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Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 8 ounces sliced mushrooms (cremini or button)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• 8 slices Swiss cheese
• Cooked rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta, for serving

Preparing the Chicken:

1. First, let’s get our chicken ready. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely. Season them generously on both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried basil. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – it’s what gives the chicken its flavor!
2. Now, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is nice and hot before adding the chicken. This will help create a good sear.
3. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to be sure!
4. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Cover it loosely with foil to keep it warm while we prepare the sauce.

Making the Sauce:

1. In the same skillet (don’t wash it yet – all those browned bits are flavor!), add the sliced onion and cook over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
3. Add the sliced bell peppers and mushrooms to the skillet. Cook until the peppers are tender-crisp and the mushrooms have released their moisture and browned slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally.
4. Now, it’s time to create a roux. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables in the skillet. Stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes to cook the flour and prevent it from clumping. This will help thicken the sauce.
5. Gradually pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
6. Add the Worcestershire sauce and bring the sauce to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.

Assembling the Aussie Chicken:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place the cooked chicken breasts in a baking dish.
3. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken breasts. Make sure each chicken breast is well coated with the sauce.
4. Top each chicken breast with two slices of Swiss cheese.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
7. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Serving Suggestions:

Aussie Chicken is delicious served over cooked rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta. The creamy sauce is perfect for soaking into these sides. You can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Success:

• Don’t overcook the chicken. Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Use fresh ingredients whenever possible. Fresh vegetables and herbs will add the most flavor to your dish.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with the seasoning. Adjust the seasoning to your liking. You can add more or less of any of the spices, or try adding other spices like smoked paprika or chili powder.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth. If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.
• For a richer flavor, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. You’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Make it ahead of time. You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble the dish just before baking.

Variations:

• Add bacon. Cooked bacon crumbles add a smoky flavor to the dish. Sprinkle them over the chicken before baking.
• Use different cheese. Instead of Swiss cheese, try using provolone, mozzarella, or Gruyere.
• Add vegetables. You can add other vegetables to the sauce, such as zucchini, eggplant, or spinach.
• Make it spicy. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a little heat.
• Use a different protein. You can substitute the chicken with pork chops or steak.

Storage Instructions:

Store leftover Aussie Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Aussie Chicken! I hope you love this recipe as much as I do. It’s a family favorite in my house, and I’m sure it will be in yours too!

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! This Aussie Chicken recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a flavor explosion that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. From the crispy, golden-brown chicken to the savory combination of bacon, cheese, and tangy BBQ sauce, every bite is a little slice of down-under deliciousness. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe for anyone looking to add some excitement to their dinner routine.

But why is this recipe a must-try? It’s simple: it’s incredibly easy to make, uses readily available ingredients, and delivers restaurant-quality flavor without the restaurant price tag. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable! Don’t have Swiss cheese on hand? Try provolone or mozzarella. Feeling adventurous? Add some sliced pineapple for a sweet and savory twist. The possibilities are truly endless!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

This Aussie Chicken is fantastic served with a variety of sides. For a classic pairing, try it with crispy roasted potatoes and steamed green beans. A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette also complements the richness of the chicken beautifully. If you’re looking for something a little heartier, consider serving it with creamy mashed potatoes or a side of mac and cheese.

And speaking of variations, here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

* Spicy Aussie Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the BBQ sauce or use a spicy BBQ sauce for an extra kick.
* Hawaiian Aussie Chicken: Top the chicken with sliced pineapple and a sprinkle of coconut flakes for a tropical twist.
* Aussie Chicken Sliders: Cut the chicken into smaller pieces and serve it on slider buns with your favorite toppings for a fun and casual appetizer.
* Aussie Chicken Salad: Dice the cooked chicken and mix it with mayonnaise, celery, onion, and grapes for a delicious chicken salad sandwich filling.

I’ve even tried using this recipe with pork chops instead of chicken breasts, and it was absolutely divine! The key is to ensure the meat is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own! That’s the beauty of cooking – it’s all about creating something that you and your loved ones will enjoy.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this Aussie Chicken recipe that I urge you to give it a try. It’s the perfect weeknight meal, a crowd-pleasing party dish, or a special occasion treat. It’s versatile, flavorful, and guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face.

Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What sides did you serve it with? What did your family think? Share your photos and stories on social media using #MyAussieChicken or tag me in your posts. I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy cooking, and enjoy this taste of Australia! I know you’ll find this Aussie Chicken recipe a winner.

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