Oh, honey, do you remember those nights when the air got a little crisp, and all you craved was something warm, comforting, and utterly delicious? That’s exactly what our creamy chicken and bacon creamed corn brings to the table. It’s a dish that wraps you in a hug with its rich, savory flavors and a texture that’s pure comfort, truly transforming simple ingredients into a magical treat that speaks of home.
My own journey into the kitchen often started with a craving for something heartfelt, just like this recipe. I can almost smell my grandmother’s kitchen now, the scent of something wonderful simmering, teaching me that the best meals are always made with a sprinkle of love and a dash of patience. This creamy dish takes me right back to those cherished moments, where every stir and simmer added to the warmth of family.
This recipe for chicken and bacon creamed corn is not only incredibly easy to bake, making it perfect for a weeknight family dinner, but it’s also a showstopper that will delight everyone around your table. I always say, the secret to a truly happy kitchen is choosing recipes that feel approachable yet yield extraordinary results, and this one certainly delivers.
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Creating this rich and cozy chicken and bacon creamed corn relies on a beautiful blend of flavors, from the smoky bacon and tender chicken breasts to the sweet corn and luxurious cream cheese, all brightened by fresh chives. I always find it incredible how these simple, wholesome ingredients come together to create something so extraordinary. You’ll find the full list of ingredients and precise measurements ready for you in the recipe card below.
How to Make chicken and bacon creamed corn
Whipping up this delightful dish is a breeze, truly! We’ll start by preparing our ingredients, getting everything ready for a smooth cooking process. Then, we’ll get that bacon wonderfully crispy and the chicken perfectly golden. Next, we’ll build our rich creamed corn base, letting all those lovely flavors meld together before finally combining everything for a truly heartwarming meal. It’s a journey of simple steps leading to incredible comfort.
Creamy Chicken and Bacon Skillet Corn
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, toss the cubed chicken with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Set aside.
- Heat a large skillet (cast iron works great) over medium-high heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain, reserving about 1-2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
- Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet with the reserved bacon grease. Cook over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside with the bacon.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the finely diced yellow onion and cook for 3-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the thawed corn. Cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing some of the corn kernels to lightly brown and release their sugars.
- Pour in the heavy cream and milk. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese cubes and whisk continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated, creating a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper (if using). Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Return the cooked chicken and crispy bacon (reserving a little for garnish if desired) to the skillet. Stir gently to combine and heat through for 1-2 minutes.
- Ladle the creamy chicken and bacon creamed corn into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped chives and any reserved crispy bacon bits. Serve hot.
Notes
Pro Tips for Making This chicken and bacon creamed corn
Making your chicken and bacon creamed corn truly shine is all about those little touches, the kind I’ve picked up over years in the kitchen.
My top tip is always to crisp your bacon just right – that glorious crunch adds so much texture and flavor! After cooking, remember to reserve a little of that beautiful bacon fat; it’s perfect for sautéing your onions and garlic, infusing the dish with an extra layer of smoky goodness from the start.
My Secret Trick: When making the creamed corn base, I always add the cream cheese in small pieces and let it melt slowly into the warm milk and heavy cream. This ensures a lump-free, velvety smooth sauce that coats every kernel of corn and piece of chicken beautifully, giving this chicken and bacon creamed corn its signature creamy texture.
Don’t rush the simmering of your creamed corn base. Allowing it to gently bubble and thicken for a few minutes gives all those wonderful dairy and savory flavors a chance to truly develop and marry, creating a depth that’s absolutely irresistible.
Finally, remember to taste and adjust your seasonings before serving. A pinch more salt, a grind of black pepper, or a tiny dash of cayenne can elevate the entire dish, ensuring your chicken and bacon creamed corn is seasoned to perfection.
Fun Variations for chicken and bacon creamed corn
One of the joys of cooking at home is making a recipe truly your own, and this chicken and bacon creamed corn is wonderfully adaptable. Here are a few ways to add your unique touch:
Spice It Up!
If you love a little heat, like my friend Sarah who always asks for a kick, try adding a diced jalapeño or a pinch more cayenne pepper when you sauté the onions. You could even swirl in a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce right at the end for an extra fiery twist to your chicken and bacon creamed corn.
Veggie Boost
Why not sneak in some extra goodness? A handful of chopped spinach or a cup of frozen peas stirred in during the last few minutes of simmering adds a lovely pop of color and nutrients. My little niece loves it when I add diced red bell peppers for a touch of sweetness and crunch!
Cheese, Please!
While Parmesan is wonderful, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. A sharp cheddar melted in adds a different kind of tang and richness, or for a gourmet twist, a smoky Gouda would be absolutely divine in this chicken and bacon creamed corn.
What to Serve With chicken and bacon creamed corn
This chicken and bacon creamed corn is truly a meal in itself, but a few simple accompaniments can make it an even more delightful experience. I always think of it as the star of a cozy dinner, surrounded by thoughtful little extras.
I love serving this creamy dish with a simple, crisp green salad, dressed lightly with a vinaigrette. The freshness and tang of the salad offer a lovely contrast to the richness of the chicken and bacon creamed corn, cleansing the palate beautifully.
A slice of warm, crusty bread or some fluffy cornbread is absolutely perfect for soaking up every last bit of that luscious, creamy sauce. My mom always says there’s nothing better than a good piece of bread to complete a comforting meal. For a quick serving idea, garlic bread is always a winner and comes together in a flash!
Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus also make wonderful side dishes, adding a touch of vibrant color and a gentle sweetness that complements the savory flavors of the chicken and bacon creamed corn without overwhelming it.
How to Store chicken and bacon creamed corn
Knowing how to properly store your chicken and bacon creamed corn means you can enjoy its comforting flavors for days to come! It’s all about preserving that lovely creamy texture and delicious taste.
Chilling for Later
Once cooled completely, transfer any leftover chicken and bacon creamed corn to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I always make sure to press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the corn before sealing the container; this helps prevent a skin from forming and keeps it wonderfully moist.
Reheating Magic
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat your chicken and bacon creamed corn on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it seems a little thick, you can add a splash of milk or chicken broth to bring it back to that perfect creamy consistency. A quick microwave reheat works too, just stir halfway through! My personal tip: after reheating, a fresh sprinkle of chives and a little extra grated Parmesan can truly bring it back to life.
Nutritional Benefits
While we cherish the comfort and flavor of our chicken and bacon creamed corn, it’s lovely to know it also offers some great benefits. With lean chicken breasts providing a good source of protein and corn contributing dietary fiber and essential vitamins, this dish is a treat that’s both satisfying and nourishing. It’s my way of showing that even the most indulgent-feeling homemade desserts (or savory dishes, in this case!) can incorporate simple, wholesome ingredients for a balanced meal.
FAQs
Faq 1
Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen for this chicken and bacon creamed corn recipe?
Absolutely! If fresh corn is in season, feel free to cut the kernels off 4-5 ears of corn. It will add an extra layer of sweetness and crunch to your creamy chicken and bacon creamed corn.
Faq 2
Can I prepare the chicken and bacon creamed corn ahead of time?
Yes, you can! This creamy chicken and bacon creamed corn can be made a day in advance and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. It’s perfect for meal prep.
Faq 3
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
While heavy cream provides the best richness, you can substitute with half-and-half or even whole milk for a slightly lighter version of this creamy chicken and bacon creamed corn. The sauce might be a bit thinner.
Faq 4
Can I add other vegetables to this creamy chicken and bacon creamed corn?
Certainly! Diced bell peppers, a handful of spinach, or even some mushrooms would be delicious additions. Just sauté them with the onions and garlic to enhance the flavor of your chicken and bacon creamed corn.
Conclusion
There you have it, my sweet friends – a recipe for creamy chicken and bacon creamed corn that promises to fill your kitchen with warmth and your hearts with joy. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to gather, share, and create those precious memories around the table. With its tender chicken, crispy bacon, and luscious creamy corn, it’s a dish that truly embodies the spirit of homemade comfort. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the magic of your kitchen, and let’s create something truly special together!