Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken Recipe

ByHarper Ellington
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Introduction

This Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken is a flavorful, hearty dish that combines smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and tangy barbecue sauce on tender chicken breasts. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a satisfying dinner that feels like a special treat.

The image shows a close-up of a thick, grilled chicken breast sliced at the front, revealing moist, white meat inside. The chicken is topped with a smooth layer of bright orange cheddar cheese sauce, scattered with small crispy bacon pieces that are dark red and brown. A dark brown, glossy sauce is drizzled over the cheese and chicken, pooling slightly around the base. On the left side, there is a small mound of fluffy white rice, and on the right, fresh green thyme sprigs add a pop of color. All of this is served on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Remove the bacon and place it on paper towels to drain excess grease, then crumble it once cooled.
  4. Step 4: Rub both sides of each chicken breast with olive oil.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly over both sides of the chicken.
  6. Step 6: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until hot, then add the seasoned chicken breasts.
  7. Step 7: Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  8. Step 8: While the chicken cooks, chop the green onions and prepare the barbecue sauce.
  9. Step 9: Reduce heat to medium and pour barbecue sauce evenly over the chicken breasts.
  10. Step 10: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the barbecue sauce-covered chicken.
  11. Step 11: Crumble the cooked bacon over the cheese layer.
  12. Step 12: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  13. Step 13: Remove from the oven and sprinkle chopped green onions on top.
  14. Step 14: Optional: sprinkle red pepper flakes over the chicken for extra heat.
  15. Step 15: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

  • For a smoky flavor, use smoked cheddar cheese or add a dash of liquid smoke to the barbecue sauce.
  • Substitute green onions with fresh chives or parsley for a different but fresh garnish.
  • If you prefer less heat, omit the red pepper flakes or serve them on the side.
  • Use turkey bacon for a leaner option, though the flavor will be milder.
  • Serve with a side of coleslaw or cornbread to complete the cowboy-style meal.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warm. To prevent drying out, cover the chicken loosely with foil while reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a white plate holding a thick piece of grilled chicken breast sliced at the front to reveal its white juicy inside; the chicken is topped with a layer of bright orange melted cheddar cheese, then scattered with small crispy pieces of dark red bacon, and drizzled with a glossy dark brown sauce. On one side of the chicken, there is a portion of white rice, and on the other, a small bunch of green herbs adds a fresh touch. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used. They may require a slightly longer cooking time but will add extra juiciness and flavor.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Most barbecue sauces contain gluten, so choose a certified gluten-free barbecue sauce to keep this dish gluten-free. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

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Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 121 reviews
  • Author: Harper
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
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Description

Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken is a hearty and flavorful dish that features juicy boneless chicken breasts seasoned with a smoky spice blend, seared to perfection, and topped with tangy barbecue sauce, melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions. This comforting recipe combines savory, smoky, and slightly spicy elements to create a satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 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

Toppings and Sauce

  • 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)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for finishing the chicken in the oven.
  2. Cook Bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon slices until crispy, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  3. Drain Bacon: Remove the cooked bacon from the skillet and place on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess grease.
  4. Crumble Bacon: Once the bacon has cooled, crumble it into small pieces and set aside for topping later.
  5. Season Chicken: Rub both sides of each chicken breast with olive oil. Then evenly sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper over both sides of each breast.
  6. Heat Skillet: Place a large oven-safe skillet on medium-high heat and allow it to get hot for searing the chicken.
  7. Sear Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust forms.
  8. Prepare Toppings: While the chicken is cooking, chop the green onions and get the barbecue sauce ready.
  9. Add Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and pour the barbecue sauce evenly over each seared chicken breast.
  10. Add Cheese and Bacon: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the barbecue-coated chicken, then crumble the cooked bacon over the cheese layer.
  11. Bake Chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  12. Garnish: Remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle chopped green onions over the top. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes as desired.
  13. Rest and Serve: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes to retain juices before serving.

Notes

  • Use an oven-safe skillet (such as cast iron) to easily transfer from stovetop to oven.
  • Check the chicken internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
  • For less heat, omit the red pepper flakes or reduce the quantity.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Pair this dish with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop and Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: cowboy chicken, BBQ chicken, bacon cheddar chicken, baked chicken breasts, smoky chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner

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