A rich, comforting chicken dinner layered with crispy bacon and drenched in a creamy garlic herb gravy. Weeknight magic in one skillet.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Dietary Info: Contains Dairy, Egg, Gluten
📝 Ingredients Checklist
Chicken breasts (large)
Bacon (strips, diced)
Egg
Buttermilk
All-purpose flour
Plain breadcrumbs
Italian seasoning
Garlic powder
Kosher salt
Black pepper (ground)
Vegetable oil
Unsalted butter
Shallot (chopped)
Garlic cloves (minced)
Chicken stock
Half and half
Worcestershire sauce
Fresh parsley (chopped)
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
Pound Chicken
Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap and pound to ¼-inch thickness.
Cook Bacon
In a large skillet, cook diced bacon until crispy. Remove bacon, leaving ¼ cup of the bacon grease in the skillet.
Prepare Breading Stations
In one bowl: whisk egg and buttermilk.
In a second bowl: combine flour, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Bread the Chicken
Coat each piece of chicken in dry mix → dip in egg mixture → coat again in dry mix.
Fry Chicken
Heat oil and bacon grease in the skillet. Fry chicken 3–4 minutes per side, until golden. Remove and set aside.
Make the Gravy
In the same skillet, melt butter. Sauté shallot and garlic until soft. Stir in flour.
Add Liquids
Slowly whisk in chicken stock and half and half. Simmer until thickened, then add Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
Combine and Serve
Return chicken to skillet, coat with gravy, and top with bacon and fresh parsley.
💡 Recipe Notes & Tips
For extra-crispy coating, chill breaded chicken for 15 minutes before frying.
To thin gravy, add extra stock. To thicken, simmer longer.
Save leftover bacon grease for flavoring other dishes!
🍽 A Skillet of Comfort
This dish is cozy, rich, and full of texture—crunchy chicken, creamy sauce, and savory bacon. Whether you’re short on time or just want something indulgent, this skillet dinner delivers.
👩🍳 Cooking Walkthrough
Preparing the Chicken
Pounding ensures even cooking and a juicier center.
Breading Like a Pro
Double-dipping in dry > wet > dry helps the crust stay crisp.
Tip: If breading falls off, your oil might not be hot enough. Look for a shimmer before frying.
Perfecting the Sauce
Use the same pan for the gravy—it captures all the flavor!
Whisk stock in slowly to prevent lumps, and finish with half and half for creaminess.
🧂 Ingredient Insights & Substitutions
Why These Ingredients?
Buttermilk: Tenderizes and helps breading adhere.
Half and Half: Richer than milk, lighter than cream.
Italian Seasoning: Adds herby balance.
Easy Swaps
No buttermilk? Use 1/4 cup milk + 1 tsp lemon juice.
Gluten-free? Use GF flour and breadcrumbs.
No shallot? Sub with finely chopped onion.
No Special Tools? No Problem!
No rolling pin? Use a heavy pan.
No whisk? A fork works in a pinch.
🥗 Variations & Serving Ideas
Flavor Boosters
Add 1 tsp smoked paprika to the breading.
Mix in 1/2 cup grated parmesan with breadcrumbs.
Diet Tweaks
Low-Carb Option: Skip breading and sear chicken.
Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk and butter alternatives.
Serve With…
Mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or rice.
Roasted asparagus or a crisp green salad.
Pairing Ideas
Drink: Chardonnay or rosemary lemonade
Mood: Smooth jazz or your rainy-day playlist
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat
Warm in a skillet with a splash of water or microwave in short bursts.
Make Ahead
Bread chicken up to 24 hours in advance.
Gravy can be made 2 days ahead—just reheat gently.
Shelf Life Notes
Coating softens slightly over time. Best texture on day one.
🧮 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: ~540 kcal
Carbs: ~21g
Protein: ~40g
Fat: ~33g
Allergens: Dairy, Egg, Gluten
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes—adjust cooking time as needed.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Freeze chicken and gravy separately for up to 2 months.
Q: My gravy’s too thin—what now?
A: Simmer longer, or whisk in a slurry (1 tsp flour + 2 tbsp water).
Q: Can I make it spicy?
A: Add red pepper flakes to breading or hot sauce to gravy.
🧡 From My Kitchen to Yours
I whipped this up on a chilly night when I needed serious comfort—and it’s been a favorite ever since. If you make it, I’d love to hear your twist! Leave a comment or rating below. 🍽️