Updated on September 24th, 2025
This smoky mountain chicken recipe is a delicious way to turn simple chicken breasts into something special. Each piece is brushed with BBQ sauce, baked until tender, and topped with melted cheese, crispy bacon, green onions, and tomatoes. The flavors blend together in a way that feels both smoky and fresh, giving you a dish that’s full of comfort. Whether you bake it in the oven, grill it outdoors, or finish it in a skillet, this chicken always comes out flavorful and satisfying.
Why this recipe works
- Flavorful layers: BBQ sauce, cheese, bacon, and vegetables combine with chicken to create a dish that’s smoky, savory, and balanced in taste.
- Easy method: The process of seasoning, baking, glazing, and topping the chicken is simple, making it approachable for any skill level.
- Flexible cooking: You can bake, grill, or pan-fry the chicken depending on what works best for your kitchen setup or occasion.
- Protein rich: Chicken paired with cheese and bacon makes this recipe filling and enjoyable as the centerpiece of any meal.
- Crowd appeal: Familiar ingredients and smoky BBQ flavor make this dish one that both kids and adults will always look forward to.
Serving suggestions
- Dinner idea: Serve smoky mountain chicken with a cold pasta salad or potato salad for a balanced and flavorful meal.
- Cookout favorite: Grill the chicken outdoors to enhance the smoky flavor and pair it with corn on the cob and coleslaw.
- Weeknight option: Add roasted vegetables and rice on the side for a complete dinner that comes together without much effort.
- Party food: Slice the chicken into strips and serve on a platter with toothpicks for an appetizer guests can enjoy easily.
- Comfort plate: Pair smoky mountain chicken with mashed potatoes and green beans for a classic dinner everyone will appreciate.
Smoky mountain chicken recipe
Try Smoky Mountain chicken for a cheesy, BBQ-inspired dinner topped with bacon and veggies, an easy recipe full of smoky flavor
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings 1x
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 18 ounces barbecue sauce
- 8 slices cooked and crumbled bacon
- 4 slices Monterey hack cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup chopped tomato
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Place the chicken breasts into the baking dish.
- Place into the oven and cook for about 25 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked (the internal temperature has reached 165 degrees F.) Cooking times will vary depending on the size of the chicken breasts.
- Remove from the oven and brush the chicken breasts on both sides with BBQ sauce. Top each chicken breast with a slice of cheese and some of the crumbled bacon. Return to the hot oven and bake for 8 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
- Remove from the oven and top with green onions and tomatoes for serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 627
- Sugar: 50.4 g
- Sodium: 1529.8 mg
- Fat: 32.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 61.9 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 82.6 mg