Smothered chicken breasts are a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed any time of the year. They are tender and juicy, topped with crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and melted cheese, and smothered in a rich and creamy gravy. This recipe is easy to make and requires only one skillet, so you can have a satisfying meal on the table in less than an hour.
If you are looking for a way to spice up your chicken dinner, this is the recipe for you. Smothered chicken breasts are not only delicious but also nutritious. They are high in protein, low in carbs, and gluten-free. You can serve them with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or salad.
In this article, I will show you how to make smothered chicken breasts step by step, and share some tips and tricks to make them even better. I will also answer some frequently asked questions about this dish. Let’s get started!
Ingredients of Smothered chicken breasts
To make it, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 (6 ounces) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 8 strips bacon
- 1 onion, sliced
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions to make Smothered chicken breasts
Follow these simple steps to make smothered chicken breasts:
- Sprinkle the chicken breasts with salt and lemon pepper on both sides.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 15 minutes, turning once, until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
- In the same skillet, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until crisp, about 10 minutes. Drain on paper towels and crumble. Reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the skillet.
- Add the onion and brown sugar to the bacon drippings and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and caramelized, about 15 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and cornstarch until smooth. Stir in the heavy cream.
- Bring the onion mixture to a boil over high heat. Gradually whisk in the broth mixture and simmer until thickened, stirring constantly for about 5 minutes.
- Place the chicken breasts back in the skillet and spoon some of the gravy over them. Sprinkle with cheese and bacon.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and cook over low heat until the cheese is melted about 5 minutes.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot with more gravy if desired.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to make your smothered chicken breasts even better:
- You can use any cheese you like for this recipe, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss.
- You can add some sliced mushrooms or bell peppers to the onion mixture for more flavor and texture.
- You can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts if you prefer dark meat.
- You can adjust the amount of brown sugar according to your taste preference. You can also use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar.
- You can use fresh or dried parsley for garnish. You can also use other herbs such as thyme or rosemary.
Summary
Smothered chicken breasts are a delicious and easy recipe that you can make in one skillet in less than an hour. They are tender and juicy, topped with crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and melted cheese, and smothered in a rich and creamy gravy. They are perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.
This article has shown you how to make smothered chicken breasts step by step and shared some tips and tricks to make them even better. I hope you enjoyed this article and found it helpful.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about smothered chicken breasts:
Q: How do I store leftover smothered chicken breasts?
A: You can store leftover smothered chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat until heated through.
Q: Can I freeze smothered chicken breasts?
A: Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q: How do I make smothered chicken breasts in the oven?
A: You can make it in the oven by following these steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Follow steps 1 to 4 of the stovetop method, but transfer the onion mixture to the prepared baking dish instead of keeping it in the skillet.
- Arrange the chicken breasts over the onion mixture and sprinkle with cheese and bacon.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with parsley and serve with more gravy if desired.
