Ingredients (Serves 4):
4 skinless chicken breast portions
6 slices of bacon
½ tbsp chicken seasoning
½ tbsp onion powder
1 tsp paprika powder
2 cups Colby/Jack cheese, shredded
2 cups sliced button mushrooms
The Honey Mustard Mixture:
¼ cup honey
1/3 cup yellow grainy mustard
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp corn syrup (optional)
½ tsp onion flakes
Cooking Instructions
Preparation:
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when needed.
Prepare the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, crisp the bacon until it’s golden and the fat has rendered completely. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken breasts with chicken seasoning, onion powder, and paprika. Massage the seasonings into the chicken and let it marinate for at least 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Making the Honey Mustard Sauce:
Prepare the Sauce: In a non-stick pan over low heat, combine honey, mustard, onion flakes, and mayonnaise. Stir until smooth and well-mixed.
Adjust Sweetness: Gradually add corn syrup to balance the tanginess of the mustard, adjusting to taste. Allow the sauce to lightly simmer, then set it aside.
Cooking the Chicken:
Brown the Chicken: In the same skillet used for bacon (with the bacon fat), return to medium heat. Brown the marinated chicken breasts on both sides until they develop a golden hue, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
Assembly and Baking:
Transfer the browned chicken breasts to a baking dish lined with aluminum foil.
Spread the prepared honey mustard sauce evenly over each chicken breast.
Top generously with sliced mushrooms, crumbled bacon, and shredded Colby/Jack cheese.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, about 10-12 minutes.
Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot, accompanied by your favorite vegetable slaw and perhaps a refreshing drink to complement the flavors.
Variations and Tips
Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella if you prefer or have dietary restrictions.
Vegetarian Twist: Substitute chicken with tofu or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
Healthier Choices: Opt for lean turkey bacon and low-fat cheese to reduce calorie and fat content.
Spice It Up: Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the honey mustard sauce for a spicy kick.
No Oven? No Problem: Use a microwave to melt the cheese after assembling the dish.
