Savor the ultimate comfort food with this recipe for Smoky Mountain Chicken—a deliciously smoky, cheesy, and savory dish that’s bound to become a household favorite. Tender, seasoned chicken breasts are seared to perfection, brushed with tangy barbecue sauce, and topped with crispy smoked bacon and a gooey blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. After a quick bake in the oven, the result is a golden, bubbly masterpiece bursting with bold flavors, thanks to the smoky paprika and garlic-infused rub. This quick and easy dish is ready in under an hour, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Garnish with fresh green onions for a pop of color, and pair with creamy mashed potatoes or a crisp garden salad for a complete and unforgettable meal. Smoky Mountain Chicken is your go-to recipe for hearty, crowd-pleasing comfort food!
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place chicken breasts on a cutting board and pat them dry with a paper towel. Brush each piece with olive oil on both sides.
Season chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook bacon slices until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease.
In the same skillet, sear the chicken breasts for about 2 minutes per side to develop a nice golden-brown crust. Remove the chicken and transfer them to a baking dish.
Brush barbecue sauce generously over the seared chicken breasts, ensuring they are well-coated.
Crumble the cooked bacon into smaller pieces and sprinkle evenly over each chicken breast.
Mix the cheddar and monterey jack cheeses in a bowl, then top each chicken breast with a generous amount of the shredded cheese mixture.
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.
Serve warm with your choice of sides, such as mashed potatoes or a fresh garden salad.
Calories |
3488 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 181.1 g | 232% | |
| Saturated Fat | 70.8 g | 354% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 935 mg | 312% | |
| Sodium | 9537 mg | 415% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 137.7 g | 50% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.4 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 91.4 g | ||
| Protein | 315.8 g | 632% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 1538 mg | 118% | |
| Iron | 10.8 mg | 60% | |
| Potassium | 3738 mg | 80% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.