Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken brings comfort food to a whole new level. This simple dish features juicy chicken coated in smoky barbecue sauce, crisp bacon, and melted cheddar cheese. It delivers a flavorful bite every time. The recipe cooks fast and suits busy evenings or fun backyard gatherings. Every layer adds richness without making the dish heavy.
A Crowd-Pleasing Chicken Dinner
This recipe stands out because the flavors work together beautifully. The chicken stays tender under a golden layer of cheese. Smoky paprika boosts the BBQ taste. Crispy bacon adds crunch and depth. The dish offers everything you want in a comforting meal. It fits casual dinners and weekend BBQs with ease.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The spices create a balanced seasoning that enhances the chicken. The BBQ sauce caramelizes during cooking and adds a sweet, smoky finish. The cheese melts into a bubbly crust. Every bite feels satisfying, yet the dish remains easy to prepare. You can bake or grill it based on your needs.
Perfect Pairings for Cowboy Chicken
This chicken matches well with roasted potatoes, grilled corn, or fresh salads. It pairs perfectly with baked beans at summer cookouts. You can also serve it with rice or warm dinner rolls. The versatility makes this recipe a repeat favorite in any home.
Simple Ways to Customize
Swap cheddar for pepper jack if you want more heat. Add jalapeños for an extra kick. Use a spicy BBQ sauce if you prefer a bolder flavor. Small changes create fresh variations while keeping the comfort of the original dish.
Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices bacon
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F or heat grill to medium-high.
- Rub chicken with olive oil and all spices.
- Place seasoned chicken in a baking dish or on the grill.
- Cook bacon until crisp and set aside.
- Bake or grill chicken for 20 minutes.
- Brush each piece with barbecue sauce.
- Add bacon and top with cheddar cheese.
- Cook for 10 more minutes until the cheese melts.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with green onions.
- Serve warm and enjoy the smoky flavor.
Notes
- Use thick-cut bacon for a heartier crunch.
- Choose a smoky BBQ sauce for deeper flavor.
- Add extra cheese for a richer finish.
Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken: A Smoky, Cheesy Dinner Winner
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Juicy chicken topped with smoky barbecue sauce, crisp bacon, and melted cheddar for a bold, comforting meal.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8 slices bacon
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
1 cup cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F or grill to medium-high.
2. Rub chicken with olive oil and spices.
3. Place chicken in a baking dish or on the grill.
4. Cook bacon until crisp.
5. Bake or grill chicken for 20 minutes.
6. Brush chicken with barbecue sauce.
7. Add bacon and cheddar cheese.
8. Cook for 10 more minutes.
9. Remove from heat and garnish with green onions.
10. Serve warm.
Notes
Use thick bacon for extra crunch.
Choose smoky barbecue sauce for richer flavor.
Add jalapeños if you want heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked or Grilled
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breast
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: cowboy chicken, bbq chicken, bacon cheddar chicken
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