Bacon and Cheese Smothered Chicken Recipe

Tender, juicy chicken breasts smothered in crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a flavorful sauce. This easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner and is sure to be a family favorite.

Ingredients:

  • Chicken:
    • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Toppings:
    • 6-8 slices of bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
    • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)
    • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
    • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
  • Sauce:
    • 1 tablespoon butter
    • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
    • 1 cup chicken broth
    • 1/2 cup heavy cream
    • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard (optional)
    • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Chicken:
    • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
    • Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
    • In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
    • Season both sides of the chicken breasts with the spice mixture.
    • Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
    • Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. You do not need to cook them all the way through at this point.
    • Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  2. Cook the Bacon:
    • If you have not already, cook the bacon until crispy. Crumble the bacon and set aside.
  3. Make the Sauce:
    • In the same skillet (no need to clean it), melt butter over medium heat.
    • Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until lightly golden.
    • Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps.
    • Add dijon mustard if desired.
    • Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until thickened.
    • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Assemble and Bake:
    • Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them in the sauce.
    • Sprinkle the crumbled bacon evenly over the chicken.
    • Top with shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese (if using).
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  5. Garnish and Serve:
    • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
    • Serve hot with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.

Tips and Variations:

  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mixture or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce.
  • You can use different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Colby Jack.
  • Add sliced mushrooms or onions to the skillet when making the sauce for extra flavor.
  • For a lower carb option, serve with cauliflower mash.
  • To make this in a casserole dish, sear the chicken, make the sauce in a skillet, then pour the sauce into the casserole dish, add the chicken, bacon, and cheese, and bake.
  • Make sure to not overcook the chicken, or it will become dry.

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