Bacon and Cheese Smothered Chicken Recipe

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Salt and pepper to taste

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

2 tablespoons olive oil

8 slices bacon, cooked and chopped

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup chicken broth

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)

Additional herbs for garnish (e.g., parsley or chives)

Instructions:

Preheat Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Season Chicken:

Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

Brown Chicken:

Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear on both sides until golden, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce:

In the same skillet, add the heavy cream, chicken broth, and thyme. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.

Simmer Sauce:

Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly.

Combine Chicken and Sauce:

Return the chicken to the skillet. Sprinkle the cooked, chopped bacon over the chicken.

Add Cheese:

Sprinkle both the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses over the chicken and bacon.

Bake:

Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Garnish and Serve:

Garnish with chopped parsley, chives, or additional thyme before serving.

This dish is perfect for a comforting dinner, providing a delicious combination of creamy, cheesy flavors with the smokiness of bacon.

Serve it alongside a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or over pasta for a more filling meal.

Enjoy your cooking! If you need any modifications to the recipe or have other requests, just let me know!