safe zone!
After cooking, let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy. This technique makes a big difference!
How to Make Creamy Beer Cheese Chicken With Crispy Bacon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 4 slices of bacon, diced
- 1 cup beer (lager or pale ale)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
For Garnish:
- Fresh chives, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious creamy beer cheese chicken takes about 30 minutes to prepare. The cooking is straightforward, giving you a quick dinner option that’s packed with flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This will help enhance the flavor of the chicken as it cooks.
2. Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Cook the Bacon:
In the same skillet, add the diced bacon and cook it until crispy. This will take about 5 minutes. Once the bacon is crispy, remove it from the skillet but keep the bacon drippings in the pan. This will add flavor to your sauce!
4. Create the Sauce:
Pour the beer into the skillet, making sure to scrape up any brown bits stuck to the bottom. These bits add amazing flavor! Bring the beer to a simmer and let it reduce for about 2-3 minutes.
5. Add Cream and Cheese:
Next, stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook this mixture on low heat, stirring frequently, until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth. It’s going to smell fantastic!
6. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the top of the chicken. Simmer everything together on low heat for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the chicken to finish cooking and become nicely coated in the rich sauce.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, top your creamy beer cheese chicken with the crispy bacon and sprinkle with fresh chopped chives. Serve it warm and enjoy your tasty meal!
Enjoy your creamy beer cheese chicken with crispy bacon!
Can I Substitute the Beer for Something Non-Alcoholic?
Absolutely! For a non-alcoholic option, you can use non-alcoholic beer which will give a similar flavor. Alternatively, use chicken broth with a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for acidity, which adds depth to the sauce.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute it with a mix of half-and-half and a tablespoon of melted butter for a similar richness. You can also use whole milk, but the sauce will be less creamy; just make sure to let it simmer a little longer to thicken up.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat to keep the chicken moist. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up!
Can I Use Other Cheeses?
Yes, you can! While cheddar cheese provides great flavor, feel free to experiment with other cheeses such as gouda or Monterey jack. For a sharper taste, try adding a bit of blue cheese or goat cheese. Just ensure any cheese you use melts well!
