Description
A delicious and comforting recipe for smothered chicken breasts cooked on the stovetop, featuring tender chicken topped with crispy bacon, caramelized onions, brown sugar, and melted Colby-Monterey Jack cheese. Perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (6 ounces each)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
Toppings and Sauce
- 8 bacon strips
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese
Instructions
- Season and Cook Chicken: Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and lemon-pepper seasoning. Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until an internal thermometer reads 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken from skillet and keep warm.
- Cook Bacon: In the same skillet, cook the bacon strips over medium heat until they become crisp. Transfer the cooked bacon to paper towels to drain excess fat. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings from the skillet.
- Caramelize Onions: In the retained drippings, add the sliced onions and brown sugar. Sauté over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the onions become tender and golden brown.
- Assemble and Melt Cheese: Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet or a serving plate. Top each breast with two strips of bacon, a generous spoonful of the caramelized onion mixture, and then sprinkle with shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese. Allow the cheese to melt slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked to 165°F for safety and juiciness.
- Adjust seasoning according to your taste preferences.
- You can substitute bacon with turkey bacon for a lighter option.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure brown sugar and seasonings are certified gluten-free.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Entree
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
