Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that combines the rich flavors of barbecue sauce, the smokiness of bacon, and cheesy goodness. This hearty meal is perfect for gatherings with friends and family or a cozy dinner at home. With crisp bacon and tender chicken topped with melted cheddar, it’s a sure hit that everyone will love.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is easy to make and delivers a flavor-packed experience. The combination of chicken, bacon, and cheese makes it a filling and satisfying dish. Plus, it’s baked in one skillet, which means less mess and easy cleanup. If you’re looking for something delicious and comforting, this Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken is the way to go!
How to Make Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken
Making Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken is simple and quick. Just follow these steps to create a hearty meal that will impress everyone at the table.
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)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon until it becomes 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 the bacon has cooled, crumble it into small pieces and set it 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 on medium-high heat and heat it until hot.
- 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.
- While the chicken is cooking, chop the green onions and prepare the barbecue sauce.
- Once 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 breasts.
- Crumble the cooked bacon over the cheese.
- 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.
- Once the chicken is done, remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle the chopped green onions on top.
- If desired, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the chicken for a bit of extra heat.
- Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken
Serve Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken on a warm plate. You can pair it with sides such as rice, baked potatoes, or a fresh salad. This dish can also be served with extra barbecue sauce for dipping, making it even more delicious!
How to Store Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken
Leftover Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Tips to Make Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken
- Use thick-cut bacon for extra flavor and crunch.
- Feel free to add other toppings such as jalapeños or extra cheese for a kick.
- Make sure to check the chicken’s internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating.
Variation
You can easily modify the recipe by using turkey bacon for a lighter option or swap the cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack for a different cheese flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?
Yes, but cooking times will vary. Make sure to cook it longer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe temperature.
2. Is it necessary to use an oven-safe skillet?
While it’s not strictly necessary, using an oven-safe skillet makes it easier to transfer from stovetop to oven without dirtying another pan.
3. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can season the chicken and prepare the bacon ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready to eat!
Try making Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken today and enjoy the burst of flavors that will surely satisfy your cravings!
Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken
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
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 slices bacon Thick-cut bacon recommended for extra flavor and crunch.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Can swap for Monterey Jack for a different flavor.
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped Optional for garnish.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional for extra heat.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon until it becomes 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 the bacon has cooled, crumble it into small pieces and set it 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 on medium-high heat and heat it until hot.
- 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.
- While the chicken is cooking, chop the green onions and prepare the barbecue sauce.
- Once 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 breasts.
- Crumble the cooked bacon over the cheese.
- 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.
- Once the chicken is done, remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle the chopped green onions on top.
- If desired, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the chicken for a bit of extra heat.
- Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving.
