Smoky Mountain Chicken

Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a baking dish that'll hold all your chicken in a single layer.

Season the chicken breasts generously with black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning — think of it like building a foundation of flavors that'll balance the sweet barbecue sauce later.

Arrange the seasoned chicken in your prepared dish and bake for 25 minutes, until the internal temp hits 165°F.

Pull the chicken out and pour barbecue sauce over each piece, making sure they're completely glazed — here's where that sweet element comes into play.

Top each piece with crumbled bacon and a generous handful of shredded Monterey Jack. The bacon adds that smoky, salty bite that keeps this dish from being one-note sweet.

Return to the oven for 8 minutes, just until the cheese melts and starts to bubble around the edges.

Transfer to serving plates and finish with chopped green onions and tomatoes for a fresh, acidic pop that cuts through all that richness. (The tomatoes and onions aren't just garnish — they're balancing the whole flavor profile)