Easy Skillet-Braised Chicken with Mushrooms and Bacon

Indulge in the delightful combination of tender chicken leg quarters, earthy mushrooms, and savory bacon with this Easy Skillet-Braised Chicken with Mushrooms and Bacon recipe. This dish is a symphony of flavors, where golden-brown chicken is paired with sizzling mushrooms and crispy bacon, all simmered in a luscious white wine and chicken stock sauce. The addition of fresh thyme and a touch of butter enhances the aromatic profile, making this a truly mouthwatering experience. This recipe serves 4 to 6, making it perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. You have the option to cook it entirely on the stovetop or finish it in the oven, resulting in tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken that is sure to impress. Let’s get started on this scrumptious skillet-braised chicken recipe!

SERVES 4 TO 6

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 to 6 chicken leg quarters
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 3 ounces slab bacon, diced
• 5 ounces button mushrooms, cleaned and sliced (about 2 cups)
• 1 large shallot, finely sliced (about ½ cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, finely sliced
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 3 cups homemade or low-sodium canned chicken stock
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley leaves

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Prepping the Chicken: Adjust an oven rack to the lower-middle position and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly season the chicken leg quarters with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
3. Browning the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a 12-inch ovenproof skillet or sauté pan over high heat until it starts to lightly smoke.
4. Carefully add the seasoned chicken leg quarters to the hot oil, skin side down. Cover the skillet with a splatter screen or partially with a lid to prevent splattering.
5. Cook the chicken without moving it until the skin becomes deep golden brown and crispy, which should take about 4 minutes.
6. Flip the chicken pieces and cook until the second side is also golden brown, about 3 minutes longer.
7. Transfer the browned chicken to a large plate and set it aside.
8. Sautéing the Bacon, Mushrooms, and Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the diced bacon and cook, stirring frequently, until it becomes lightly browned, which takes about 3 minutes. Transfer the browned bacon to a plate.
9. Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook, using a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan, and stirring frequently. Continue cooking until the mushrooms release their liquid and start to sizzle, which takes about 8 minutes.
10. Add the finely sliced shallots and garlic to the skillet, and cook, stirring, until they become fragrant, which takes about 1 minute.
11. Stir in the fresh thyme leaves and unsalted butter, cooking until the butter is melted.
12. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour into the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds.
13. Creating the Flavorful Sauce and Braising the Chicken: Pour the dry white wine into the skillet, using it to deglaze the pan and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
14. Add the homemade or low-sodium canned chicken stock to the skillet, and bring the mixture to a boil.
15. Nestle the browned chicken leg quarters into the sauce and vegetables in the skillet, making sure that only the skin is showing.
16. Cover the skillet and transfer it to the preheated oven.
17. Cook the chicken for 20 minutes, then remove the lid and continue cooking until the chicken becomes tender and starts to fall off the bone, and the sauce thickens and becomes rich. This should take about 20 minutes longer.
18. Finishing Touches: Pour the heavy cream into the sauce and cook, stirring, over high heat until the sauce thickens slightly, which takes about 1 minute.
19. Season the sauce to taste with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting it to your preferred flavor.
20. Stir in the fresh parsley leaves, infusing the sauce with a burst of freshness and color.
21. Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving platter, and pour the creamy mushroom and bacon sauce around it.
22. Serving the Dish: Serve the Easy Skillet-Braised Chicken with Mushrooms and Bacon immediately, and savor the tender chicken, flavorful mushrooms, and smoky bacon in every bite.

Treat your taste buds to the incredible flavors of Easy Skillet-Braised Chicken with Mushrooms and Bacon. This savory and comforting dish, with its creamy sauce and aromatic thyme, will quickly become a favorite on your dining table. Whether you opt to prepare it entirely on the stovetop or finish it in the oven, this recipe promises a satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Pair it with egg noodles, spätzle, rice, or boiled potatoes for a delightful dining experience!