Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken

Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken is a dish that hits the sweet spot between comfort food and gourmet delight. It combines the juicy tenderness of chicken breasts with the smoky richness of bacon, all enveloped in gooey, melted cheddar, and a tangy barbecue sauce. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner after a busy day—it’s quick, satisfying, and bound to please even the pickiest eaters. Many people find themselves going back for seconds when this dish is on the table!

What Makes This Recipe Special

You might wonder why this Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken recipe deserves a spot in your weekly meal rotation. For starters, it’s a low-effort, high-reward dish that packs a punch of flavor without requiring advanced culinary skills. It’s special because it blends savory and sweet elements, turning simple chicken breasts into a show-stopping entrée.

Imagine a weeknight dinner where everyone gathers around the table, excited to dive into something that tastes like it took hours to prepare, when in reality, it takes just about 30 minutes. Plus, bacon and cheese are universally loved, making this dish kid-approved and a hit with adults alike.

“This chicken recipe is a game-changer! The flavors meld beautifully, and it’s so quick to make. My whole family devoured it!”

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Creating Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken is easier than you think. Here’s a quick overview: you’ll start by cooking up some crispy bacon and searing juicy chicken breasts. Then, you’ll layer on a tangy barbecue sauce, top it with cheese and bacon, and finish in the oven. It’s a straightforward process that ensures fantastic results!

What You’ll Need

Before diving into the cooking steps, gather your ingredients:

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• 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)

Feel free to substitute the cheddar with your favorite cheese for a personal twist, or make the dish gluten-free by using a barbecue sauce that meets those criteria.

Cooking Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
3. Crumble the cooled bacon and set aside.
4. Rub olive oil on both sides of the chicken breasts then season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
5. Sear the chicken in the same skillet over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
6. Chop the green onions while the chicken cooks and prepare your barbecue sauce.
7. Reduce heat to medium and pour barbecue sauce over the chicken.
8. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
9. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and cheese is bubbly.
10. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and optional red pepper flakes, then let it rest before serving.

Best Way to Serve

This mouthwatering dish is best served hot, right from the oven. Pair it with roasted vegetables or a light salad to balance the richness. For a hearty meal, consider serving it with mashed potatoes or cornbread. You could also shred the chicken and serve it on buns for a delicious BBQ chicken sandwich experience!

Storage Tips

To keep Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken fresh, follow these guidelines:

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat in the oven for the best texture; microwave if you’re in a hurry, but it may not be as crispy.
• If you want to freeze it, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Pro Chef Tips

• For extra crispiness, cook bacon until it’s particularly crunchy before adding it to the dish.
• Ensure the chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking—consider pounding them slightly if they’re uneven.
• Let your chicken rest for a few minutes after baking; this allows the juices to redistribute making every bite moist and flavorful.

Creative Twists

Want to switch things up? Here are a few variations to try:

• Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños either sautéed with the chicken or fresh on top for some heat.
• Different Cheeses: Swap cheddar for pepper jack or gouda for a unique flavor profile.
• Additional Toppings: Consider adding sliced avocado or fresh cilantro for a fresh touch.

Your Questions Answered

How long does this take to prepare?

From start to finish, you can expect about 30 minutes to prepare this dish, including cooking time. It’s perfect for busy nights!

Can I use skin-on chicken for this recipe?

While boneless, skinless chicken breasts yield the best results in this recipe, skin-on pieces are also delicious! Just ensure you cook them longer to reach your desired level of doneness.

How do I adjust the recipe for dietary restrictions?

You can easily adapt this recipe by using gluten-free barbecue sauce or replacing the bacon with turkey bacon or a vegetarian alternative.

Feel free to experiment; this Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken will quickly become a favorite with its many delightful interpretations!

Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: None

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Description

A quick and satisfying dish combining juicy chicken breasts, smoky bacon, melted cheddar, and tangy barbecue sauce. A family favorite!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
3. Crumble the cooled bacon and set aside.
4. Rub olive oil on both sides of the chicken breasts then season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
5. Sear the chicken in the same skillet over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
6. Chop the green onions while the chicken cooks and prepare your barbecue sauce.
7. Reduce heat to medium and pour barbecue sauce over the chicken.
8. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
9. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and cheese is bubbly.
10. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and optional red pepper flakes, then let it rest before serving.

Notes

For extra crispiness, cook bacon until it’s particularly crunchy. Ensure chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: chicken, BBQ, bacon, cheddar, comfort food, family dinner