Looking for a comforting and flavorful dinner idea? This Chicken Carbonara recipe combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh spinach in a creamy, savory sauce that’s layered with rich Italian-inspired flavors. It’s a simple, one-skillet dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something indulgent yet easy to make. Get ready to impress your taste buds with this hearty and satisfying meal!

What You’ll Need

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breast
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• pinch salt
• pinch black peppercorns
• 6 slices bacon, crumbled
• 1 tbsp bacon grease
• 1/2 cup onion, chopped
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 1 cup heavy cream (18%)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp basil
• 2-3 cups spinach

Equipment I Used

• Skillet
• Measuring Cups & Spoons
• Baking Sheet
• Cutting Board

How to Make It

Prepare the Bacon

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the bacon slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake for 10 minutes, then flip and cook for another 10 minutes or until crispy. Adjust the time based on the thickness of your bacon. Once cooked, crumble the bacon and set aside, reserving 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease for cooking.

Cut and Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of reserved bacon grease in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and season with 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper. Sauté the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it is fully cooked and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Sauté the Onion and Garlic

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté over medium heat until the onion becomes tender, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Prepare the Creamy Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium-low and whisk in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Add the Italian seasoning and basil, and stir to combine.

Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet; these bits add rich flavor to the sauce.

Add Bacon and Spinach

Stir in the crumbled bacon and fresh spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach wilts.

Combine with Chicken

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sauce to coat evenly. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Simmer and Serve:

Let the skillet simmer for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Remove from heat and serve immediately. This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, or a side of crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. For a lighter option, serve it over zucchini noodles or steamed vegetables. Enjoy!