Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken
420kcal
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
- 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
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 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.
Cooking
- 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.
Notes
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. Feel free to add sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick, or substitute ranch dressing for the BBQ sauce for a different flavor profile. 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.