Cheesy Bacon Smothered Chicken (Alice Springs Chicken)

Marinate Chicken:

1. Flatten the Chicken Breasts (optional): If your chicken breasts are unevenly thick, place them between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound the thicker parts so each piece is about the same thickness. This helps them cook evenly. You can also pick up thin sliced chicken breasts at the grocery store.
2. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add a spoonful of honey mustard (about 1 Tablespoon) if you’d like extra flavor. Place chicken breasts in a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.

Cook the Bacon:

1. There are two popular ways to cook bacon:Skillet Method: Lay bacon strips in a cold skillet without overlapping. Turn the heat to medium, and cook bacon until crisp, flipping occasionally (8–12 minutes depending on thickness). Drain on paper towels and let it cool slightly before crumbling or cutting into pieces.Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a sheet pan with foil or parchment paper. Arrange bacon slices in a single layer. Bake for 18-23 minutes, or until your desired crispiness.Transfer to paper towels to remove excess grease, then crumble or chop.
2. If you want to add caramelize onions or saute mushrooms, you can do it at this time. Caramelizing onions takes at least 15 minutes so set aside at least 15-20 minutes. In a medium skillet over medium-low heat, add butter until melted. Add onions (or mushrooms) and cook until softened and a golden color. Stir often to keep from browning too much.

GRILL or PAN-FRY CHICKEN IN A SKILLET:

1. Grilling Instructions: Preheat the grill. Set the grill to medium-high heat.Lightly brush oil on the grates to prevent the chicken from sticking.Grill the chicken by placing the marinated chicken breasts on the grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.Remove and generously baste with honey mustard sauce. Pan-Frying Instructions: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drizzle with olive oil or spray with non-stick cooking spray. Place the chicken breasts in the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until a golden color and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. I suggest using a meat thermometer. Remove and generously baste with honey mustard.

SMOTHER THE CHICKEN:

1. After you have basted the chicken with honey mustard sauce, lay a slice of cheese or sprinkle with shredded cheese on top of the chicken. If you are grilling the chicken, place the chicken back on the grill to allow the cheese to melt. If you are pan-frying the chicken, you can place back in the pan and cover the skillet to allow the cheese to melt or you can broil it in the oven for about 3 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
2. Generously sprinkle with crispy bacon and caramelized onions or sauteed mushrooms, if using. Serve warm. May sprinkle with fresh green onion.