Oven Baked Smothered Chicken with Bacon Bits and Parmesan Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Oven Baked Smothered Chicken topped with crispy bacon bits and Parmesan cheese. This dish combines juicy, tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich, creamy sauce, and baked to perfection. The addition of bacon bits adds a delightful crunch and smoky flavor, while the Parmesan cheese melts to create a golden, cheesy crust. Perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or anytime you crave a hearty, satisfying meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
This delicious meal offers the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and crispy elements. The smothered chicken is tender and juicy, bathed in a luxurious sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Each bite is enhanced by the smoky bacon bits and the rich, nutty taste of Parmesan cheese. The dish is easy to prepare and bake, making it a convenient option for any night of the week. The mouthwatering aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes is just a preview of the delightful meal you’re about to enjoy.
Tools to Use
- Large mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking dish
- Skillet
- Tongs
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
For the Smothered Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
For the Smothered Chicken:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and dried oregano.
- Cook the Bacon: In a skillet, cook the bacon slices over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet, crumble it, and set aside.
- Sear the Chicken: In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sear the chicken breasts over medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it in a baking dish.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Dish: Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken breasts in the baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, followed by the crumbled bacon bits.
- Bake the Chicken: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve the smothered chicken with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
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Oven Baked Smothered Chicken with Bacon Bits and Parmesan Cheese
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking dish
- Skillet
- Tongs
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- For the Smothered Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (optional)
Instructions
- For the Smothered Chicken:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and dried oregano.
- Cook the Bacon: In a skillet, cook the bacon slices over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet, crumble it, and set aside.
- Sear the Chicken: In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sear the chicken breasts over medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it in a baking dish.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Dish: Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken breasts in the baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, followed by the crumbled bacon bits.
- Bake the Chicken: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve the smothered chicken with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Tips for Cooking
- Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for more uniform cooking.
- Bacon: Cook the bacon until it’s crispy, as it adds a nice texture to the dish.
- Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and has a richer flavor than pre-grated varieties.
- Sauce: For a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer a bit longer before pouring it over the chicken.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
This Oven Baked Smothered Chicken with Bacon Bits and Parmesan Cheese offers a comforting and indulgent meal that’s both easy to prepare and absolutely delicious. The creamy sauce, crispy bacon, and melted cheese create a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave everyone at the table craving more. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this dish is a surefire way to impress your loved ones with minimal effort. The combination of savory, creamy, and cheesy elements makes this recipe an instant favorite that you’ll return to again and again.
We hope you enjoy making and savoring this Oven Baked Smothered Chicken with Bacon Bits and Parmesan Cheese as much as we do. It’s a comforting and hearty dish that combines the best of savory and creamy flavors into one perfect meal. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy. Don’t forget to share your culinary creations and let us know how it turned out. Happy cooking and bon appétit!
