Name: Smothered Chicken Breasts
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (6 ounces each); 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning; 1 tablespoon canola oil; 1 medium onion, sliced; 1/4 cup packed brown sugar; 1/2 cup shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese

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Smothered Chicken Breasts is a savory and indulgent dish that combines perfectly cooked chicken breasts with a caramelized onion and brown sugar mixture, topped with melted cheese. It’s simple to prepare and bursting with flavor, making it the ideal meal for a cozy dinner or special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Smothered Chicken Breasts recipe is a comforting dish with a balance of savory and sweet flavors. The chicken is seasoned perfectly and cooked to tender juiciness. The caramelized onions, enhanced with the sweetness of brown sugar and the richness of melted Colby-Monterey Jack cheese, add a delightful depth of flavor. It’s a one-pan dish that’s easy to make and sure to impress everyone at the table.

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (6 ounces each)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 medium onion, sliced
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Season the chicken: Sprinkle the chicken breasts with salt and lemon-pepper seasoning on both sides.
Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat the canola oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), about 6-8 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and keep warm.
Cook the bacon: In the same skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and place it on paper towels to drain. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings.
Sauté the onions: In the remaining drippings, sauté the sliced onions and brown sugar over medium heat until the onions are tender and golden brown, about 10 minutes.
Assemble the dish: Place the cooked chicken breasts back in the skillet. Top with the caramelized onion mixture and sprinkle with shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese.
Melt the cheese: Cover the skillet and cook for a few more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with crispy bacon pieces if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Add more vegetables: Add some bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the onion mixture for extra flavor and texture.
Use different cheese: If you don’t have Colby-Monterey Jack, you can substitute with cheddar, mozzarella, or a cheese blend of your choice.
Spicy version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños to the onion mixture for a spicy kick.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.

FAQs

1. Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as bone-in chicken takes longer to cook through.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken and onion mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, just reheat and add the cheese.

3. Can I use a different type of sweetener instead of brown sugar?

You can substitute brown sugar with honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar, though the flavor profile may vary slightly.

4. Can I make this dish without bacon?

Yes, you can skip the bacon or substitute it with pancetta or sausage for a different flavor, or even just add extra onions for a vegetarian version.

5. Can I cook this in the oven instead of the stovetop?

Yes, you can cook the chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, then add the onion and cheese mixture and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted.

6. Can I use other types of onions?

You can substitute yellow onions with red onions for a slightly sweeter taste, or even use shallots for a milder flavor.

7. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). A meat thermometer is the most accurate way to check.

8. Can I add garlic to this recipe?

Yes, you can add minced garlic to the onions for extra flavor while sautéing.

9. Can I serve this with sides?

This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple green salad. You could also serve it with roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli.

10. Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, you can add cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or hot sauce to the onion mixture for a spicy version.

Conclusion

Smothered Chicken Breasts is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that is sure to satisfy your cravings for something comforting and savory. The combination of tender chicken, caramelized onions, and melted cheese makes for a deliciously rich meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special family meal, this dish is sure to become a favorite!