Smoky Mountain Chicken: The Ultimate BBQ, Ham & Provolone Recipe for Easy Weeknights
Prepare to elevate your dinner game with this incredibly flavorful classic smoky BBQ mountain chicken! This recipe features tender chicken breasts generously marinated in a rich barbecue sauce, then topped with savory ham and a blanket of melted provolone cheese. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that promises to be a hit, leaving your entire family asking for seconds!
If you’ve ever enjoyed the famed smoky mountain chicken served over rice at Ruby Tuesday, then get ready to be amazed – because this homemade version is not just good, it’s truly **LOVE-worthy**, and arguably even better! Our family absolutely adores preparing this chicken dish, especially when we’re craving a meal that’s unapologetically **bold, wonderfully savory, and delightfully cheesy**. Without fail, conversations about who gets the last piece or planning for future servings often begin even before our plates are clean. This easy chicken recipe has become a staple in our home, providing comfort and bursting with flavor every single time.
And here’s a little secret: this versatile smoky BBQ chicken isn’t just a main course; it also makes an incredible sandwich! Imagine slicing up this tender, cheesy, and ham-topped chicken, placing it between your favorite bread, and enjoying it as a hearty meal. It’s perfect for transforming **weekday lunches or making dinners even more exciting!**
A Cherished Family Favorite: Why This Smoky Mountain Chicken Stands Out
Chicken is a frequent guest at our dinner table, making the discovery of a recipe that is *this good* and requires **only four simple ingredients** an absolute triumph. I initially shared this incredible recipe way back in 2015, during a period when I was reviewing cookbooks, specifically one by the talented Mary of Deep South Dish. At the time, I was busy perfecting Mary’s Skillet Red Beans & Rice, but the idea of this particular smoky chicken recipe lingered in my mind. Later that same week, facing the perennial weeknight dinner dilemma, I decided to give it a try. It was an instant hit!
What makes this smoky mountain chicken recipe truly exceptional, beyond its incredible taste, is its sheer convenience. It has become one of those go-to meals where I reliably have all four essential ingredients on hand: chicken, BBQ sauce, ham, and provolone cheese. This makes it an ideal solution for those hectic, last-minute weeknights when time is short but you still want to serve a delicious, wholesome, and satisfying meal to your family. It’s simple, quick, and guaranteed to deliver on flavor every single time.
While we typically prepare this recipe using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner, quick-cooking option, don’t hesitate to get creative! This delicious preparation method would work equally well with boneless, skinless chicken thighs, offering a slightly richer flavor and even more tenderness. No matter which cut of chicken you choose, you are guaranteed to fall in love with this incredibly **tender and flavorful chicken recipe**. For those who truly want to elevate this dish to gourmet status, consider whipping up a batch of my Homemade Barbecue Sauce. Using your own homemade sauce will add an extra layer of depth, sweetness, and smokiness that transforms this already fantastic meal into something truly extraordinary.
The Secret Behind This Winning Smoky Mountain Chicken Recipe
This Smoky Mountain Chicken recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create a truly memorable meal. Here’s why this recipe consistently hits it out of the park:
- This recipe stands out for its incredible **ease of preparation**! The simplicity begins with a straightforward marinade that infuses the chicken with rich BBQ flavor, doing most of the heavy lifting for you in terms of prep. The grilling steps are just as uncomplicated, ensuring that even novice cooks can achieve perfectly cooked, tender chicken without stress or fuss. It’s a minimal effort, maximum flavor kind of dish.
- It’s a recipe the **entire family will wholeheartedly enjoy**! There’s something universally appealing about the combination of savory chicken, tangy barbecue sauce, and gooey melted cheese. My children, especially my boys, consistently ask for this smoky mountain chicken, and it rarely disappoints. Who doesn’t love the comforting and bold flavors of barbecue sauce paired with the creamy richness of melted cheese? It’s a guaranteed crowd-plater for all ages.
- This versatile dish can be served as the **star of your dinner plate**, pairing beautifully with a wide array of side dishes. Consider serving it alongside comforting classics like my creamy corn pie pudding, or a refreshing Greek-style cucumber salad for a lighter contrast. Our personal favorites to accompany this flavorful chicken often include perfectly steamed or roasted asparagus, fluffy white rice to soak up all the delicious juices, and a slice of warm, homemade cornbread.
Essential Ingredients for Your Smoky Mountain Chicken
Crafting the perfect Smoky Mountain Chicken requires just a few key ingredients, each playing a vital role in building its signature flavor profile. Here’s what you’ll need and why:
- Barbecue Sauce: This is truly the heart and soul of this recipe. The barbecue sauce not only tenderizes the chicken during the marination process but also infuses it with that characteristic smoky, tangy, and sweet flavor. You’ll need enough to fully submerge and coat the chicken breasts. While your favorite store-bought brand will work, for an unparalleled taste experience, I highly recommend trying my homemade barbecue sauce. It strikes the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, creating a truly exceptional foundation for this dish.
- Chicken: The foundation of this hearty meal is, of course, the chicken. For this recipe, we typically use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. If you’re cooking for a larger gathering or simply have a big appetite in your family, ensure you have enough chicken breasts to satisfy everyone (we suggest 4-6 servings). As mentioned earlier, if you prefer, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent alternative, offering a slightly richer and even more succulent result due to their higher fat content.
- Ham: The ham adds a wonderful salty, savory counterpoint to the sweetness of the BBQ sauce and the richness of the cheese. The key here is the thickness of the slices. You want ham that’s substantial enough to hold its texture and flavor after heating, so aim for slices that are not too thin (which might disappear) but also not overly thick. We often opt for freshly sliced ham from our local butcher or deli, as it tends to have better flavor and texture. This recipe is also a brilliant way to utilize leftover ham from holiday feasts, giving it a delicious new life!
- Cheese: Provolone cheese is our top choice for this Smoky Mountain Chicken recipe, and for good reason. Its mild yet distinctly creamy flavor profile melts beautifully and blends seamlessly with the bold barbecue sauce and savory ham without overpowering them. It provides that essential gooey, rich topping that makes this dish so appealing. If you don’t have provolone on hand, a mild cheddar or Monterey Jack could also work in a pinch, but provolone truly offers the best balance of flavor and melt.
Step-by-Step: How to Craft Your Own Smoky Mountain Chicken
Whether you’re planning a casual weeknight meal, preparing for an exciting game day gathering, hosting a holiday party, or simply looking for a new family favorite, this Smoky Mountain Chicken recipe is sure to impress. It’s remarkably simple to make, yet delivers a taste that feels gourmet. Let’s walk through the easy steps to create this delicious dish!
Step 1: The Flavor Foundation – Marinate the Chicken
Begin by preparing your chicken for its flavor infusion. Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into a sturdy resealable bag, such as a large Ziploc. Next, generously pour in your chosen barbecue sauce. Ensure there’s enough sauce to fully coat each piece of chicken. Seal the bag, pressing out as much air as possible, then gently “squish” and massage the chicken within the bag until every surface is thoroughly covered with the BBQ sauce. This hands-on method helps the sauce adhere and penetrate the meat evenly. Once coated, place the bag in the refrigerator and allow the chicken to marinate for a minimum of two hours. For deeper flavor and maximum tenderness, you can certainly let them marinate longer, even overnight (up to 24 hours). Periodically, give the bag another gentle squeeze and flip to redistribute the sauce, ensuring consistent flavor development.
Step 2: Grill to Perfection, Then Layer with Goodness
Once your chicken is beautifully marinated, it’s time to cook. Preheat your grill to a medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken breasts directly on the hot grates and grill, turning occasionally, until they are thoroughly cooked through. The key is to reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). Always use a reliable meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken to ensure it’s safely cooked. If grilling isn’t an option, you can also bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or pan-sear it on the stovetop until cooked through.
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully transfer each piece to a baking sheet. This makes the next steps incredibly easy. Now for the delicious layering: generously pile a few slices of your chosen ham on top of each cooked chicken breast. Ensure the ham completely covers the top surface, creating a flavorful base for the cheese.
Finally, take a slice of provolone cheese (or two, if you’re feeling extra cheesy!) and elegantly place it over the ham, ensuring it covers both the ham and the chicken underneath. The goal is for the cheese to melt and create a glorious, gooey blanket.
Step 3: The Grand Finale – Bake Until Golden and Gooey
With your chicken, ham, and cheese beautifully assembled on the baking sheet, it’s time for the final touch. Place the baking sheet into your preheated oven (usually around 350°F or 175°C) and bake for approximately 5-10 minutes, or until the provolone cheese is perfectly melted, bubbly, and just starting to turn a light golden color. Keep a close eye on it to prevent over-browning. For those who prefer not to heat up the kitchen, especially during warmer months, we’ve found great success by placing the baking sheet directly onto the grill (with the lid closed) for this final melting stage. This method imparts an extra layer of smoky flavor while achieving that irresistibly gooey cheese finish. Once removed from the heat, let the Smoky Mountain Chicken rest for a couple of minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the cheese to set slightly. This ensures a perfect bite every time.
Expert Tips for the Best Smoky Mountain Chicken
To ensure your Smoky Mountain Chicken turns out perfectly every time and to make the most of this delicious recipe, keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Storing Leftovers: Should you be lucky enough to have any leftover Smoky Mountain Chicken, store them promptly in an airtight container. They will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for three to four days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, though for best results, a quick reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer will help maintain the crispy texture of the ham and the melt of the cheese.
- If you’d like to **serve this smoky mountain chicken as a hearty sandwich**, the possibilities are endless! Slice the cooked chicken and layer it onto your favorite bread. Delicious options include crusty sourdough, rich challah, wholesome honey wheat, or even a toasted brioche bun. Add fresh lettuce, sliced tomatoes, or a dollop of extra BBQ sauce for an elevated experience. It’s an ideal way to enjoy the flavors of this chicken recipe in a different format, perfect for a satisfying lunch or a casual dinner.
- For the best texture and flavor, always use **any type of sliced ham that is thick-cut**. Thin deli slices tend to get lost under the cheese and barbecue sauce, becoming almost imperceptible. A thicker slice, such as country ham, black forest ham, or even holiday ham leftovers, will retain its substance, adding a more significant savory bite and a satisfying texture contrast to the tender chicken and gooey cheese.
LOVE IT? PIN IT!
Don’t let this fantastic **smoky mountain chicken recipe** slip away! Make sure to save this yummy dish for later by pinning it to your favorite Pinterest board before you leave. It’s the perfect way to keep this family-favorite weeknight dinner idea at your fingertips!
If you’re as passionate about grilling as we are, then you’ll definitely want to explore my entire collection of easy grilling recipes. From simple marinades to show-stopping BBQ, there’s something for every outdoor cooking enthusiast!
More Irresistible Chicken Recipes You Will Love
If you’ve enjoyed the bold flavors and simple preparation of our Smoky Mountain Chicken, then you’re in for a treat with these other incredible chicken recipes. Each one is designed to bring deliciousness to your table with minimal fuss:
- Instant Pot Crack Chicken (pictured above) – An incredibly addictive dish featuring tender chicken, savory bacon, ranch seasoning, and creamy cheeses, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Chicken Fajita Kabobs – Bursting with vibrant colors and bold Tex-Mex flavors, these kabobs are fantastic for grilling and easy to customize with your favorite veggies.
- Sweet and Spicy Bacon Wrapped Chicken – The ultimate combination of crispy bacon, tender chicken, and a delightful sweet-heat glaze that’s perfect for appetizers or a main course.
- Honey Chicken – A simple yet incredibly flavorful dish where chicken is coated in a sticky, sweet honey glaze, ideal for a quick and satisfying dinner.
- Grilled Herb Chicken – Infused with aromatic herbs, this grilled chicken is wonderfully fragrant and juicy, making it a healthy and delicious option for any meal.
- Sweet and Sticky Grilled Chicken – A crowd-pleasing recipe featuring chicken coated in a luscious, caramelized sauce that’s perfect for summer BBQs and family gatherings.
There is truly nothing quite like the experience of savoring perfectly grilled chicken, especially when the weather is warm and inviting. It embodies the essence of summertime dining – simple, fresh, and unbelievably delicious. This Smoky Mountain Chicken recipe, with its smoky BBQ notes, savory ham, and melted provolone, perfectly captures that amazing feeling. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a moment to enjoy good food with good company, creating memories around the table.
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Print Recipe
Smoky Mountain Chicken
Equipment
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13×18 Half Sheet Pan
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Traeger Pellet Grills Pro Series 780 Pellet Bronze Grill, Smoker
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Thermapen Mk4 Instant-read Thermometer
Ingredients
- BBQ Sauce enough to marinate in
- chicken breasts 4-6, enough for your family
- ham slices about 2 thick slices per breast
- provolone cheese one slice per breast
Instructions
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Place chicken breasts in a zip lock bag. Pour in BBQ sauce to cover, and squish them around to coat them. Place in the fridge for at least two hours to marinate. (longer if needed) Move them around in the bag a couple of times during the marinating process if you can.
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Grill the chicken until done.
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Place chicken on a baking sheet, top with a pile of sliced ham.
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Top with a slice of provolone cheese.
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Bake at 350 degrees until cheese melts. About 10 minutes.
Nutrition
This delightful Smoky Mountain Chicken recipe was originally posted on June 5th, 2015. It has since been thoroughly updated to enhance user experience, provide more detailed instructions, and offer additional tips, and was proudly reshared on August 5, 2021. We hope you enjoy this improved version even more!