Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken
This Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the smokiness of BBQ with the richness of melted cheese and crispy bacon. It’s perfect for family gatherings, weekend barbecues, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with minimal effort. The combination of tender, juicy chicken breasts with savory toppings creates a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Everyone loves the way the flavors meld together, making it a surefire hit that will leave your loved ones asking for seconds!
What sets this dish apart is its irresistible blend of textures and flavors. The crispy bacon brings the crunch, the cheddar cheese provides creaminess, and the barbecue sauce gives a delightful tang. Not only is it delectable, but it’s also quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you’re short on time but still want something special. Dive into this recipe that will have your kitchen smelling heavenly and your table filled with smiles!
This is what the finished dish looks like when perfectly baked.
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)
A close-up of the ingredients ready to create a delicious meal.
Directions
- 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 and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease.
- Once cool, crumble the bacon into small pieces and set 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 over medium-high heat until hot.
- Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
- While the chicken cooks, chop the green onions and prepare the barbecue sauce.
- After 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.
- Crumble the cooked bacon over the cheese.
- Transfer the skillet 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 done, remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle with chopped green onions.
- If desired, add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Ingredient substitutions: You can use turkey bacon for a leaner option or swap out cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack or pepper jack for added spice.
- Optional variations: Feel free to add sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick, or substitute ranch dressing for the BBQ sauce for a different flavor profile.
- Storage or reheating tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through for best results.
Recipe Information
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty level: Easy
An inviting image of the finished Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken ready to be enjoyed!
Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken
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
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) For extra heat
Method
- 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 and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease.
- Once cool, crumble the bacon into small pieces and set 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 over medium-high heat until hot.
- Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
- While the chicken cooks, chop the green onions and prepare the barbecue sauce.
- After 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.
- Crumble the cooked bacon over the cheese.
- Transfer the skillet 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 done, remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle with chopped green onions.
- If desired, add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving.