Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken and cook 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Remove and tent loosely with foil.
- Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the same skillet, add sliced mushrooms, and cook 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and reduced by about half.
- Sprinkle flour evenly over the mushrooms and stir constantly for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in beef broth and milk, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom. Simmer 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until gravy thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Return chicken to the skillet. Top each breast with about 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack and spoon gravy over and around the chicken.
- Place the skillet under a preheated broiler, about 6 inches from the heat source, for 1-2 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Watch carefully.
- Remove from broiler and let the chicken rest 2-3 minutes before cutting. Garnish with crumbled bacon and sliced green onions if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Always shred Monterey Jack fresh -- pre-shredded cheese contains starch coatings that prevent smooth melting. Chicken thighs can be substituted for extra juiciness. Leftovers keep up to 3 days refrigerated; reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth to loosen the gravy. Freezes well for up to 2 months.
