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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

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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Find it online: https://harperellington.com/cowboy-bbq-bacon-cheddar-chicken-recipe/