Creamy Banana Pepper Bacon Chicken Recipe

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 5 slices bacon, chopped
• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup sliced banana peppers
• 2 tablespoons brine from banana pepper jar
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, plus more for garnish
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (Optional)

Directions

Start by cooking the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the bacon becomes crispy. Once done, remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside, keeping the bacon drippings in the pan.

Increase the heat to medium-high and season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook it undisturbed for about 5 minutes, until the chicken is browned and easily releases from the pan. Flip the chicken and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to keep warm.

In the same skillet, add the sliced onion, banana peppers, and a splash of brine. Cook everything together, stirring constantly, until the onion softens. Then pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Return the chicken to the skillet along with any juices that have collected. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the sauce thickens slightly.

Transfer the chicken to a serving dish. Stir in the feta cheese into the skillet and remove it from the heat. Spoon the creamy mixture over the chicken, topping it with the reserved bacon. Garnish with additional feta and chopped parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 535
• Fat: 35g (45% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 19g (97% DV)
• Cholesterol: 200mg (67% DV)
• Sodium: 1055mg (46% DV)
• Total Carbohydrates: 7g (2% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 1g (3% DV)
• Total Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 47g (94% DV)
• Vitamin C: 14mg (15% DV)
• Calcium: 158mg (12% DV)
• Iron: 2mg (10% DV)
• Potassium: 516mg (11% DV)

Servings Per Recipe: 4

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may vary depending on your calorie needs.

The Story Behind Creamy Banana Pepper Bacon Chicken

Creamy Banana Pepper Bacon Chicken is a modern American dish that exemplifies comfort food with a bold twist. While chicken has always been a staple of American households, combining it with banana peppers and creamy sauces reflects a growing trend in contemporary cuisine to blend classic proteins with tangy, slightly spicy flavors. This particular combination likely emerged in the mid-2000s as home cooks and chefs sought to elevate everyday meals with richer textures and punchy flavors, inspired by Southern and Midwestern cooking styles.

Regional Characteristics

This dish is primarily rooted in the Southern United States, where bacon, cream, and peppers are common ingredients in home cooking. The banana pepper, often pickled, adds a mild heat and a touch of acidity, which balances the richness of the cream and the savory depth of the bacon. Unlike traditional Southern recipes that may focus on fried or barbecued chicken, this preparation emphasizes a skillet-to-table method that is quick, flavorful, and visually appealing, making it a favorite for weeknight dinners across the region.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

While it shares similarities with other creamy chicken recipes, such as Chicken Alfredo or Creamy Garlic Chicken, Creamy Banana Pepper Bacon Chicken stands out due to the inclusion of banana peppers and bacon. The peppers provide a bright, tangy kick, while the bacon adds smokiness and crunch, creating layers of flavor not found in typical cream-based chicken dishes. Additionally, the feta cheese adds a Mediterranean touch, setting it apart from classic American cream sauces.

Where It Is Commonly Served

This dish is versatile and can be served in a variety of settings. It is popular at home dinners, potlucks, and casual gatherings. Many restaurants that focus on Southern-inspired comfort food or American bistro fare feature similar creamy chicken dishes on their menus. It is often paired with sides like orzo, mashed potatoes, or rice pilaf, allowing the rich sauce to complement simple starches and make the meal more filling.

Interesting Facts

• The use of banana peppers in cooking became more popular in the U.S. during the late 20th century as pickled vegetables gained traction in deli-style sandwiches and antipasto platters.
• Bacon, long beloved in Southern cuisine, is not just used for flavor but also for the fat it imparts, which helps develop a rich, caramelized sauce when combined with cream.
• Although feta cheese is traditionally Mediterranean, adding it to a creamy American chicken dish creates a fusion of flavors, bridging different culinary traditions.
• Many cooks have adapted this recipe to be gluten-free or keto-friendly by serving it over vegetables instead of pasta or rice.
• This recipe has become a popular choice for home cooks who want a restaurant-quality dish that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.

FAQ about Creamy Banana Pepper Bacon Chicken Recipe

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