Creamy Chicken & Bacon Stroganoff

Creamy Chicken & Bacon Stroganoff is a delightful dish that brings comfort to your table. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for family dinners, cozy nights in, or even entertaining guests. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, this stroganoff stands out, making it a beloved choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With simple steps and minimal ingredients, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of chicken and savory seasonings creates a mouthwatering dish that everyone will enjoy.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread for a filling meal.
• Slow Cooker Friendly: Let the slow cooker do the work while you enjoy your day without stress.
• Family Favorite: With its creamy sauce and tender chicken, it’s sure to please both kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

To create this Creamy Chicken & Bacon Stroganoff, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure your cooking process is smooth.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This appliance allows for hands-off cooking, letting flavors meld beautifully while you go about your day.
• Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients efficiently and cleanly.
• Sharp knife: A good knife ensures precise cuts of vegetables and meat, making prep work quicker and easier.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

For the Sauce

• 6 strips bacon, chopped
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• teaspoon black pepper

How to Make Creamy Chicken & Bacon Stroganoff

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the bacon into small pieces and finely dice the onion. Mince the garlic cloves as well.

Step 2: Combine in Slow Cooker

In your slow cooker:
1. Place the chopped bacon at the bottom.
2. Add the chicken on top of the bacon.
3. Sprinkle in the onion and garlic.

Step 3: Mix Sauce Ingredients

In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine paprika, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, chicken broth, salt, and black pepper.
2. Whisk until well blended.

Step 4: Pour Sauce Over Ingredients

Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring everything is well coated.

Step 5: Cook

Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.

Step 6: Serve

Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks right in the slow cooker or remove it to shred separately before returning it to mix with the sauce. Serve hot over rice or pasta!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken & Bacon Stroganoff

Serving Creamy Chicken & Bacon Stroganoff is all about enhancing its rich flavors while providing a comforting experience. Here are some delightful ways to present this dish.

With Egg Noodles

• Egg noodles are the traditional choice, soaking up the creamy sauce perfectly and adding a soft texture.

On Mashed Potatoes

• Serve your stroganoff over creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug.

Accompanied by Rice

• Fluffy rice pairs beautifully, balancing the richness of the dish and making it a filling option.

With Crusty Bread

• A side of crusty bread is perfect for mopping up every last bit of the savory sauce.

Served in a Bread Bowl

• For a fun twist, serve your stroganoff in a bread bowl for an edible presentation that adds extra flavor.

How to Perfect Creamy Chicken & Bacon Stroganoff

To ensure your Creamy Chicken & Bacon Stroganoff turns out amazing every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Use high-quality chicken – Fresh, boneless chicken thighs or breasts enhance the flavor and tenderness of the dish.
• Sauté the onions and garlic – Cooking them before adding to the slow cooker deepens their flavors, creating a more aromatic base.
• Adjust seasoning to taste – Don’t hesitate to taste as you go. Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.
• Thicken sauce if needed – If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a little cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the stroganoff during the last hour of cooking.
• Garnish wisely – Fresh herbs like parsley or chives add color and fresh flavor when sprinkled on top just before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken & Bacon Stroganoff

Pairing sides with your Creamy Chicken & Bacon Stroganoff can elevate your dining experience. Here are some great options:

1. Steamed Broccoli
   Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and balances richness with its fresh crunch.

2. Roasted Asparagus
   Roasted asparagus brings out earthy flavors that complement the creamy sauce.

3. Garlic Bread
   Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the sauce, enhancing each bite.

4. Cauliflower Rice
   A low-carb option that soaks up the sauce well while remaining light on calories.

5. Mixed Green Salad
   A simple salad with vinaigrette provides freshness and acidity to balance the dish’s creaminess.

6. Quinoa Pilaf
   Quinoa offers a nutty flavor and hearty texture, making it an excellent bed for stroganoff.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the chicken: Ensure you monitor the cooking time to keep the chicken tender. Use a meat thermometer for best results.
• Ignoring seasoning: Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning throughout cooking. This enhances the flavors in your Creamy Chicken & Bacon Stroganoff.
• Skipping the browning step: Browning the chicken and bacon adds depth of flavor. Take the time to do this before adding other ingredients.
• Using low-quality broth: Choose a good quality chicken broth for a rich taste. Homemade or organic options can elevate your dish significantly.
• Not letting it simmer long enough: Allowing the dish to simmer melds all the flavors together, creating a harmonious dish. Be patient for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Creamy Chicken & Bacon Stroganoff

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Creamy Chicken & Bacon Stroganoff

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warm.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally, until hot throughout.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pan, stirring frequently, until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Creamy Chicken & Bacon Stroganoff.

Can I use another type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute turkey or beef for a different flavor profile while keeping it delicious!

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make this Creamy Chicken & Bacon Stroganoff gluten-free, simply replace Worcestershire sauce with a gluten-free alternative and use cornstarch for thickening.

What can I serve with Creamy Chicken & Bacon Stroganoff?

This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or even mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day ahead and reheat when ready to serve. This enhances the flavors even more.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Chicken & Bacon Stroganoff is not just comforting; it’s also versatile! You can customize it by adding vegetables like mushrooms or peas. Try this recipe and enjoy its rich flavors any night of the week!