Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 35 reviews
  • Author: Angela
  • Prep Time: 0h 15m
  • Cook Time: 0h 35m
  • Total Time: 0h 50m
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken is a flavorful, hearty dish featuring juicy boneless chicken breasts sautéed with onions and seasoned with garlic and smoked paprika. Topped with tangy BBQ sauce, crispy bacon bits, and sharp cheddar cheese, then baked to perfection, this recipe combines smoky, savory, and cheesy goodness in every bite, perfect for a comforting dinner.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasonings

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce and Toppings

  • 1 cup of BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
  • 8 slices of bacon
  • 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Sauté Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup of diced onion
  • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil

Optional Garnish

  • Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)


Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken after searing.
  2. Sauté Onions: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes, to build flavor.
  3. Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper evenly to enhance the taste.
  4. Sear the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet with the sautéed onions. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown but not fully cooked through.
  5. Cook Bacon: While the chicken is searing, cook the bacon slices in a separate pan until crispy. Once done, chop into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
  6. Transfer Chicken to Baking Dish: After searing, move the chicken breasts to a baking dish to prepare for baking.
  7. Apply BBQ Sauce: Pour BBQ sauce evenly over each chicken breast, coating them thoroughly to infuse smoky flavor.
  8. Add Bacon Topping: Sprinkle the chopped crispy bacon pieces evenly over the BBQ-covered chicken breasts.
  9. Add Cheese: Top each chicken breast with an even layer of shredded sharp cheddar cheese to melt during baking.
  10. Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  11. Serve: Remove from oven and let the dish rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired before serving for a fresh touch.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
  • You can use your favorite BBQ sauce variety to customize flavor, whether sweet, spicy, or smoky.
  • To make the dish quicker, precook bacon in the oven or microwave in advance.
  • For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in BBQ sauce for 30 minutes prior to cooking.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.