Smothered Chicken Recipe
If you’re looking for an easy chicken dinner that doubles as comfort food, try this Smothered Chicken Recipe. This chicken dish is packed with all your favorite ingredients: chicken, caramelized onions, bacon, and cheese. It doesn’t get much better.
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Ingredients for Smothered Chicken
I have made this recipe countless times for family and friends and always to rave reviews. There’s a bit of prep work involved, but trust me when I say it’s worth it.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
- Canola Oil – or a mild olive oil
- Brown Sugar
- Bacon
- Onions
- Shredded Cheese – I’ve used both Cheddar and Colby Cheddar. Don’t buy the pre-shredded stuff, shred your own and keep it handy in the fridge. The pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt well.
- Salt, Black Pepper, and garlic powder.
Check the recipe card for ingredient amounts and full instructions.
Why you’ll love this Smothered Chicken Recipe
There are many things to love about smothered chicken.
- A skillet dinner ready in under an hour.
- Uses everyday ingredients you probably already have.
- Kid-friendly but special enough for entertaining.
- Easy to pair with classic side dishes.
- Smothered with bacon, cheese, and onions for big flavor.
What can I serve with Smothered Chicken?
There are many sides you can serve with this recipe, including twice-baked potatoes, make-ahead mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, maple bacon green beans (for the bacon lover), or wild rice are all delicious options. A garden salad and Swiss cheese bread would also finish up the meal.
How to:
Cook the chicken in the oil over medium-high heat, then cook the bacon. Caramelize the onions in the bacon grease for added flavor. Learn how to caramelize onions if you’ve never done it. Layer the chicken with the bacon, onions, and cheese. Cover the skillet to melt the cheese.
Tips and Suggestions
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness so they cook evenly.
- Cook the bacon until crisp so it holds its texture under the melted cheese.
- Don’t overcook the chicken. Cook it to a temperature of 165°F, and the juices run clear.
What drinks do I serve with smothered chicken?
When I’m just serving this smothered chicken recipe as a family dinner, I just serve water or iced tea. When I’m entertaining, a nice white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, would pair nicely with this recipe, as would a light lager or pale ale.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, while you could use bone-in chicken thighs, I would recommend boneless.
How do I keep the chicken moist?
Use a food thermometer and remove it when it reaches 165°F. Serve right away.
Can I make this skillet chicken recipe ahead of time?
I’d make the bacon and onions ahead, but cook the chicken just when you’re ready for dinner. Layer the bacon, onions, and cheese on the hot chicken, then serve.
Smothered Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 8 strips bacon
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup Cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Pound chicken so that they are an even thickness. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Cook chicken until a thermometer reads 165°, and the chicken is browning. Remove from pan; keep warm.4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon ground pepper, 1 tablespoon canola oil
- In the same skillet, dab some of the oil out of the pan with a paper towel, and cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon to paper towels; pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the drippings.8 strips bacon
- In the drippings, saute the onion with brown sugar over medium heat until tender and golden brown. Remove from the skillet.1 medium onion, sliced, ¼ cup packed brown sugar, ½ cup Cheddar cheese, shredded
- Add chicken back to the skillet over low to medium heat. Divide the sauteed onions evenly and top each piece of chicken. Add 2 slices of bacon on top of the onions, then top with the shredded Cheddar cheese. Cover the skillet with a lid and allow the cheese to melt. Once it's melted, remove the lid and serve.
