Delicious Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken for Cookouts

The sizzle of bacon in the pan sings to me, a sound that warms the soul. This Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken is like a hug on a plate and it’s making waves at cookouts everywhere. Who can say no to crispy bacon and melty cheddar on juicy chicken?

Imagine smoky BBQ sauce layered over tender chicken, then topped with crunchy bacon and sharp cheddar. It’s like your favorite backyard barbecue, but on a weeknight! Plus, it’s a quick throw-together dish that uses pantry staples, making it perfect for busy days.

I’ve been whipping up this comforting dish since my kids were little, usually during summer family nights. The first time I served it, my son proclaimed it “the best chicken ever!” A tip I picked up? Letting the sauce caramelize just a bit adds amazing flavor. After years of testing and tweaking recipes, this one quickly became a family favorite.

Thomas Baker

Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken Recipe That’s Irresistible

This Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken is a smoky, hearty delight perfect for any BBQ cookout food lover. Featuring tender chicken breasts topped with crispy bacon, melted cheddar, and a zesty barbecue sauce, it’s an easy BBQ recipe that brings rich bold flavors to your dinner table. Ideal for fans of BBQ chicken recipes and cheddar chicken meals alike.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 550

Ingredients Method Notes

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)

Method

 

1. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to preheat.
2. Place a skillet on medium heat and fry the bacon until crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes.
3. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to soak up grease.
4. Allow the bacon to cool, then crumble it into small bits.
5. Coat both sides of the chicken breasts with olive oil.
6. Season the chicken evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
7. Heat a large ovenproof skillet on medium-high until hot.
8. Sear the chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
9. While chicken cooks, chop the green onions and have the barbecue sauce ready.
10. Lower the heat to medium, spoon barbecue sauce over the chicken evenly.
11. Scatter shredded cheddar cheese on top of the sauced chicken.
12. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the melted cheese layer.
13. Put the skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until chicken is cooked through and cheese is bubbly.
14. Remove the skillet from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions.
15. Add red pepper flakes if you want some spicy heat.
16. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before plating and serving.

Notes

• For a richer flavor, choose thick-cut bacon. Boost the spice by adding more red pepper flakes or stir some hot sauce into the barbecue sauce. Ensure the chicken is well-seared to lock in flavor before baking. Consider smoky barbecue sauce or extra smoked paprika to deepen the smokiness. Rest the chicken before serving to keep it juicy and tender.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Family Favorite: It’s packed with nostalgic flavors that remind you of good times spent around the dinner table.
• Comfort and Satisfaction: The combination of crispy bacon, gooey cheddar, and smoky BBQ sauce creates a hug on a plate!
• Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Customizable: Make it your own by adjusting the heat level or adding your favorite toppings.

Key Ingredients and Tools

Before we dive in, let’s take a look at the stars of our show and what you’ll need to whip up this cowboy classic:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Spices: garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper
• 8 slices of crispy bacon
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup of zesty barbecue sauce
• 1/4 cup of chopped green onions, and optional red pepper flakes for spice

You’ll also need a large oven-safe skillet to bring it all together!

How It Works Step-by-Step

1. Preheat: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) this is where the magic happens.
2. Cook the Bacon: In a skillet, fry your bacon until crispy (about 5-7 minutes). Drain on paper towels and crumble once cooled.
3. Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, then sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
4. Sear: Heat the same skillet again and add the chicken. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side to form a golden crust.
5. Add Sauce and Toppings: Pour BBQ sauce over the chicken, sprinkle with cheddar cheese, and crumble the bacon on top.
6. Bake: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until bubbly and fully cooked.
7. Garnish: Finish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

Troubleshooting Tips

Every cook faces challenges, but here are some tips to keep your Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken from going off track:

• Problem: Chicken is dry.
  Solution: Make sure not to overcook; internal temperature should be 165°F.
• Problem: Cheese isn’t melting.
  Solution: Ensure the BBQ sauce is hot enough before adding cheese.
• Problem: Bacon becomes soggy.
  Solution: Crumble bacon and add it just before baking for that crispy texture.

Tweaks and Adjustments

Want to make this dish your own? Here are some simple swaps and ideas:

• Try using thick-cut bacon for an extra satisfying crunch.
• Switch up the cheese! A sharp cheddar or pepper jack can add a fun twist.
• For a veggie boost, add some sliced bell peppers or a side of roasted greens.

Serving and Storage Tips

This Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken is perfect for cozy gatherings. Here’s how to serve and store it:

• Serving: Serve alongside buttery corn on the cob or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven.

Timing Chart

Expert Says

The rich flavors of Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken come from the Maillard reaction, which occurs when proteins and sugars brown during cooking. This process not only enhances taste but also creates appealing textures. Incorporating smoked bacon and sharp cheddar adds depth, making this dish a satisfying blend of savory and smoky notes.

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The Journey to My Perfect Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken

Perfecting this Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken took me countless attempts, each one reminding me of the joy of trial and error in the kitchen. I learned that the right balance of smoky barbecue and tangy cheddar makes all the difference, and now I can’t wait for my family to dive into this comforting dish, just like we would at our summer cookouts.

FAQs ( Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken )

Conclusion

You’ll love how this Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken turns out! It’s quick to whip up and offers that delightful blend of crunchy, cheesy comfort that fills the heart and home with joy.

Feel free to swap in your favorite cheese or toss in some veggies for a garden twist! Leftovers? Store them in an airtight container, and they’ll reheat beautifully just like a warm hug from the kitchen. It’s a trick I picked up from my aunt’s kitchen!

Have you made a dish that reminds you of summer nights? Share your memories or photos! And don’t forget to save this recipe and share it with your loved ones. Happy cooking, friend!