1-First Step: Prepare Ingredients Slice mushrooms, finely chop shallots (or onions), mince garlic powder if using fresh garlic, and chop bacon into pieces if uncooked. Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

2-Second Step: Cook the Bacon In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the bacon slices until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer bacon to paper towels to drain excess grease, reserving some bacon fat in the skillet to add flavor to subsequent steps.

3-Third Step: Sear the Chicken Add olive oil (plus reserved bacon grease if preferred) to the skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Sear the seasoned chicken thighs until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

4-Fourth Step: Sauté Shallots and Mushrooms In the same skillet, add more olive oil or reserved bacon grease if needed. Sauté the chopped shallots until translucent. Add mushrooms and cook until they release moisture and turn golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.

5-Fifth Step: Add Seasoning and Bacon Stir in dried or fresh thyme, salt, pepper, and cooked bacon pieces. Pour in white wine and cook for 1 minute to reduce alcohol and enhance flavor.

6-Sixth Step: Make the Cheese Sauce Add heavy cream and shredded Gruyere cheese to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.

7-Seventh Step: Finish Cooking the Chicken Return the browned chicken thighs to the skillet. Cover and cook on low heat until the chicken is cooked through, about 10 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed.

8-Final Step: Serve Remove from heat, garnish with diced green onions if desired, and serve the cheesy bacon mushroom skillet hot, accompanied by potatoes, wild rice, or pasta for a wholesome meal.