The rich combination of crispy bacon, tender chicken, and velvety cream sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach makes this dish unforgettable. It’s the perfect blend of savory, creamy, and slightly tangy flavors, coming together effortlessly in one skillet.
Whether you’re making a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this creamy chicken recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste in under 40 minutes. Serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, it’s versatile, comforting, and guaranteed to earn compliments.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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6 strips of bacon, chopped
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup chicken broth
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), drained and chopped
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1½ cups baby spinach
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
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Sear the chicken in the skillet for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Remove excess grease if needed, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
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Lower the heat slightly and add the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine.
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Add Italian seasoning, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
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Add the spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes until wilted.
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Return the chicken to the pan and simmer for 2–3 minutes, spooning sauce over the top.
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Serve hot with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 525 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Creamy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Spinach & Crispy Bacon
There’s something undeniably comforting about a rich, creamy chicken dish, especially one that’s packed with bold flavors like smoky bacon, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and nutrient-rich spinach. This Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach Bacon Chicken has become a modern favorite in home kitchens for its irresistible blend of taste and convenience. It’s a one-pan recipe that feels gourmet yet is incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or when you want to impress without the stress.
In this guide, we’ll explore what makes this dish so special, share smart cooking tips, suggest variations, and offer pairing ideas. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just learning your way around the kitchen, you’ll find that this creamy skillet chicken fits into your meal rotation effortlessly.
The Origins and Popularity of Tuscan-Inspired Chicken Dishes
This style of dish featuring chicken in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and greens, is often labeled as “Tuscan Chicken,” although it’s more of an Italian-American creation than a traditional dish from Tuscany. It draws inspiration from Tuscan ingredients like garlic, cream, olive oil, spinach, and preserved tomatoes, reimagined in a way that caters to modern taste buds.
Thanks to food blogs, social media, and restaurant menus, this combination of ingredients has gone viral over the last few years, becoming a go-to comfort dish. Its appeal lies in its richness, balanced with vibrant elements like tomatoes and greens. It’s indulgent without being overwhelming, and hearty without being heavy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons this recipe stands out:
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One-Skillet Wonder: Everything comes together in one pan, which means fewer dishes to clean up.
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Quick & Easy: It takes about 35 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
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Versatile: Serve it with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or even a side of crusty bread. You can also make it low-carb by pairing it with zucchini noodles or cauliflower mash.
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Restaurant-Quality Taste: The creamy sauce enriched with Parmesan, the savory flavor of bacon, and the tang of sun-dried tomatoes elevate this meal to restaurant standards.
Key Ingredients That Make It Shine
Let’s take a deeper look at the star ingredients and why they work so well together:
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Chicken Breasts: Lean and mild in flavor, chicken breasts are a blank canvas that absorb the rich sauce beautifully. For juicier results, you can also use boneless chicken thighs.
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Bacon: The crispy bits of bacon not only add texture but also infuse the entire dish with smoky, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with creamy sauces.
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Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Slightly chewy and tangy, these tomatoes deliver a concentrated tomato flavor that brings balance to the richness of the cream.
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Spinach: This nutrient-dense green not only adds color but also lightens up the dish, making it feel a bit more wholesome.
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Heavy Cream + Parmesan: These create a luscious, velvety sauce that clings to every bite of chicken and vegetable.
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Garlic & Italian Seasoning: Just a touch of garlic powder and herbs gives depth and authenticity to the flavor profile.
Cooking Tips for Success
To make sure your Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach Bacon Chicken turns out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:
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Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Sear the chicken until it’s just cooked through (internal temp should hit 165°F/74°C). Overcooking will make it dry.
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Deglaze the Pan: When adding broth and cream, scrape up all the flavorful bits left from cooking the bacon and chicken. This adds depth to the sauce.
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Use Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Oil: They’re more tender and flavorful than the dry-packed version. Drain off excess oil before chopping.
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Wilt the Spinach Gently: Overcooked spinach can become mushy and lose its vibrant color. Just a minute or two is enough.
Recipe Variations to Try
This dish is a great template that you can adapt based on your preferences or dietary needs:
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Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for a little heat.
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Swap the Greens: Try kale or arugula in place of spinach for a different texture and flavor.
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Use Chicken Thighs: They’re more forgiving in terms of moisture and have richer flavor.
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Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced cremini or button mushrooms with the bacon for an earthy note.
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Make it Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan alternatives to accommodate lactose-free diets.
Serving Suggestions
This recipe begs for something to soak up all that luscious sauce. Here are some ideal serving options:
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Pasta: Fettuccine, linguine, or penne work best to hold the sauce.
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Rice: Steamed jasmine or basmati rice soaks up the creaminess without stealing the spotlight.
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Mashed Potatoes: For a hearty, comfort food experience.
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Crusty Bread: A baguette or ciabatta slice is perfect for sopping up every last drop.
For lighter fare, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad.
Nutritional Value
Despite its richness, this dish can fit into a balanced diet:
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Protein-Packed: Each serving delivers over 30g of protein, making it a filling option.
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Low in Carbs: When served without pasta or potatoes, it fits well into keto or low-carb lifestyles.
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Iron & Fiber: Thanks to spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, you get a decent dose of vitamins and minerals.
Keep in mind that using lighter cream or cutting back on cheese can reduce the calorie count if you’re watching your intake.
Storing & Reheating
To Store: Let the dish cool completely before storing in an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days.
To Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals. You may want to add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Freezing? While it’s safe to freeze, the cream sauce may separate slightly. If texture matters, enjoy it fresh.
Make It a Meal Plan Favorite
One of the best things about this dish is how well it holds up for leftovers. It reheats beautifully, making it a strong contender for meal prep. Double the batch and portion it into containers with rice or veggies for grab-and-go lunches that feel indulgent yet satisfying.
It’s also an excellent choice for dinner parties, potlucks, or even date nights. The presentation is impressive, and the aroma while it cooks is guaranteed to bring everyone to the kitchen.
Conclusion
In a world of fast-paced living and endless meal choices, Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach Bacon Chicken hits that rare sweet spot: it’s quick enough for a weeknight, but luxurious enough to serve guests. Its depth of flavor, balanced textures, and the richness of the sauce make it an instant classic. Even better, it’s endlessly customizable to fit your pantry and palate.
Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or just starting to explore your culinary skills, this dish offers a comforting and rewarding cooking experience. Try it once, and you’ll likely find it becoming a repeat favorite in your kitchen.