I recently made this smothered chicken recipe, and trust me—it’s an absolute winner! It’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate, with juicy chicken bathed in a creamy, cheesy sauce. The crispy bacon topping and perfectly caramelized onions take it to the next level.

What’s amazing is how easy it is to prepare, even on a busy weeknight. My family devoured it, and I know it’s going to be a regular in our dinner rotation. It’s comfort food that’s both indulgent and practical, and I can’t wait for you to try it.

Credit: saltandlavender

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious smothered chicken. Each ingredient plays its part to create the perfect flavor and texture:

1/2 pound of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled.
Pro Tip: Don’t throw away the bacon grease; it adds amazing flavor when cooking the chicken.
1 1/2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken tenders.
Why it works: Chicken tenders are juicy and cook evenly, but you can also use chicken breasts sliced into smaller pieces.
1/2 cup all-purpose flour.
Tip: This helps create a golden crust when dredging the chicken.
1 medium onion, sliced.
Why it works: Yellow onions bring a natural sweetness and balance to the dish.
1 (10.5-ounce) can of cream of chicken and mushroom soup.
Substitution idea: If you can’t find this, use one can of cream of chicken or cream of mushroom instead.
1/2 cup water.
Tip: You can use milk for a richer sauce.
2 cups of shredded Italian blend cheese.
Pro Tip: Always shred your cheese fresh for the best melt and flavor.

Note: This recipe serves 4, but double the quantities if feeding a larger crowd!

Variations

Here are some great ways to tweak the recipe for different dietary needs or flavor preferences:

Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap the cream of chicken soup with a dairy-free cream soup alternative and use dairy-free cheese.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend for dredging the chicken and opt for gluten-free condensed soup.
Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes for a kick.
Vegetable Add-Ins: A handful of spinach or thinly sliced mushrooms works amazingly well in the sauce.

You can also enjoy similar comforting dishes like Green Chile Chicken Smothered Burritos.

Cooking Time

Here’s how long it takes to prepare and cook this recipe from start to finish:

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Equipment You Need

To make this smothered chicken recipe, you’ll need the following:

Large skillet: For cooking the bacon and browning the chicken.
Paper towels: To drain bacon grease and keep the bacon crispy.
Mixing bowl: To prepare the sauce.
9×13-inch baking dish: For baking everything together.
Oven: The key to an evenly baked smothered chicken.

How to Make Easy Smothered Chicken Recipe?

Cook the Bacon

Start by cooking the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Once done, place the cooked bacon on a plate lined with paper towels to drain the grease. Crumble the bacon and set it aside. Leave the bacon drippings in the skillet for extra flavor.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to make cleanup easier.

Season and Dredge the Chicken

Season your chicken tenders with salt and a pinch of pepper. Coat the chicken pieces lightly in all-purpose flour. This gives the chicken a golden crust when cooked.

Brown the Chicken

Heat the leftover bacon grease (or 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil) in the skillet. Add the chicken tenders and cook over medium heat until they’re lightly browned on both sides. Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking dish, arranging the pieces in a single layer.

Cook the Onions

Using the same skillet, sauté the sliced onions until soft and caramelized, about 5 minutes. Spread the onions over the chicken in the baking dish.

Prepare the Sauce

Mix the cream of chicken and mushroom soup with 1/2 cup of water (or milk) in a bowl. Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken and onions in the baking dish.

Bake the Chicken

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).

Add Cheese and Bacon

Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheese and crumbled bacon on top. Return it to the oven for another 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve the smothered chicken hot over white rice, mashed potatoes, or with roasted vegetables on the side.

Credit: saltandlavender

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

Here are some handy tips from my own experience to make this recipe even better:

Use fresh cheese for a creamy, gooey topping. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that affect melting.
Stick to yellow onions for their sweet, mild flavor. If you’re out of yellow onions, white onions work in a pinch.
A meat thermometer is your best friend. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for perfect doneness.
Looking to save time? Prep the bacon and sauce earlier in the day to streamline the cooking process at dinner time.

If you’re a fan of stuffed dishes, you might also enjoy this Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells Recipe.

How to Serve Easy Smothered Chicken?

This easy smothered chicken is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with many sides. My personal favorites are white rice and fluffy mashed potatoes, as they soak up the creamy sauce. For a splash of color, garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley. You can also serve it alongside steamed broccoli or roasted green beans for a balanced, hearty meal.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional values per serving (approximate):

Calories: 745
Protein: 61g
Carbohydrates: 23g
Fat: 45g

Make Ahead and Storage

Making this dish ahead of time is simple, and leftovers store well!

Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Once cooked, place the dish in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 month.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions as needed.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

You’ll love this smothered chicken recipe for several reasons. Here’s why it stands out:

Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights but impressive enough for guests.
Comforting and Delicious: Rich, creamy sauce paired with crispy bacon is simply irresistible.
Versatile: Easily adaptable to different dietary needs and tastes.
Minimal Cleanup: One baking dish and a skillet are all you need!
Customizable: Add veggies, adjust spices, or switch up the cheese to fit your cravings.

Now that you have all the details, it’s time to grab your apron and try this crowd-pleasing smothered chicken recipe for yourself. Happy cooking! For more chicken-based inspiration, check out these Chicken Recipes.

Ash Tyrrell