Creamy Bacon Mushroom Chicken with Mashed Potatoes & Peas

This comforting dinner features juicy pan-seared chicken breasts smothered in a rich bacon and mushroom cream sauce, served alongside buttery mashed potatoes and sweet green peas. It's a restaurant-quality meal that's easy enough for a weeknight and elegant enough for guests.

🍽 Yield

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 tsp kosher salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp paprika

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp butter

Creamy Bacon Mushroom Sauce

• 6 slices bacon, chopped

• 8 oz (225 g) cremini or button mushrooms, sliced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small shallot, finely diced

• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream

• ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth

• ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• ½ tsp dried thyme

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Mashed Potatoes

• 2 lbs (900 g) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 4 tbsp butter

• ½ cup (120 ml) warm whole milk

• ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream

• Salt and pepper to taste

Green Peas

• 2 cups frozen peas

• 1 tbsp butter

• Salt and black pepper

Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare the Potatoes

1. Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold salted water.

2. Bring to a boil and cook for 15–18 minutes until fork-tender.

3. Drain well.

4. Mash with butter, warm milk, and cream.

5. Season with salt and pepper.

6. Keep warm.

Step 2 – Cook the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken dry.

2. Season with:

   • Salt

   • Pepper

   • Garlic powder

   • Paprika

3. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

4. Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

5. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.

Step 3 – Cook the Bacon

1. In the same skillet, cook the chopped bacon until crispy.

2. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

3. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan.

Step 4 – Make the Mushroom Sauce

1. Add mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned.

2. Stir in shallot and garlic and cook for 1 minute.

3. Add chicken broth and scrape up the browned bits from the pan.

4. Stir in:

   • Heavy cream

   • Parmesan cheese

   • Dijon mustard

   • Thyme

5. Simmer for 4–5 minutes until slightly thickened.

6. Stir in the crispy bacon.

7. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Step 5 – Finish the Dish

1. Return the chicken to the skillet.

2. Spoon the sauce over each piece.

3. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until heated through.

4. Sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Step 6 – Prepare the Peas

1. Melt butter in a small saucepan.

2. Add peas and cook for 3–4 minutes until heated through.

3. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Chef's Tips

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.

• Avoid overcrowding the pan so the chicken develops a golden crust.

• Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to retain its juices.

• For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine before adding the chicken broth.

• The sauce will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.

Delicious Variations

Garlic Herb Version

• Add fresh rosemary and thyme.

• Finish with roasted garlic.

Spinach Mushroom Chicken

• Stir in 2 cups fresh baby spinach before serving.

Spicy Version

• Add ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes.

• Finish with a dash of cayenne pepper.

Low-Carb Option

Serve with:

• Cauliflower mash

• Roasted broccoli

• Steamed asparagus

• Zucchini noodles

Serving Suggestions

Pair this dish with:

• Garlic bread

• Roasted asparagus

• Buttered green beans

• Caesar salad

• Steamed broccoli

• A crisp green salad

Storage

• Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

• Freeze the chicken and sauce for up to 2 months (mashed potatoes are best made fresh).

• Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth if the sauce becomes too thick.

Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 790

• Protein: 50 g

• Fat: 46 g

• Carbohydrates: 34 g

• Fiber: 4 g

• Sugar: 5 g

• Sodium: 760 mg

This Creamy Bacon Mushroom Chicken with Mashed Potatoes & Peas delivers juicy, golden-seared chicken covered in a velvety Parmesan mushroom sauce with crispy bacon. Combined with buttery mashed potatoes and sweet peas, it's the perfect comforting meal that's both hearty and elegant.