Pan-Fried Chicken with Bacon and Thyme Gravy

Pan-Fried Chicken with Bacon and Thyme Gravy: A Weeknight Winner

As a busy working mom, I’m always on the lookout for quick and delicious weeknight dinners that the whole family will enjoy. This Pan-Fried Chicken with Bacon and Thyme Gravy recipe has become a staple in our home. It’s surprisingly easy to make, even on those crazy evenings when time is tight, and the flavor? Oh, the flavor! It's rich, savory, and comforting – everything a family dinner should be.

The crispy, golden-brown chicken is perfectly complemented by the salty, smoky bacon and the fragrant thyme gravy. It's a symphony of textures and tastes that elevates a simple chicken dinner to something truly special. And the best part? The cleanup is minimal! I can have this entire meal on the table in under an hour, leaving me with more time to spend with my family, rather than stuck in the kitchen.

Beyond the Dinner Table: This recipe isn't just for weeknights. I’ve also served it at casual weekend brunches and even impressed some friends with it at a small dinner party. It’s versatile enough to adapt to different occasions. For a fancier touch, you could serve it with roasted asparagus or a side of creamy mashed potatoes. But even on its own, with a simple green salad, it's a complete and satisfying meal.

Tips and Tricks for Success: The key to perfectly crispy chicken is to ensure that the chicken is well-coated in the cornmeal mixture. Don't be shy with the seasoning! Salt and pepper are your friends here. And for the gravy, don't be afraid to whisk it constantly while it simmers. This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, velvety texture.

Making it Your Own: Feel free to experiment with this recipe! Add some diced mushrooms to the gravy for an earthy flavor. Swap the bacon for pancetta or sausage for a different taste profile. If you're not a fan of thyme, try rosemary or sage instead. The possibilities are endless!

This recipe is more than just a meal; it's a testament to the power of simple ingredients, combined with a little love and care, to create something truly delicious. It's the kind of meal that brings people together, fostering conversation and creating lasting memories. And for a busy mom like myself, that's priceless.

Serving Suggestions:

• Sides: Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables (broccoli, asparagus, carrots), green beans, creamy polenta, or a simple green salad.
• Drinks: Iced tea, lemonade, or a crisp white wine.
• Dessert: A slice of apple pie, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a warm chocolate chip cookie.

So, the next time you're looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious weeknight dinner, give this Pan-Fried Chicken with Bacon and Thyme Gravy a try. I guarantee it will become a new family favorite!

Step-by-step

• Combine chicken, buttermilk and 1 teaspoon thyme in glass pie dish; turn chicken to coat well.
• Mix 3 tablespoons flour and cornmeal in another pie dish or shallow bowl.
• Add chicken (with some buttermilk still clinging) to cornmeal mixture and turn to coat completely. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper.
• Cook bacon in heavy medium skillet over medium-high heat until brown and crisp. Using slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towels.
• Add chicken to drippings in skillet. Pan-fry until cooked through and brown on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Using metal spatula, transfer chicken to plates.
• Whisk broth, remaining 2 teaspoons thyme and remaining 2 teaspoons flour in small bowl to blend.
• Add mixture to skillet and boil until thickened and reduced to 1/3 cup, whisking occasionally, about 3 minutes.
• Whisk in green onions and bacon and bring to boil. Season gravy with salt and pepper.
• Spoon gravy over chicken and serve.