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Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken
Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken is one of those delightful recipes that makes an ordinary weeknight meal feel like a special occasion. Picture this: juicy chicken breasts topped with crispy bacon, gooey cheddar cheese, and tangy barbecue sauce, all baked to perfection. It’s a dish that not only satisfies hunger but also pleases the taste buds, making it perfect for family dinners or weekend gatherings. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a favorite in your household!
What Makes This Recipe Special
This recipe stands out for several reasons. First and foremost, it combines simple, accessible ingredients to create a hearty and flavorful meal that the whole family will love. The crispy bacon pairs beautifully with the succulent chicken, while the savory barbecue sauce and melted cheddar cheese add layers of flavor that are hard to resist. Plus, it’s a time-saver! From start to finish, you can whip this up in under an hour.
“This Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken was a huge hit with my family! The combination of the smoky flavors and creamy cheese was simply irresistible. I can’t wait to make it again!” – Sarah T.
Your Easy Cooking Guide
Making Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken is a straightforward process that anyone can master. You’ll start by cooking the bacon until it’s crispy, which will infuse your dish with fantastic flavor. Then, season and sear the chicken breasts before assembling everything in one skillet and finishing it in the oven. The result? A dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture, with minimal cleanup required.
Gather Your Ingredients
To make this delicious dish, you’ll need the following 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 for heat)
Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your pantry or taste preferences. For example, if you like a little kick, consider adding jalapeños or using smoked cheddar instead of regular.
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Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
- Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces and set it aside.
- Rub both sides of each chicken breast with olive oil.
- Season each breast evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- In the same skillet, increase the heat to medium-high and sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Reduce the heat to medium, then pour barbecue sauce over the chicken breasts.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the sauce, followed by the crumbled bacon.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly.
- Once done, remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped green onions. If desired, add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for Serving
When it comes to serving Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken, you have a world of options! Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal. You can also serve it alongside cornbread for a true Southern comfort food experience. For an added crunch, consider adding coleslaw as a side dish.
Best Way to Store Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken
To keep any leftovers of this delicious dish, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’re looking to save it for a longer period, you can freeze the cooked chicken in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until heated through to maintain its flavor and texture.
Pro Chef Tips
- Bacon Choice: Use thick-cut bacon for an even better crunch.
- Don’t Overcook: Check the chicken’s internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Flavor Boost: Marinate the chicken briefly in the barbecue sauce for a more intense flavor if you have time.
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to mix cheeses, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, for an exciting spin on the classic.
Recipe Variations
Want to change things up? Here are a few creative twists you could try:
- Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or jalapeños for an extra kick.
- Cheesy Delight: Mix in a layer of cream cheese before adding the cheddar and bacon for a creamier texture.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with grilled Portobello mushrooms and follow the same recipe for a vegetarian delight.
Your Questions Answered
How long does it take to make Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken?
The entire recipe can be completed in about 30-40 minutes, making it perfect for a weekday dinner.
Can I use different cheeses?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute cheddar with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a mix of cheeses to suit your taste.
How can I ensure the chicken is moist?
Searing the chicken at a high temperature locks in moisture. Just be sure not to overcook it in the oven, and it will remain juicy.
Now that you’re equipped with this fantastic recipe, you can enjoy a hearty and flavorful Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken that is bound to impress anyone around your dinner table! Happy cooking!
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Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
Juicy chicken breasts topped with crispy bacon, gooey cheddar cheese, and tangy barbecue sauce, baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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 for heat)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
- Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces and set it aside.
- Rub both sides of each chicken breast with olive oil.
- Season each breast evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- In the same skillet, increase the heat to medium-high and sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Reduce the heat to medium, then pour barbecue sauce over the chicken breasts.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the sauce, followed by the crumbled bacon.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly.
- Once done, remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped green onions. If desired, add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Serve with creamy mashed potatoes, a salad, or cornbread. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: chicken, bacon, barbecue, cheddar, easy dinner, family meal
