Skillet Chicken Bacon White Wine Sauce Recipe

This Skillet Chicken with Bacon and White Wine Sauce is the perfect cozy dinner. Juicy chicken thighs are pan-seared until golden, baked in a savory white wine and shallot sauce, and finished with crispy bacon. It’s rustic, comforting, and perfect with crusty bread and a fresh salad.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings together all the best flavors—crispy bacon, tender chicken, and a silky white wine sauce. It’s elegant enough for dinner parties yet simple enough for a weeknight. The sauce is rich but not heavy, making it a versatile dish to serve with bread, potatoes, rice, or greens. Plus, it’s made in one pan, which means easy cleanup.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 3 slices bacon

• 1/2 cup flour (white whole wheat or all-purpose)

• Salt and pepper

• 2 tsp herbes de Provence

• 1 1/2–2 lbs chicken thighs with skin (or substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts)

• 1–2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 shallots, thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup dry white wine

• 1 cup chicken stock

• Fresh or dried parsley, for topping

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat a large ovenproof Dutch oven or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Cut bacon into small pieces and fry for 5–6 minutes until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pan.

3. Mix flour, salt, pepper, and herbes de Provence. Dredge chicken pieces in the flour mixture. Pan-fry the chicken in the bacon grease for 2–3 minutes per side until golden (not fully cooked). Transfer to a plate.

4. Add shallots and olive oil to the pan. Sauté for 5–10 minutes until golden and fragrant. Slowly pour in the white wine, scraping up browned bits. Add chicken stock and simmer for 5–10 minutes until slightly reduced.

5. Return chicken and bacon to the pan. Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 40 minutes, basting with sauce every 10–15 minutes.

6. Remove when chicken skin is crispy and meat is cooked through. Skim extra fat from sauce if desired. Top with parsley and serve with warm bread.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Swap chicken thighs for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option.

• Add mushrooms or carrots for extra depth and vegetables.

• Use pancetta instead of bacon for a slightly different smoky flavor.

• Try thyme or rosemary in place of herbes de Provence.

• Add a splash of cream at the end for a richer, velvety sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen the sauce. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months—thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work well. They cook faster but won’t give as much crispy skin.

What type of wine should I use?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay works best. Avoid sweet wines.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and sear the chicken in advance. Bake just before serving for best results.

Do I need an ovenproof skillet?

Yes, since the dish finishes in the oven. If you don’t have one, transfer everything to a baking dish after making the sauce.

Can I make this without wine?

Yes, substitute with extra chicken stock and a splash of white wine vinegar or lemon juice for acidity.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). The skin should be golden and crisp.

Can I add vegetables to the pan?

Yes, mushrooms, carrots, or pearl onions make great additions to the sauce.

Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Yes, though the flavor will be milder. Add a little butter or oil since turkey bacon has less fat.

How can I thicken the sauce?

Simmer uncovered after baking to reduce further, or whisk in a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water.

What should I serve with this dish?

Crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or rice are perfect for soaking up the sauce. A green salad balances the richness.

Conclusion

Skillet Chicken with Bacon and White Wine Sauce is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. With crispy chicken, smoky bacon, and a luscious white wine sauce, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Serve it with bread or potatoes, and enjoy every drop of that savory sauce.

Print