Smothered Bacon Cheddar Chicken is the kind of dinner that turns an ordinary weeknight into something truly irresistible. Juicy chicken breasts are seared, oven-baked, and generously topped with crispy bacon, melty cheddar, and mozzarella, then finished with cool sour cream and fresh green onions. With every bite, you’ll taste creamy, smoky, and savory layers of flavor that bring comfort food to a whole new level.
This recipe comes together surprisingly quickly, yet looks like something straight from a cozy bistro menu. Because the chicken is seared before baking, it stays tender and flavorful under its cheesy, bacon-packed topping. To make it even more special, you can serve it with roasted vegetables, buttery mashed potatoes, or a crisp side salad for a perfectly balanced meal.
Loaded chicken dishes have been popular in American kitchens since the 1980s, when restaurants first began layering chicken with bacon and cheese as a hearty alternative to steakhouse meals. This recipe keeps that tradition alive, but with a fresher, homemade touch.
Recipe Yield: 4 servings
INGREDIENTS
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
½ cup cooked crumbled bacon
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
⅓ cup sour cream
2 tbsp sliced green onions
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp sea salt
¼ tsp black pepper
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Prepare the chicken:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish. Pat chicken breasts dry and rub them with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Sear and arrange:
Heat a skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to prepared baking dish.
3. Load the toppings:
Evenly sprinkle bacon, cheddar, and mozzarella over each chicken breast. Cover dish loosely with foil.
4. Bake to perfection:
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove foil for last 5 minutes to melt and lightly brown cheese.
5. Garnish and serve:
Let rest for 5 minutes. Top with sour cream, green onions, and parsley before serving warm.
Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe
- Even Thickness Matters: Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for quicker, more uniform cooking.
- Crispier Bacon Wins: Cook bacon until very crisp before crumbling to keep toppings from becoming soggy.
- Cheese Blend Upgrade: Add a touch of Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for extra creaminess and flavor.
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