Ultimate Chicken Carbonara Recipe

Chicken Carbonara Recipe is a comforting, creamy, and delicious pasta dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich, flavorful sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this easy recipe puts a twist on the traditional Italian carbonara, making it a must-try for pasta lovers.

“Looking for a foolproof Chicken Carbonara Recipe? This creamy dish combines the perfect blend of crispy chicken, bacon, and a rich sauce.”

Why Chicken Carbonara?

Chicken Carbonara is a wonderful variation of the traditional carbonara dish. By using chicken instead of pancetta or guanciale, you get:

• Healthier protein: Chicken is leaner, making the dish lighter yet still satisfying.
• Flavorful depth: The combination of crispy chicken, bacon, and a creamy sauce gives a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
• Comfort food appeal: It’s a versatile dish that’s great for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.

If you’re new to making carbonara, you might want to discover the joy of cooking with Chef Ellie. This guide offers great tips for beginners and experts alike. For a deeper dive into the authentic Carbonara preparation, check out this guide on making traditional Carbonara, which provides tips on how to stay true to its Italian roots.

Ingredients for Chicken Carbonara

To make the best Chicken Carbonara Recipe, gather high-quality ingredients like fresh Parmesan cheese, tender chicken, and al dente pasta.”

• Pasta: Spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine works best. Choose your preferred type, but traditional spaghetti is most common.
• Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. They cook quickly and remain juicy.
• Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano adds the signature flavor to the sauce.
• Cream: Heavy cream creates a luscious, velvety texture for the sauce, though you can adjust the amount based on your desired richness.
• Bacon/Pancetta: Bacon or pancetta is essential for flavor. The crispy bits add savory depth to the dish.
• Eggs: You’ll need two large, room-temperature eggs to make the creamy base for the sauce.
• Garlic & Fresh Herbs: Use garlic to infuse flavor and fresh parsley for garnish.
• Butter & Olive Oil: For cooking the chicken and bacon to crispy perfection.

With these ingredients in hand, you’re ready to start cooking. If you’re unsure about the best pasta types for a Carbonara dish, check out this pasta guide for Carbonara to ensure your dish is spot on.

How to Prepare Chicken for Carbonara

To prepare the chicken properly for this dish:

• Flatten the chicken: Use a meat mallet to even out the thickness, ensuring the chicken cooks uniformly.
• Season generously: Rub the chicken with salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder for extra flavor.
• Dredge lightly in flour: For a crispy crust, coat the chicken lightly in flour before cooking.
• Cook in a skillet: Sauté the chicken in a skillet with butter or olive oil until golden brown and cooked through.
• Slice into strips: After cooking, slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces to mix into the pasta later.

How to Cook Pasta for Carbonara

“This Chicken Carbonara Recipe uses reserved pasta water to create a creamy sauce that clings perfectly to the spaghetti.”

Cooking your pasta perfectly is essential to achieving the right consistency for the sauce. Follow these steps:

• Boil pasta in a large pot of salted water. Cook it until al dente (firm to the bite), according to the package instructions.
• Save pasta water: Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water. This starchy water will help adjust the sauce’s consistency and help it cling to the pasta.

How to Cook Bacon/Pancetta

Bacon or pancetta gives Chicken Carbonara a rich flavor. Here’s how to get the bacon crispy and flavorful:

• Crisp the bacon: Cook the bacon or pancetta in a skillet over medium heat until golden and crispy.
• Save the bacon fat: After removing the bacon, leave the rendered fat in the pan. It’s perfect for sautéing the garlic and infusing the flavor.
• Sauté garlic: Add chopped garlic to the bacon fat and sauté for a minute until fragrant.

How to Make the Carbonara Sauce

The sauce is what makes Carbonara so special. Here’s how to make the creamy, dreamy sauce:

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated cheese, and a pinch of black pepper.
2. Slowly add reserved pasta water to the egg mixture, a little at a time, to temper the eggs.
3. Once the pasta is cooked, toss it with the egg mixture off the heat. The residual heat from the pasta will gently cook the eggs and create a creamy sauce.
4. Stir in the crispy chicken and bacon bits.

Bringing Everything Together

Now that all the components are ready, it’s time to bring everything together:

• Combine the pasta: Toss the hot pasta with the egg and cheese mixture. Add some pasta water to adjust the sauce’s thickness, ensuring it coats the pasta well.
• Add chicken and bacon: Incorporate the crispy chicken and bacon into the pasta and toss until well combined.
• Serve immediately: Plate the Chicken Carbonara, topping it with extra cheese and fresh herbs like parsley for garnish.

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Tips for Perfect Chicken Carbonara

To ensure your Chicken Carbonara turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Grate cheese finely: Freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano melts smoothly, giving the sauce a silky finish.
• Toss quickly: When combining the egg mixture with the hot pasta, do so quickly to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
• Reserve enough pasta water: This starchy water is key to creating a smooth sauce. Add it gradually until the sauce reaches the perfect consistency.

How to Serve Chicken Carbonara

Presentation matters as much as flavor in a great dish. Here’s how to serve your Chicken Carbonara:

• Plate the pasta in a shallow bowl or plate for a beautiful presentation.
• Top with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated cheese.
• Garnish with fresh parsley for color and added freshness.
• Pair with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them properly to preserve the dish:

• Store Chicken Carbonara in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
• When reheating, gently warm the pasta on the stovetop with a splash of cream or pasta water to restore the sauce’s creaminess.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make Chicken Carbonara without cream?
Yes, you can create a lighter version of Chicken Carbonara by using a mixture of eggs and pasta water, which will give you a creamy texture without the cream.

Can I use a different kind of pasta for Carbonara?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, you can experiment with fettuccine, penne, or even zucchini noodles for a gluten-free alternative.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time. However, freshly cooked chicken provides a better texture and flavor.

Why does the egg scramble in Carbonara, and how can I prevent it?
Eggs scramble if they’re exposed to direct heat. To avoid this, toss the hot pasta quickly with the egg mixture off the heat and add pasta water gradually.

Can I freeze Chicken Carbonara?
It’s not recommended to freeze Chicken Carbonara because the creamy sauce may separate. If you must freeze, reheat gently and add cream to restore the texture.

How do I make a low-calorie version of Chicken Carbonara?
You can reduce the calories by using light cream or substituting the cream with a mixture of eggs and pasta water. You can also use whole wheat pasta for a healthier alternative.

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By following these steps, you’ll have a rich, creamy, and satisfying Chicken Carbonara ready to enjoy. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a special treat, this recipe is sure to please everyone’s palate! For more delicious ideas, don’t forget to visit Chef Ellie’s Kitchen, where culinary inspiration awaits.