Welcome to “Love With Recipes,” where we bring you the most delightful and detailed recipes to elevate your home cooking experience. Today, we’re diving into a beloved dish inspired by Bennigan’s: the irresistibly delicious Smothered Chicken. This recipe brings together tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms and onions, crispy bacon, and gooey provolone cheese to create a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds dance with joy! 🥳🍗🧀
Bennigan’s Smothered Chicken
Total Time: 40 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 4 | Boneless skinless chicken breasts |
| 1 | Onion, sliced |
| 1 tsp | Liquid smoke flavoring |
| 1 tbsp | Butter |
| 3 tbsp | Margarine |
| 8 slices | Provolone cheese |
| 4 | Basil leaves, fresh |
| 1 tsp | Garlic powder |
| 1 tbsp | Liquid smoke flavoring |
| 3 tbsp | White wine |
| 1/4 tsp | Salt |
| 1/4 tsp | Black pepper |
| 1/2 tsp | Vinegar |
| 1/2 cup | Mushrooms, sliced |
| 2 | Bacon strips, cooked |
Instructions
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, combine the liquid smoke flavoring, garlic powder, white wine, vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure all the flavors blend harmoniously. This marinade will infuse the chicken with a rich, smoky taste that’s simply irresistible.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts in a large, resealable plastic bag or a covered bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This step is crucial for maximizing flavor, so don’t rush it! 🕰️
3. Prepare the Toppings:
While the chicken is marinating, slice the onion and mushrooms. Cook the bacon until it’s crispy, then set it aside on a paper towel to drain the excess grease.
4. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, melt the butter and margarine over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and mushrooms, and sauté them with the liquid smoke flavoring for 3 to 5 minutes. You’ll want the onions to become translucent and the mushrooms to turn tender, but avoid browning them. The aroma will be absolutely divine! 🍄🧅
5. Grill the Chicken:
Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and grill it over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes. If you prefer, you can use an oven instead (instructions follow). Be careful not to overcook the chicken; it should be juicy and tender.
6. Preheat the Oven:
While the chicken is grilling, preheat your oven to broil. This will ensure it’s ready to melt the cheese and bring all the toppings together perfectly.
7. Assemble the Dish:
Once the chicken is grilled, place each breast in a shallow baking dish. Top each piece with a strip of cooked bacon, followed by a slice of provolone cheese, and then spoon the sautéed onions and mushrooms over the cheese. The layers of flavors and textures will create a delightful eating experience.
8. Broil to Perfection:
Place the baking dish under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
9. Oven Instructions (Alternative to Grilling):
If you prefer to use the oven for cooking the chicken, preheat your oven to broil. Place the chicken breasts on a broiler pan and broil them about 5 to 7 inches from the broiler element for approximately 10 minutes. Watch the chicken carefully! About 6 minutes into broiling, add the bacon strips on top of the chicken. Once the chicken and bacon are done, remove from the oven, top with cheese and the mushroom/onion mixture, and broil for an additional 2-3 minutes. Be vigilant, as the grease from the bacon can sometimes ignite if not monitored closely.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the cheese is bubbly and golden, remove the dish from the oven. Serve the smothered chicken hot, and enjoy the symphony of flavors that come together in this delightful dish. Your family and friends will surely be impressed by this restaurant-quality meal made right at home! 😋🍽️
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 608.4 kcal |
| Fat Content | 42.1 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 18.3 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 138.8 mg |
| Sodium Content | 1107.7 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 8 g |
| Fiber Content | 1 g |
| Sugar Content | 3 g |
| Protein Content | 45.9 g |
Serving Suggestions
This delectable smothered chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes complements the rich flavors of the smothered chicken perfectly.
- Steamed Vegetables: A medley of steamed broccoli, carrots, and green beans adds a fresh and healthy contrast to the dish.
- Rice Pilaf: A light and fluffy rice pilaf with herbs can be a delightful accompaniment, soaking up the savory juices from the chicken.
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Marinating Time: If you have more time, marinate the chicken for several hours or overnight to deepen the flavors.
- Cheese Variation: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Swiss or mozzarella can also be wonderful alternatives to provolone.
- Herbs: Fresh basil leaves add a lovely touch, but you can also try using thyme or oregano for a different flavor profile.
- Mushroom Mix: A combination of different mushrooms, such as cremini and shiitake, can add depth to the dish.
We hope you enjoy making and savoring this Bennigan’s Smothered Chicken recipe as much as we do. It’s a fantastic way to bring restaurant-quality meals into your home kitchen, impressing your loved ones with every bite. Happy cooking! 🥰👩🍳🍴
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