For a richer flavor, consider using smoked bacon. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick. If you don't have Monterey Jack, mozzarella or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack works well.
Indulge in a symphony of flavors with our baked chicken masterpiece! Tender, golden-brown chicken breasts, embraced by a luscious honey-mustard BBQ sauce enriched with smoky bacon, vibrant diced tomatoes, and sweet onions, all nestled atop a bed of perfectly cooked pasta and blanketed in melted Monterey Jack cheese. A culinary hug in every bite!
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). (5 minutes)
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions, about 8-10 minutes or until al dente; drain well. Transfer to a deep 9x13 inch baking dish. (15 minutes)
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Season generously with salt and pepper. (2 minutes)
Dip the chicken breasts in the egg mixture, then dredge in panko bread crumbs, ensuring they are fully coated. (5 minutes)
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken breasts until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove to paper towels to drain excess oil. (15 minutes)
Drain any excess oil from the skillet, leaving a light coating. (1 minute)
While the chicken is cooking, place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium-high heat until crisp, about 8-10 minutes. Remove bacon from pan, crumble, and set aside. (10 minutes)
Place the skillet (that used to have chicken in it) over medium heat. Add diced tomato and onion, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the crumbled bacon. (10 minutes)
Pour in the honey mustard barbecue sauce and spicy brown mustard. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. (5 minutes)
Pour the sauce over the cooked pasta in the baking dish. Arrange the fried chicken breasts on top of the sauce-covered pasta, then cover generously with shredded Monterey Jack cheese. (5 minutes)
Bake for 15-20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown, and the dish is heated through. (20 minutes)
Let cool slightly before serving.
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked bacon. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick. If you don't have Monterey Jack, mozzarella or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack works well.
Ali Wuckert
Jan 31, 2025This recipe is a game-changer! The honey mustard barbecue sauce is incredible.
Demond Klocko
Dec 15, 2024My family devoured this! The bacon adds such a great smoky flavor.
Jarrod Huel
Sep 10, 2024I added a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little extra kick. Perfect!
Guillermo Kuvalis
Jun 3, 2024The panko bread crumbs really make a difference. The chicken is so crispy!
German Vonruedengleichner
May 8, 2024I substituted cheddar cheese for the Monterey Jack, and it was still delicious.
Roslyn Marvin
Mar 22, 2024Easy to follow recipe and tasted fantastic. Thank you!
Hilario Waelchi
Dec 22, 2023A little time-consuming, but totally worth it. Will definitely make again.
Jacquelyn Kohler
Nov 4, 2023I made this for a potluck, and it was a huge hit. Everyone wanted the recipe!