Creamy BBQ Chicken & Bacon Skillet Recipe

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Smoky, Creamy, and Packed with Flavor—Your New Favorite Weeknight Meal

If you’re a fan of dishes that are rich, comforting, and full of flavor, you’re going to fall in love with this Creamy BBQ Chicken & Bacon Skillet. This easy and indulgent meal features juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and a tangy-sweet BBQ cream sauce—all in one pan. It’s the kind of dinner that feels like a hug in food form, perfect for both busy weeknights and laid-back weekends.

With bold smoky notes from paprika and BBQ sauce, a creamy tang from the cream cheese, and a crispy finish from sautéed bacon, every bite is layered with delicious complexity. Whether you’re serving it over rice, tossing it with pasta, or spooning it onto warm bread, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients (US Cups & Measures) — Serves 4

Here’s everything you need to recreate this creamy BBQ masterpiece at home:

Protein & Base:

  • 2½ cups diced chicken (≈1.1 lb or 500 g) – boneless, skinless thighs or breasts

  • 1 cup diced bacon (≈5 oz or 140 g) – smoked, thick-cut preferred

Seasonings & Flavor Boosters:

  • 1 tablespoon garlic granules (or powder)

  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika

  • ½ tablespoon dried oregano

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Vegetables:

  • 1 cup diced onion – about 1 medium yellow onion

  • 2 cups diced bell peppers – mix of red, yellow, or green for color and sweetness

Aromatics & Sauce Base:

  • 4 teaspoons garlic purée (or 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced)

  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste

  • 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce

  • 1¼ cups chicken stock – low sodium recommended

  • â…“ cup cream cheese (≈80 g Philadelphia)

Garnish:

  • Chili flakes, to taste

  • Fresh chopped parsley

Step-by-Step Directions

Let’s walk through how to make this creamy BBQ chicken skillet dish from scratch. The process is quick, requiring only 25 minutes from prep to plate.

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Before you start cooking, dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and chop all your vegetables. Having your ingredients ready makes the cooking process fast and stress-free.

Tip: If you’re in a rush, use pre-diced bell peppers or frozen chopped onion.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken and Bacon

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil if your bacon is lean.

  1. Combine diced chicken with garlic granules, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.

  2. Add the seasoned chicken and diced bacon to the hot pan.

  3. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 6 minutes, until the bacon crisps and the chicken starts to brown.

Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan. You want the chicken to sear, not steam. Use a wide skillet for best results.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Add your diced onion and bell peppers directly into the pan with the chicken and bacon.

Cook for another 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables soften and become slightly caramelized. This builds the foundation of flavor that gives the sauce its depth.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Now it’s time to develop that irresistible BBQ creaminess:

  1. Add garlic purée, tomato paste, and BBQ sauce.

  2. Stir well and let everything cook together for 2 minutes.

    • This helps intensify the barbecue flavor and blend the base ingredients.

Step 5: Make It Creamy

Pour in chicken stock and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

  1. Add cream cheese in small chunks, stirring until it melts into the sauce.

  2. Let the sauce simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens and coats a spoon.

At this point, your kitchen will smell incredible, and the sauce will be creamy, smoky, and luxurious.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle in chili flakes if you want a spicy kick. Add a final touch of chopped parsley for color and freshness.

Serve hot over your favorite base:

  • White rice

  • Pasta (penne or rotini work well)

  • Buttered noodles

  • Mashed potatoes

  • Warm crusty bread for dipping

Total Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 15 minutes

  • Total Time: 25 minutes

  • Calories: Approx. 500 kcal per serving (based on 4 servings)

Pro Tips and Variations

1. Swap the Cream Cheese

Not a fan of cream cheese or want a lighter option?

  • Use Greek yogurt for a tangy finish.

  • Try sour cream for a rich but slightly sharper flavor.

  • For ultra-creamy texture, mix in a splash of heavy cream at the end.

2. Amp Up the BBQ Flavor

Want a bolder, deeper BBQ taste?

  • Add a splash of liquid smoke or use hickory-smoked bacon.

  • Choose a spicy chipotle BBQ sauce for added kick.

3. Make It Extra Cheesy

Love gooey, melty goodness? Stir in:

  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese at the end for a cheesy BBQ twist.

  • Or sprinkle cheese on top and broil the skillet for 2 to 3 minutes until bubbly.

4. Add Some Greens

Want to balance the richness with a bit of veg?

  • Stir in a handful of baby spinach just before serving.

  • Add steamed broccoli florets for a complete one-pan meal.

5. Serve with Crunch

Balance the creamy texture with a crunchy topping:

  • Sprinkle crushed fried onions, bacon bits, or buttery breadcrumbs on top before serving.

Storing and Reheating

Storage:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken stock or milk to loosen the sauce.

Freezing Tips:
This dish can be frozen, but the texture may change slightly due to the cream cheese. If freezing, let it cool completely first and store in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months.

Suggested Sides and Pairings

Carb Pairings:

  • Steamed jasmine or basmati rice

  • Roasted baby potatoes

  • Buttered egg noodles

  • Cornbread or garlic toast

Vegetable Pairings:

  • Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze

  • Simple cucumber salad with lemon

  • Steamed green beans with almonds

Beverage Pairings:

  • Red wine (Zinfandel or Shiraz)

  • Crisp lager or smoky porter

  • Sparkling lemonade or iced tea

Final Thoughts

This Creamy BBQ Chicken & Bacon Skillet is everything you want in a comforting weeknight dinner: fast, flavorful, and flexible. It checks all the boxes—protein-rich, satisfying, and totally customizable. Whether you stick to the original or put your own spin on it, one thing is certain: this is a recipe you’ll keep coming back to.

So grab that skillet and start cooking—your next family favorite is just 25 minutes away.

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