Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken

When you’re craving a feast that brings together bold flavors and comforting textures, look no further than Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken. This dish embodies the heart of a backyard barbecue, with juicy chicken breasts topped with crispy bacon and melted cheddar cheese, all smothered in rich barbecue sauce. It’s the perfect meal for family gatherings, casual dinners, or simply to treat yourself after a long day. Your taste buds are in for a real treat with every mouthwatering bite!

Whether you’re hosting friends for game day or cooking up a delightful Sunday dinner, this recipe shines as a crowd-pleaser. The combination of smoky, savory, and cheesy elements creates a dish that’s sure to impress. One bite, and you’ll understand why this hearty recipe has become a favorite for so many. Let’s get cooking!

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)

All the ingredients you’ll need for this delicious dish.

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease.
4. Once cooled, crumble the bacon 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. Place a large oven-safe skillet on medium-high heat until hot.
8. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, 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 barbecue sauce evenly over the chicken breasts.
11. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese 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. Remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle chopped green onions on top.
15. If desired, sprinkle red pepper flakes for a bit of extra heat.
16. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Ingredient Substitutions: You can substitute turkey bacon for a lower-fat version, or use a plant-based cheese for a dairy-free alternative.
• Optional Variations: Add some diced jalapeños for an added kick or swap out the barbecue sauce for a spicy buffalo sauce if you prefer.
• Storage or Reheating Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness, or in the microwave for a quicker option.

Recipe Information

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