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Bistro Chicken with Cheese and Bacon

Craving a cozy dinner that feels like a hug on a plate? Dive into our Bistro Chicken with Cheese and Bacon recipe, a simple yet hearty dish that brings the comfort of a weeknight meal to new heights. With chicken simmered in a rich tomato and mushroom sauce, then topped with gooey cheese and crispy bacon, it’s your ticket to a satisfying dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes.

A serving of bistro chicken with mashed potatoes on a white plate.

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When your day has been a challenge, and you need something straightforward but satisfying to put on the dinner table, my Bistro Chicken with Cheese and Bacon is the answer. It’s a dish that combines the ease of a weeknight meal with the kind of flavor that makes you pause and appreciate the moment. You’ll need just a handful of ingredients and about 30 minutes to create a meal that feels a bit like dining out right at your own table.

In this simple recipe, chicken breasts are simmered in a robust tomato and mushroom sauce, then get a generous topping of melted mozzarella and crispy bacon. It’s the kind of meal that promises warmth and comfort, perfect for evenings when you need a little extra coziness on your plate.

And the best part? It’s so easy to whip up. This recipe proves that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen or have a pantry full of exotic ingredients to create something delicious and memorable.

❤️ Why I Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy days when time is short, but you still want something homemade and hearty for dinner.
  • Flavorful Comfort: The combination of tomato, mushroom, cheese, and bacon makes for a very satisfying meal.
  • Versatile Serving: Pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or even a side salad, making it easy to switch up depending on what you’d like.
  • Family Favorite: It’ll be a hit with the whole family, even your most picky eaters.

🛒 Ingredient Notes

All ingredients needed for making the recipe.

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  • Canola OilCanola oil is light and won’t overpower the other flavors of the dish. If you’d like a bit more richness, substitute olive oil.
  • Fresh Mushrooms – Sliced white button mushrooms add a lovely earthiness to the sauce. Substitute Cremini (baby bellas) for a bit more oomph.
  • Onion – A yellow onion works great here for its balance of sweetness and bite.
  • Stewed Tomatoes Canned stewed tomatoes add a nice, subtle sweetness and acidity to the sauce.
  • Zesty Italian Dressing – Adds a quick and easy burst of flavor. I always pick up Kraft Zesty Italian, but you can also use a homemade mix of olive oil, vinegar, and Italian seasoning.
  • Tomato Paste – Tomato paste lends a highly concentrated tomato flavor for a richer, deeper sauce.
  • Chicken Breasts – Small boneless chicken breast pieces work best for quick, even cooking. Thighs can be an alternative if you prefer darker meat.
  • Mozzarella Cheese – Use mozzarella cheese for the perfect gooey melt over the chicken. Opt for Cheddar if you’d prefer a stronger, more familiar cheesy flavor profile.
  • Bacon – Cooked and crumbled bacon ads its salty, smoky crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft textures elsewhere in the dish.
  • Parsley (optional) – A fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor lift right before serving.

You’ll find detailed measurements for all ingredients in the printable version of the recipe at the bottom of this post.

🥘 Equipment I Use

🔪 How to Make Bistro Chicken

  1. Start by heating the canola oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the sliced mushrooms and chopped onion to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and brown slightly.
  3. Stir in the undrained canned stewed tomatoes, Zesty Italian dressing, and tomato paste to the skillet. 
  1. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with the salt and pepper. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet, making sure they’re nestled into the sauce. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let everything simmer for 12 minutes. Check that the chicken is cooked through before moving on to the next step.
  2. Once the chicken is done, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and crumbled bacon over the top. Continue to simmer, uncovered this time, for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  3. Add the parsley, if using.
Finished bistro chicken in a skillet.

❗ Expert Tips

  • Mushroom Choice: Go for mushrooms that are fresh and firm. Cremini mushrooms can add a deeper flavor compared to the standard white variety.
  • Tomato Texture: If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend or crush the stewed tomatoes before adding them to the skillet.
  • Bacon Prep: Cook the bacon until it’s extra crispy for the best texture contrast with the chicken and cheese. Let it cool before crumbling it into the recipe.
  • Cheese Melting: For an even melt, cover the skillet after adding the cheese, or briefly place it under a preheated broiler. Just keep a close watch to avoid burning.

⚠️ Troubleshooting Tips

  • Chicken Not Cooking Evenly: Thick chicken breasts are difficult to cook evenly. To solve that problem, pound them to an even thickness before cooking. Place one chicken breast between pieces of plastic wrap or waxed paper and gently persuade them to an even thickness using a meat mallet or heavy skillet.
  • Sauce Too Thin: If your sauce seems too watery, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes before adding the chicken back in. This allows some of the liquid to evaporate, thickening the sauce.
  • Flavors Too Mild: Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
A serving of bistro chicken with mashed potatoes on a white plate.

🔀 Recipe Variations

  • Cheese Swap: Try using sharp cheddar or a smoky gouda instead of mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
  • Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and bacon. Use thick slices of portobello mushrooms as the base, adding them with the other vegetables for a hearty vegetarian version.
  • Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce if you like things with a bit more heat.
  • Creamy Sauce: For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream to the sauce just before adding the cheese.
  • Herb Boost: Freshen up the dish with a sprinkle of chopped basil or oregano in the last few minutes of cooking for an aromatic touch.

🍽️ How I Serve Bistro Chicken

  • Mashed Potatoes: The ultimate comfort side, creamy mashed potatoes pair perfectly with Bistro Chicken, soaking up the rich sauce.
  • Rice Pilaf: A lightly seasoned rice pilaf can offer a simple, elegant side that complements the flavors of the dish without overpowering it.
  • Green Beans: Steamed or sautéed green beans with a touch of garlic butter make a fresh, crunchy counterpoint to the hearty chicken.
  • Caesar Salad: Start the meal with a classic Caesar salad for a crisp, refreshing lead-in to the savory main course.
  • Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread on the side to mop up any remaining sauce, ensuring not a drop goes to waste.

🍚 How I Store Leftovers

For short-term storage, keep cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay good for up to 3 days. 

For longer storage, store in the freezer. Use a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then put it in a freezer bag or container. It’ll last in the freezer for up to 2 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge. For reheating, a low oven or microwave works best. If using an oven, cover the chicken with foil to keep it moist and reheat at 350°F until warmed through. In the microwave, use a lower power setting to avoid drying out the chicken, and add a splash of water or chicken broth to help keep it moist.

A serving of bistro chicken on a wooden spoon.

❓ Questions About Bistro Chicken

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Of course, you can. If you prefer the richer flavor of dark meat, chicken thighs can be used in place of breasts. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since thighs might take a bit longer to cook through.

Is there a dairy-free substitute for the mozzarella?

Yes, there are several dairy-free cheese alternatives available that melt similarly to mozzarella. You can also simply skip the cheese.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you make sure that the Italian dressing and tomato paste you use are certified gluten-free. Always check labels to be safe.

Can this dish be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the recipe ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. It’s a great way to save time on busy nights. Just reheat it gently, as advised above.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes before adding the chicken back in. Alternatively, a teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in a little water can be stirred in to thicken the sauce.

Lana Stuart.

More Questions? I’m happy to help!

If you have more questions about the recipe, or if you’ve made it and would like to leave a comment, scroll down to leave your thoughts, questions, and/or rating!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

📖 Recipe

A serving of bistro chicken with mashed potatoes on a white plate.

Bistro Chicken with Cheese and Bacon

Enjoy Bistro Chicken topped with cheese and bacon in a rich tomato sauce—your 30-minute solution to a delicious dinner on busy weeknights.
5 from 2 votes
Print It Rate It Save
Course: Main Dishes
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 328kcal
Author: Lana Stuart

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons canola oil
  • 3 cups fresh mushrooms sliced
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 15 ounces canned stewed tomatoes undrained
  • ¼ cup Zesty Italian dressing
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 4 small boneless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 slices bacon cooked and crumbled

Instructions

  • Start by heating the canola oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the sliced mushrooms and chopped onion to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and brown slightly.
  • Stir in the undrained canned stewed tomatoes, Zesty Italian dressing, and tomato paste to the skillet.
  • Season the chicken breasts on both sides with the salt and pepper. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet, making sure they’re nestled into the sauce. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let everything simmer for 12 minutes. Check that the chicken is cooked through before moving on to the next step.
  • Once the chicken is done, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and crumbled bacon over the top. Continue to simmer, uncovered this time, for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Add the parsley, if using.

Notes

  • For short-term storage, keep cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • For longer storage, store in the freezer. Use a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then put it in a freezer bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months.
  • When you’re ready to enjoy it again, if frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge. For reheating, a low oven or microwave works best. If using an oven, cover the chicken with foil to keep it moist and reheat at 350°F until warmed through. In the microwave, use a lower power setting to avoid drying out the chicken, and add a splash of water or chicken broth to help keep it moist.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1 | Calories 328kcal | Carbohydrates 15g | Protein 34g | Fat 15g | Saturated Fat 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat 3g | Monounsaturated Fat 5g | Trans Fat 0.03g | Cholesterol 95mg | Sodium 724mg | Potassium 981mg | Fiber 2g | Sugar 9g | Vitamin A 473IU | Vitamin C 14mg | Calcium 195mg | Iron 3mg

Nutrition information is calculated by software based on the ingredients in each recipe. It is an estimate only and is provided for informational purposes. You should consult your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian if precise nutrition calculations are needed for health reasons.

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A serving of bistro chicken on a white plate.

— This post was originally published on January 8, 2010. It has been updated with new photos and additional information.

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Recipe Rating




20 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Thank you! I’ve been searching for this recipe. I used to make it all the time years ago and loved it!

  2. Looks really yummy..I don’t buy pre-made dressings…any idea of a quick recipe for that.

    1. I suppose you could try using any standard vinaigrette recipe that is heavy on garlic. Since the recipe came from Kraft Foods and was developed specifically for use with their Zesty Italian dressing, that’s probably the best to use. Maybe you could purchase a bottle for the recipe. It’s pretty inexpensive.

  3. This is a great-looking dish and sounds easy too.

    P.S: Reading food blogs at midnight is a really bad idea : /
    Now I’ll be having dreams of this chicken for sure.

    1. You won’t believe how easy this dish is to make. Give it a try and let me know how you like it.

  4. Thanks Lana. Maybe lighting too. Yours looks so much nicer than the Kraft dish.

    Will be back later to let you know how it tasted.

  5. This is our dinner tonight! I’ve already prepared the sauce, will put the chicken in later when hubby gets home and serve with rice, can’t wait, mouth is already watering. Thanks for sharing.

    Quick question, your picture looks so orangey and delicious, more orange than my dish and the one on the Kraft website, is there a secret ingredient?

    1. No secret ingredient at all. It was directly from the recipe as written. I would guess that the difference could be in the brand of tomatoes and tomato sauce used in the recipe. I find that some brands are redder in color than others. Maybe that’s it?? Please do let me know how you like the dish!

  6. you had me at cheese and bacon!

  7. Yummy! I will be trying this soon.

  8. Yowza! That looks incredible.

  9. OMG!!! This dish looks AMAZING!! I’m bookmarking this one now!

  10. Caveman Cooking says:

    Oh Nana! You are making me HUNGRY!!

  11. Looks like one that I will have to try. Scrumptious looking.

  12. This looks absolutely delicious! So rich and hearty. A perfect comfort meal!

  13. Hard to believe that a dish so good looking is so simple!

  14. looks fab – funny that these type of recipes rarely show up on FB – there are some really good ones out there…my kind of cooking…

  15. The Cookie Girl says:

    Yum Yum Eat it up! sounds just wonderful

  16. Amy from She Wears Many Hats says:

    Ooooh this looks scrumptious and easy enough to do a light version if needed. Adding this to my bookmarks.