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COWBOY BBQ BACON CHEDDAR CHICKEN centered hero view, clean and uncluttered
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
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
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.