Why Make This Recipe
Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken is a delicious and hearty dish that everyone in your family will love. It combines the smoky flavors of barbecue sauce, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese over tender chicken. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. It’s easy to prepare, looks impressive, and filled with flavors. Plus, it’s sure to satisfy the meat lovers at your table!
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 and heat it until hot.
- Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden-brown crust.
- While the chicken is cooking, 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 and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once the chicken is done, remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle the chopped green onions on top.
- If desired, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the chicken for a bit of extra heat.
- Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken
Serve this dish hot from the oven. It pairs well with sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or a fresh garden salad. You can also serve it on a bed of rice or with fresh bread to soak up any extra barbecue sauce.
How to Store Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken
If you have leftovers, let the chicken cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage; just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or put it in a freezer-safe container.
Tips to Make Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken in the seasoning for a few hours before cooking.
- Choose your favorite barbecue sauce for different flavor profiles.
- If you want a crispier topping, broil the chicken for a few minutes at the end.
Variation
You can make this recipe with other proteins too. Try it with turkey breasts or even portobello mushrooms for a tasty vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for more moisture and flavor. Just ensure they are cooked thoroughly.
2. Is it possible to make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and bacon ahead of time. Just assemble everything and bake it when you’re ready to eat.
3. How can I make it spicier?
You can add more red pepper flakes or include spicy barbecue sauce to the chicken before baking.
Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces 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 Cook until crispy.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped For garnish.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional, for extra heat.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the bacon from the skillet, place on a plate lined with paper towels, and let drain.
- Crumble the cooled bacon into small pieces and set aside.
- Rub both sides of each chicken breast with olive oil and season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the seasoned chicken breasts over medium-high heat, cooking for 4-5 minutes each side until golden-brown.
Cooking
- Reduce heat to medium and pour barbecue sauce over the chicken breasts.
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon over the top.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle with chopped green onions and optional red pepper flakes.
- Allow to rest for a few minutes before serving.