Creamy Chicken Bacon and Leek Bake
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Chicken Bacon and Leek Bake. The luscious combination of tender chicken thighs, smoky bacon, and sweet leeks simmer together in a savory sauce, enhanced by white wine and fragrant herbs. This dish offers a delightful balance of flavors that is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. Whether served under a flaky pastry crust as a rich pot pie or as a standalone casserole accompanied by fresh vegetables, this recipe is perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also freezes well, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken Thigh, Boneless
1 kg (large dice)
Smoky Bacon
100 g (big dice)
Onion
1 (small, diced)
Celery Rib
1 (diced)
Canned Mushrooms
150 g (thick sliced)
Plain Flour
1/2 cup (for dusting)
Oil
1 1/2 tablespoons (for cooking)
Leek
1 (chopped, white only)
White Wine
1/2 cup (not too dry)
Chicken Stock
2-3 cups (enough to cover ingredients)
Salt
1 teaspoon
Lemon Pepper
2-3 teaspoons
Lemon Juice
2 teaspoons
Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (coarse)
Mixed Italian Herbs
2 teaspoons (with chili and garlic)
Italian Parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Cayenne Pepper
a couple of shakes (optional)
Cornflour
as needed (for thickening)
Instructions
1
Cut the chicken thighs into large chunks and dust them sparingly with the plain flour. Divide the chicken into two batches.
2
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the first batch of chicken and brown it on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3
In the same skillet, add the diced onion, chopped leek, diced celery, canned mushrooms, and big diced bacon. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened and the bacon is lightly browned.
4
Pour in the white wine and enough chicken stock to just cover the vegetable mixture. Stir in the mixed Italian herbs, salt, black pepper, lemon pepper, and a few shakes of cayenne pepper if using. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-4 minutes.
5
Return the browned chicken to the skillet and add the chopped Italian parsley and lemon juice. Simmer for 35-40 minutes, or microwave on simmer for 20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender. If the sauce needs thickening, mix cornflour with a small amount of water and stir it into the mixture until the desired consistency is achieved.
6
For serving, either cover the skillet with a pastry lid and bake until golden brown or serve the creamy chicken mixture as a casserole alongside your favorite vegetables.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in the Creamy Chicken Bacon and Leek Bake?
The main protein is 1 kg of boneless chicken thighs cut into large chunks.
How much bacon is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 100 g of smoky bacon, diced into big pieces.
What part of the leek should I use?
You should use one leek, chopped, using the white part only.
Is the chicken floured before cooking?
Yes, the chicken thighs should be dusted sparingly with 1/2 cup of plain flour before browning.
What vegetables are included in the mixture?
The mixture includes onion, leek, celery, and thick-sliced canned mushrooms.
What kind of wine is recommended?
Use 1/2 cup of white wine that is not too dry for the best flavor.
How much chicken stock is required?
You will need 2 to 3 cups of chicken stock, or enough to just cover the vegetable mixture.
What herbs provide the flavor for this dish?
The dish is flavored with mixed Italian herbs (with chili and garlic) and fresh Italian parsley.
How long should the chicken simmer on the stove?
The chicken should simmer for 35 to 40 minutes until it is cooked through and tender.
Can this dish be prepared in a microwave?
Yes, you can simmer it in the microwave for 20 minutes as an alternative to stove-top cooking.
How do I thicken the sauce if it is too thin?
Mix cornflour with a small amount of water and stir it into the mixture until your desired consistency is achieved.
Can I turn this bake into a pot pie?
Yes, you can cover the skillet with a pastry lid and bake it until golden brown to serve as a pot pie.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is ideal for meal prep as it freezes well and can be reheated easily.
What is the serving suggestion for the casserole version?
Serve the creamy chicken mixture as a standalone casserole alongside your favorite fresh vegetables.
Is there any spice in this recipe?
The recipe includes lemon pepper, black pepper, and an optional couple of shakes of cayenne pepper for heat.
How much lemon juice should I add?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of lemon juice to enhance the flavor.
What kind of mushrooms are used?
The recipe uses 150 g of canned mushrooms, thick sliced.
How should the chicken be browned?
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the chicken in two separate batches.
What seasonings are in the mixed Italian herbs?
The recipe suggests using mixed Italian herbs that include chili and garlic.
How much oil is needed for cooking?
You will need 1.5 tablespoons of oil for browning the chicken and vegetables.
What size should the bacon be cut?
The smoky bacon should be cut into a big dice for a better texture in the bake.
What is the role of plain flour in this recipe?
Plain flour is used to dust the chicken thighs, which helps brown the meat and eventually thickens the sauce.
Can I substitute chicken thighs with breasts?
While thighs are recommended for tenderness, you can use breasts, though the texture and cooking time may differ.
How many celery ribs are needed?
The recipe requires one diced celery rib.
What is the preparation for the onion?
One small onion should be finely diced.
How much lemon pepper is used?
Use 2 to 3 teaspoons of lemon pepper for a bright, zesty seasoning.
Is salt included in the seasoning?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 teaspoon of salt.
How much Italian parsley is added?
Add 2 tablespoons of chopped Italian parsley toward the end of the simmering process.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to cut the chicken thighs into large chunks and dust them sparingly with plain flour.
What makes this dish a 'comfort food'?
Its rich, creamy sauce combined with savory bacon, leeks, and tender chicken makes it a satisfying, hearty meal.