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Smothered Chicken with Cheddar, Bacon, and Veggies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 449 reviews

This Smothered Chicken recipe features tender, seared chicken breasts topped with a savory blend of sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and crispy bacon, finished with melted cheddar cheese and a drizzle of creamy ranch dressing. Baked to perfection, this comforting dish is perfect for a hearty family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasonings

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Toppings

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1 cup diced green bell pepper
  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the smothered chicken.
  2. Pound Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1 inch to ensure uniform cooking.
  3. Season Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder for balanced flavor.
  4. Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown, then remove and set aside. This locks in juices and adds flavor.
  5. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add sliced mushrooms, diced green bell pepper, and diced onion. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender and aromatic.
  6. Add Bacon: Stir in the crumbled cooked bacon and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to combine flavors.
  7. Assemble Dish: Place the seared chicken breasts in a single layer in a large baking dish.
  8. Add Toppings: Spoon the sautéed vegetable and bacon mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
  9. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the chicken and vegetable mixture.
  10. Drizzle Ranch Dressing: Drizzle ranch dressing over the cheese and toppings to add creamy flavor.
  11. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.
  12. Check Temperature: Remove the foil and check the internal temperature of the chicken; it should reach 165°F (74°C). If it hasn’t, return to the oven uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes until fully cooked and cheese is bubbly.
  13. Rest: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  14. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a fresh, colorful finish.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken breasts are pounded to uniform thickness for even cooking.
  • Use freshly cooked bacon for best flavor and texture in the topping mixture.
  • Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a kitchen thermometer to ensure it is fully cooked.
  • You can substitute ranch dressing with any creamy dressing or sauce of your choice.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: smothered chicken, baked chicken, cheesy chicken, chicken dinner, bacon chicken recipe, easy chicken recipe

Find it online: https://delishfamilyrecipe.com/smothered-chicken-with-cheddar-bacon-and-veggies-recipe/