Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken

Short, Catchy Intro

So you want dinner that feels like a backyard barbecue but does not require you to wrestle a grill or your dignity. Same. This Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken hits all the good notes: smoky, cheesy, salty, saucy, and somehow classy enough to brag about on social media. If you want more quick chicken ideas, peek at this fast cowboy chicken recipe for a slightly different spin. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you and your microwave will stay jealous.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Why is this recipe a winner? For starters, it looks impressive but takes almost no effort. It gives you crunchy bacon, melty cheddar, and tangy barbecue in one neat package. You get a golden crust on the chicken without standing over it for hours. It is idiot proof and forgiving if you talk to your neighbor for a bit too long while searing.

Want to show off at a casual dinner? This one does the heavy lifting. Want something weeknight-friendly? Done. Also, if you like tossing bacon into everything, you might enjoy the creamy comfort of chicken bacon ranch pasta later this week. IMO, bacon is the social lubricant of food.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 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)

Yes that is all you need. The bacon does most of the heavy flavor lifting so be generous with your affection for it. Salt moderately because bacon and cheddar already bring the party.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Get this done first so you are not frantic later.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon until it becomes crispy. This takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Watch it, do not wander off.
3. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess grease. Let it chill for a minute.
4. Once the bacon has cooled, crumble it into small pieces and set it aside. Try not to eat half of it warm. No promises.
5. Rub both sides of each chicken breast with olive oil. Coat them like you mean it.
6. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly over both sides of each chicken breast. Pat the spices in.
7. Place a large oven-safe skillet on medium-high heat and heat until hot. Use the skillet that held the bacon for bonus flavor.
8. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side or until they develop a golden-brown crust. Resist flipping more than once.
9. While the chicken is cooking, chop the green onions and prepare the barbecue sauce. Multitasking is cute when it works.
10. Once the chicken is seared, reduce the heat to medium and pour the barbecue sauce evenly over the chicken breasts. Coat them well.
11. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the barbecue sauce-covered chicken breasts. Cover every inch.
12. Crumble the cooked bacon over the cheese. Permission to lick the spoon is granted.
13. Transfer the skillet with the chicken to the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Use a thermometer if you are picky. 165°F is the target.
14. Once the chicken is done, remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle the chopped green onions on top. They add color and sass.
15. If desired, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the chicken for a bit of extra heat. Optional but recommended for drama.
16. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. Resting keeps juices where they belong.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Thinking you do not need to preheat the oven. Rookie move. Preheat.
• Overcrowding the skillet when searing. Give each breast some space to get that golden crust.
• Skipping the bacon drain. If you leave it oily you dilute the crisp and the flavor. Pat it down.
• Adding the cheese too early and melting it into a sad puddle. Wait until the chicken has that oven finish.
• Underseasoning. Chicken tastes boring without enough spice. Use the spices like you mean it.
• Overcooking the chicken. Dry chicken ruins everything. Aim for 165°F internal and call it a day.

Alternatives & Substitutions

• No bacon? Use turkey bacon. It will be less decadent but still satisfy the crunch craving.
• Out of cheddar? Swap in Monterey Jack, pepper jack for heat, or mozzarella for meltiness.
• Low sodium option? Use low sodium bacon and cut the added salt slightly. Taste and adjust.
• Want it spicy? Add a few dashes of hot sauce to the barbecue sauce or use chipotle powder.
• Prefer smaller meals? Use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. Thighs stay juicier and play well with bacon.
• Want sliders? Turn this into handhelds and check out a slider twist I like at chicken bacon ranch sliders. They are tiny and dangerous.

Pick what fits your pantry and your mood. Substitutions keep this recipe flexible and forgiving.

FAQ

Q Why does my chicken dry out even when I follow the steps?
A Did you overcook it? Chicken breast cooks fast. Aim for 165°F and let it rest. That pause keeps the juices in.

Q Can I use frozen chicken breasts here?
A You can but thaw them fully first. Searing frozen chicken yields a burnt outside and an uncooked inside. Not ideal.

Q Can I make this ahead of time and reheat it?
A Sure. Reheat gently in a 325°F oven until warmed through so you do not turn it into shoe leather. Cover loosely with foil.

Q Is this recipe grill friendly?
A Yes. Sear the breasts on the grill, then move them to indirect heat, top with sauce cheese and bacon, and close the lid until melted and cooked. Grill masters unite.

Q Can I swap the barbecue sauce for something else?
A Absolutely. Swap for buffalo sauce for tangy heat or even honey mustard for a sweeter vibe. Just know the flavor profile changes.

Q How do I make this kid friendly?
A Skip the red pepper flakes and choose a sweeter barbecue sauce. Kids usually forgive bacon and cheese quickly. FYI you will not get any food critics awards from toddlers, but you will get empty plates.

Final Thoughts

There you go. Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken is basically an edible high five. It looks like you tried hard and tastes like you won. Keep the steps tight, do not overcook the chicken, and be generous with the bacon. If you want dinner that feels fancy without the fuss, this is your shortcut. Now go impress someone or yourself with your new skill set. You have earned it and possibly a nap.

Conclusion

If you want to compare notes with the original inspiration or see another take on this dish, check out the full recipe at Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken on Modern Honey.

Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free

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Description

This flavorful dish combines smoky bacon, tangy barbecue sauce, and melty cheddar cheese all topped on juicy chicken breasts, making it a quick and impressive meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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)

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Instructions

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 to 7 minutes.
3. Remove the bacon and drain on paper towels. Let cool, crumble, and set aside.
4. Rub olive oil on both sides of each chicken breast.
5. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper on both sides of chicken.
6. Heat the skillet and add the seasoned chicken, cooking for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
7. Reduce heat to medium, pour barbecue sauce over chicken, and sprinkle cheddar on top.
8. Crumble the bacon over the cheese.
9. Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked and cheese is melted.
10. Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped green onions and red pepper flakes, if desired.
11. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Ensure not to overcrowd the skillet while searing and avoid overcooking the chicken to keep it juicy.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: chicken, barbecue, bacon, cheddar, weeknight dinner, easy recipe