Garlicky Creamed Corn Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This Garlicky Creamed Corn Chicken is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich, creamy sauce studded with sweet corn and crispy bacon. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet simple to prepare.
Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon
- 3 (6- to 8-oz.) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp. fresh thyme leaves, plus more for serving
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan
- 2 cups frozen corn
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon, turning occasionally, until crispy, about 8 to 10 minutes total. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and let cool slightly. Then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Step 2: Season chicken breasts on both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Using the same skillet, increase heat to medium-high and cook chicken, turning occasionally, until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 8 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a separate plate and drain excess grease from the skillet.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and melt butter in the skillet. Add minced garlic and fresh thyme leaves, stirring until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream, add cream cheese and Parmesan, and bring to a simmer. Stir occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2 minutes. Stir in frozen corn and crushed red pepper flakes, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Step 4: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning some sauce over the top. Cook, turning occasionally, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165°F, about 5 minutes.
- Step 5: Remove skillet from heat, then sprinkle crispy bacon pieces and additional thyme leaves over the dish before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, try adding a splash of white wine or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the sauce during step 3.
- Swap fresh thyme for rosemary or sage for a different herbaceous note.
- If frozen corn is not available, fresh corn kernels work well too—just sauté them briefly before adding to the sauce.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, more tender result.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
While the creamy sauce relies on dairy ingredients like cream, cream cheese, and Parmesan, you can substitute with dairy-free cream alternatives and vegan cheese to create a similar texture and flavor.
How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way is to use an instant-read thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F. Alternatively, cut into the thickest part to ensure the meat is opaque and juices run clear.
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Garlicky Creamed Corn Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
Description
Garlicky Creamed Corn Chicken is a rich and comforting dish featuring crispy bacon, tender chicken breasts, and a luscious creamy corn sauce infused with garlic, thyme, and Parmesan cheese. This skillet-cooked meal combines savory flavors and creamy textures, perfect for a hearty dinner.
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 4 slices bacon
- 3 (6- to 8-oz.) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1 c. heavy cream
- 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 c. finely grated Parmesan
Produce and Seasonings
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp. fresh thyme leaves, plus more for serving
- 2 c. frozen corn
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices, turning occasionally until they are crispy, about 8 to 10 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat and let cool slightly. Chop the cooled bacon into bite-sized pieces on a cutting board.
- Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Using the same skillet, increase heat to medium-high and cook the chicken breasts, turning occasionally until each side is golden brown and cooked through, approximately 8 minutes per side. Transfer the cooked chicken to another plate and drain the excess grease from the skillet to prepare for the sauce.
- Prepare the Cream Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Melt the unsalted butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and fresh thyme leaves, stirring for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, softened cream cheese, and grated Parmesan. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook while stirring occasionally until the sauce slightly thickens, about 2 minutes. Stir in the frozen corn and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Finish Cooking the Chicken in Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamed corn sauce. Cook further, turning occasionally, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), about 5 more minutes, ensuring it is fully cooked and well coated in the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped crispy bacon and additional fresh thyme leaves over the dish for added texture and flavor. Serve the garlicky creamed corn chicken hot from the skillet for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh thyme leaves for a bright and herbal flavor.
- Frozen corn adds sweetness and texture but can be substituted with fresh corn kernels if available.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
- Drain excess grease between cooking bacon and chicken to avoid a greasy sauce.
- You can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone for a slightly different creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: creamed corn chicken, garlicky chicken, creamy chicken skillet, bacon chicken recipe, comfort food chicken
