Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken
A mouthwatering dish that combines rich barbecue sauce, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese for a hearty meal perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner.
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.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.