Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken

Welcome to a flavor-packed adventure with our Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken! This dish combines tender chicken breasts with crispy bacon, smothered in tangy barbecue sauce and melty cheddar cheese. It’s an explosion of taste that evokes the feeling of a hearty backyard cookout, no matter the season. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe will leave everyone at the table asking for seconds.

What makes this dish truly special is its versatility. Whether you’re grilling outdoors in the summer sun or baking it in the oven during a chilly evening, the comforting flavors of smoky bacon and zesty BBQ create an irresistible harmony. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, making it a fantastic choice for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike. Your family and friends are sure to love every savory bite!

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)

Here’s a glimpse of the delicious ingredients ready to come together.

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon until it is crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Remove the bacon from the skillet and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess grease.
4. Once the bacon has cooled, crumble it into small pieces and set aside.
5. Rub both sides of each chicken breast with olive oil.
6. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly over both sides of each chicken breast.
7. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat over medium-high until hot.
8. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden-brown crust.
9. While the chicken is cooking, chop the green onions and prepare the barbecue sauce.
10. Once the chicken is seared, reduce the heat to medium and pour the barbecue sauce evenly over the chicken breasts.
11. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the barbecue sauce-covered chicken breasts.
12. Crumble the cooked bacon over the cheese.
13. Transfer the skillet with the chicken 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.
14. Once the chicken is done, remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle the chopped green onions on top.
15. If desired, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the chicken for a hint of heat.
16. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Ingredient Substitutions: You can use turkey bacon for a lighter version, or swap the cheddar cheese for Monterrey Jack for a different flavor profile.
• Optional Variations: Add some grilled peppers or onions for an extra layer of flavor, or substitute homemade barbecue sauce for store-bought for a personal touch.
• Storage or Reheating Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty Level: Easy

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A visual guide to delicious cowboy-style chicken ready to serve!