Creamy Garlic Parmesan Mushroom Chicken and bacon

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For lower calorie and points purposes, I’ve included a cream free option for those of us worried about squeezing jeans passed our non-forgiving thighs. Creamy sauces are a favourite over here and I usually cheat on cream with milk like in this creamy piccata OR this sun dried tomato chicken. HowEVER, I sometimes like to use a reduced fat cream, because HELLO IT’S CREAM. ALSO, for those of you following low carb and high fat, go for gold with the heavy cream! May the fats be forever in your favor.

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INGREDIENTS
FOR THE CHICKEN:

• 6 bone-in, skin-on or off chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

FOR THE CREAM SAUCE:

• 4 cloves garlic, crushed
• 7 ounces | 200 grams diced bacon
• 14 ounces | 400 grams sliced brown mushrooms (cremini)
• 1 cup cream OR milk*
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Salt, only if needed to your taste
• Extra chopped fresh parsley, to garnish
• Fresh shaved or grated parmesan, to garnish

METHOD

1. Preheat oven to 200°C | 400°F.
2. Arrange chicken on a plate. Combine together the olive oil, garlic, parsley, salt and pepper in a jug. Rub the oil mixture over the chicken to completely coat.
3. Heat a large, oven proof pan or skillet over medium high heat. Sear the chicken, skin-side down first, until skin is crisp and golden brown. Rotate and sear the other side (about 2-3 minutes per side).
4. Transfer to oven and roast until completely cooked through, about 25-30 minutes.
5. Once chicken is done, remove from skillet; set aside. Pour out HALF of the chicken juices left in the pan.
6. Using the same skillet the chicken was in, fry the garlic in the reserved chicken juices over medium heat, stirring frequently until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the bacon and fry until just beginning to crisp. Add in the mushrooms and cook until mushrooms begin to soften.
7. Pour in the cream OR milk, chicken broth and Parmesan; allow to simmer until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. SEE NOTES if using milk INSTEAD of cream option)
8. Season with pepper. Taste first before adding in any extra salt, as the bacon will add the salt.
9. Add the chicken back into the pan; allow to simmer for 1-2 minutes in the cream to take on the flavours.
10. Garnish with parsley and shaved or grated parmesan, if desired. Serve over rice, pasta, or steamed/grilled vegetables.

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