Christmas Chicken with Creamy Spinach Bacon Sauce Recipe: Crispy Skin, Cozy Holiday Flavor

This Christmas, skip the soggy centerpiece and serve something creamy, cozy, and delicious.

Your holiday table deserves a showstopper that comes together fast without sacrificing flavor.

Crispy skin, smoky bacon, and a lush spinach cream sauce—that trifecta is Christmas magic in a pan.

Let’s dive in and cook something your friends will actually brag about (in a good way).

Equipment

Must-haves

• Oven-safe skillet (cast iron recommended)
• Meat thermometer (instant-read works great)
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Tongs or a sturdy spatula

Nice-to-haves

• Kitchen twine for neat trussing
• Basting brush for a glossy finish
• Garlic press or microplane zester (optional)
• Sheet pan lined with parchment for extra roasting space

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.8-2.2 lb)
• 1-2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
• 4 slices bacon, diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 lemon, zest (optional)

Note: Chicken thighs stay juicy and the skin crisps beautifully here. If you must use breasts, reduce the oven time a tad and watch the sauce, not the clock—they dry out easier. Also, keeping the parmesan near by is like bringing a tiny, delicious security blanket to your pan.

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Rub with olive oil, then season all over with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Heat the oven-safe skillet over medium-high. Place the chicken skin-side down and sear until the skin is golden and crisp, about 4-5 minutes. Flip and sear another 2 minutes.
3. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken and keep warm.
4. Return the skillet to the stovetop. Add the diced bacon and cook until crisp, about 4-6 minutes. Spoon off most of the fat, leaving 1-2 tablespoons for flavor.
5. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds longer.
6. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
7. Pour in the cream and chicken broth. Whisk in the parmesan, red pepper flakes (if using), and lemon zest. Simmer 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
8. Return the chicken to the pan. Spoon sauce over the pieces and simmer 1-2 minutes to reheat the chicken and meld the flavors.
9. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Serve with extra sauce poured over the chicken and a final sprinkle of parmesan if you’re feeling fancy.

Good to Know

This dish is all about balance: crispy skin, creamy sauce, and a little brightness from the lemon zest. The bacon adds salt, the parmesan adds warmth, and the spinach lightens things up just enough to keep your holiday jeans happy.

Tips

• Pat the chicken dry very well before searing for the crispiest skin.
• Use skin-on thighs for juiciness; breasts can dry out if you overcook them.
• Save a spoonful of the bacon fat for a deeper, savory base for the sauce.
• If the sauce seems thick, loosen it with a splash of extra broth or a squeeze of lemon juice.
• Want extra color? Finish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, but watch closely so you don’t burn the spinach.

Variations

• Swap spinach for kale or a handful of arugula for a peppery note.
• Replace bacon with pancetta for a subtler pork flavor.
• White wine twist: deglaze with 1/4 cup dry white wine with the onions, then simmer the sauce until reduced before adding cream.
• Make it dairy-free: use coconut cream and a splash of dairy-free parmesan substitute; you’ll still get a rich sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this with buttery mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or buttered wide noodles so every bite has a little carb therapy. A cranberry relish on the side adds festive color and a tangy kick that wakes up the richness.

A chilled glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio balances the creaminess beautifully. If you’re feeling extra, sprinkle fresh parsley for a pop of green and a touch of holiday flair.