Why Make This Recipe
Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken is a fun and tasty dish that combines juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends. The smoky barbecue flavor and the crunch of bacon make this meal a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s easy to make and packed with flavor!
How to Make Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 slices bacon
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon until it becomes crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess grease.
- Once the bacon has cooled, crumble it into small pieces and set it aside.
- Rub both sides of each chicken breast with olive oil.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly over both sides of each chicken breast.
- Place a large oven-safe skillet on medium-high heat until it’s hot.
- Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust.
- While the chicken cooks, chop the green onions and prepare the barbecue sauce.
- Once the chicken is seared, reduce the heat to medium and pour the barbecue sauce evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the barbecue sauce-covered chicken breasts.
- Crumble the cooked bacon over the cheese.
- Transfer the skillet with the chicken to the preheated oven, baking for 10-12 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted.
- Once done, remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle the chopped green onions on top.
- If desired, sprinkle red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken
Serve Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken hot from the oven. It pairs well with sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it on a bun for a delicious BBQ chicken sandwich. Don’t forget to drizzle some extra barbecue sauce on top for added flavor!
How to Store Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken
To store leftovers, allow the chicken to cool completely, then place it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing it in a freezer-safe bag. It will last in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Tips to Make Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken
- Make sure the chicken is fully cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- For extra crispiness, broil the dish for the last few minutes of cooking.
- Feel free to add more toppings like jalapeños or other kinds of cheese for a different flavor.
Variation
You can easily modify this recipe by using different meats like pork chops or turkey. If you prefer a lower-fat option, consider using turkey bacon. You can also swap the cheddar cheese with another kind of cheese, like pepper jack, for a spicy kick.
FAQs
Can I use skin-on chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use skin-on chicken breasts, but the cooking time may vary.
What can I substitute for barbecue sauce?
You can use a marinade or a homemade sauce made with ketchup, vinegar, and spices as a substitute.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and bake it ahead of time. Just reheat it in the oven before serving.
Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon until it becomes crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess grease.
- Once the bacon has cooled, crumble it into small pieces and set it aside.
- Rub both sides of each chicken breast with olive oil.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly over both sides of each chicken breast.
- Place a large oven-safe skillet on medium-high heat until it’s hot.
- Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust.
- While the chicken cooks, chop the green onions and prepare the barbecue sauce.
- Once the chicken is seared, reduce the heat to medium and pour the barbecue sauce evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the barbecue sauce-covered chicken breasts.
- Crumble the cooked bacon over the cheese.
- Transfer the skillet with the chicken to the preheated oven, baking for 10-12 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted.
- Once done, remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle the chopped green onions on top.
- If desired, sprinkle red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.