Chicken Thighs with Pancetta, Cream, and Bourbon

Mmmm mmmm mmm. This was super tasty and rich--and ever so satisfying!  I had some chicken thighs to use up in the freezer and poured over recipes for a while before settling on this one.  I was a tad skeptical about the flavor profile with the short list of ingredients, but it certainly did not disappoint!  I only modified slightly from original recipe, which can be found here:

http://www.saltandlavender.com/crispy-chicken-pancetta-mushrooms-bourbon/

Ingredients:

4 oz. diced pancetta
8 oz. white button mushrooms, sliced (you could sub baby bellas if desired)
4-6 chicken thighs (I used 5, as that is how many would fit in my skillet without crowding)
1/3 c. chicken broth
1/3 c. bourbon
1 1/3 c. heavy cream
1 tsp. bottled minced garlic
freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat oven to 350°F.

2. In an ovenproof skillet, cook pancetta over med-high heat for 5-7 minutes, until just crispy (this was "7" on my stove, using a cast iron skillet).

3. Meanwhile, slice the mushrooms.  Add them to skillet once pancetta has crisped and cook for 5 additional minutes, stirring occasionally (I lowered heat to 6 for this step).  Transfer mushroom mixture to a plate.

4. Add chicken to the pan, skin side down.  Lower heat to medium (5 for my stove) and cook for 8 minutes, moving the chicken around occasionally so that they do not stick to bottom of pan.

5. Turn chicken over and cook 4 additional minutes on other side.

6. Remove pan from heat and add chicken broth first.  Stir and let bubble down, then add bourbon, stir around.

7. Add heavy cream, garlic, and pepper and stir around. Return mushroom mixture to pan and stir in.

8. Place skillet in oven and bake for 30 minutes.

9. At the 30 minute mark, stir sauce and turn chicken over.  Bake for additional 15-20 minutes (I went 20 to be sure), until chicken registers 165°F on instant read thermometer inserted in deepest part of a thigh.

10.  Serve with desired side(s) and enjoy!  (I made mashed potatoes and a simple salad, as pictured :))