Garlic Butter Chicken with Spinach and Bacon

This Garlic Butter Chicken recipe with Spinach and Bacon is rich, creamy, and hearty - everyone will love it!

PREP TIME: 5 minutes

COOK TIME: 20 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 25 minutes

SERVINGS: 6 servings

INGREDIENTS:

12 Chicken Thighs, boneless and skinless (or chicken breasts)

4 teaspoons Olive Oil

4 tablespoons Butter

12 Garlic Cloves, finely minced

2 small Yellow Onion, diced

1/3 cup Chicken Broth

1/3 cup Dry White Wine

1 cup Crispy Bacon, chopped

3 1/2 cups Half-and-Half or Heavy Cream

6 cups Baby Spinach Leaves

Salt, to taste

Fresh Cracked Pepper, to taste

2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning

1 cup Fresh Grated Parmesan Cheese

Crushed Chili Pepper Flakes, optional

1 teaspoon Cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon Cold Water (Optional, if you like a thicker sauce)

DIRECTIONS:

1. To make the Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs With Creamy Spinach And Bacon: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs on both sides with salt and pepper, and sear in the pan for 5-8 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. Once cooked, remove chicken from the pan and set aside.

2. Melt the butter in the remaining cooking juices leftover in the pan. Add in the onion and garlic and fry until fragrant (about 1 minute). Pour in the chicken stock and white wine, and allow to reduce down slightly. Add the crispy bacon and fry for 1-2 minutes to release the flavors.

3. Reduce heat to low, add the half-and-half (or heavy cream), and bring to a gentle simmer, while stirring occasionally. Make sure to lower the heat to avoid the sauce separating. Add Italian Seasoning and season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Add in the spinach leaves and allow to wilt in the sauce, and add in the Parmesan cheese. Allow sauce to simmer for a further minute until cheese melts through the sauce. For a thicker sauce, add the cornstarch mixture (1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon cold water, see the ingredient list) to the skillet and continue to simmer while quickly stirring the mixture through until the sauce thickens to desired consistency.

5. Add the cooked chicken back into the pan; sprinkle with chili pepper flakes (if using), and spoon the sauce over each chicken thigh. Serve the Garlic Butter Chicken with Spinach and Bacon over pasta, rice or a low-carb favorite like zoodles, cauliflower rice, or steamed veggies. Enjoy!