Introduction

There’s something undeniably comforting about a creamy chicken dinner—especially one that’s brimming with garlic, crispy bacon, and earthy mushrooms. These Chicken Thighs with Creamy Bacon Mushroom Thyme Sauce check all the boxes for an easy yet impressive weeknight dinner.

It’s rich without being heavy, simple but packed with layered flavor, and made entirely in one skillet for minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.

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Why I Love This Recipe

This recipe is:

• Flavor-packed thanks to smoky bacon and herby thyme
• Made with juicy chicken thighs that sear beautifully and stay moist
• A true one-pan dinner that’s fast and fuss-free
• Perfect to serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes
• Elegant enough for date night, but easy enough for weeknight dinner

It’s creamy, dreamy comfort food that always hits the spot.

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Ingredients

• 4 bone-in or boneless chicken thighs 🍗
• 4 strips bacon, chopped 🥓
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced 🍄
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
• 1 cup heavy cream 🥛
• 1 tsp fresh thyme, or ½ tsp dried 🌿
• Salt and pepper, to taste 🧂
• Olive oil, for cooking

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Crisp the Bacon

Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 4–5 minutes.
Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.

2️⃣ Sear the Chicken

Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
Place them skin-side down (if using bone-in) in the hot skillet.
Cook for 5–7 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through.
Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3️⃣ Sauté the Mushrooms & Garlic

In the same skillet, add sliced mushrooms.
Cook until softened and browned, about 4–5 minutes.
Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

4️⃣ Build the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and stir in thyme.
Bring to a gentle simmer and let it thicken slightly—2–3 minutes.

5️⃣ Combine & Finish

Return the chicken and bacon to the skillet.
Simmer for another 3–4 minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce has thickened.

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Tips for Success

💡 Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for max flavor and crispy texture
💡 Add a splash of chicken broth if you want to lighten up the cream
💡 Stir in a handful of fresh spinach at the end for a veggie boost
💡 Want extra umami? Add a dash of Dijon mustard or Parmesan cheese to the sauce

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Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This creamy chicken is perfect served over:

• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Buttery egg noodles
• Steamed rice or wild rice
• Roasted vegetables or sautéed greens

Pair with:

• 🌯 Sheet Pan Quesadillas – for an easy side or party spread
• 🍋 Blueberry Lemonade – light, tart, and refreshing
• 🍪 Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites – sweet bite-sized treat after a rich meal
• 🍫 Peanut Butter Brownies – indulgent and fudgy follow-up
• 🍮 No-Bake Oreo Cream Pie – chilled and creamy to contrast the savory richness

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Storage & Leftovers

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed
• Not freezer-friendly once cream is added—but you can freeze just the chicken and sauce base if made in advance

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More Recipes You’ll Love

• 🍗 Easy Turkey Wings
• 🌯 Sheet Pan Quesadillas
• 🍋 Blueberry Lemonade
• 🍪 Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites
• 🍮 No-Bake Oreo Cream Pie

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Final Thoughts

This Chicken Thighs with Creamy Bacon Mushroom Thyme Sauce is a cozy, one-pan meal that hits all the right notes: crispy, creamy, savory, and herbaceous. It’s exactly what you want when you need comfort in a skillet—without sacrificing flavor or time.

Tried it? Tag @chefmaniac and show us your creamy chicken creation! Follow for more skillet classics, comfort food favorites, and easy dinners with big flavor.