Hey y'all! If you're looking for a meal that's bursting with smoky flavor, layers of gooey cheese, and a kick of tangy BBQ sauce, you’ve just found your new favorite dinner. Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken brings tender, juicy Chicken together with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a sweet-smoky barbecue glaze that’s absolutely irresistible. Perfect for family dinners, backyard cookouts, or anytime you want comfort food with a cowboy twist. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This
- Loaded with bold, savory flavors from BBQ sauce, smoky bacon, and sharp cheddar.
- Super simple to prepare—just layer, bake, and enjoy!
- Kid-approved and a total crowd-pleaser for parties and weeknights alike.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings or cheese blends.
- Hearty and satisfying, guaranteed to fill up hungry cowboys and cowgirls!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless Chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon
- ¾ cup BBQ sauce (choose your favorite style)
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup thinly sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Prep the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Pound the chicken breasts to even thickness (about ¾-inch thick) for uniform cooking.
- Season both sides of chicken with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Arrange them in the prepared baking dish.
Cook the Bacon
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon slices until crispy (about 5-7 minutes). Drain on paper towels, then chop each slice into thirds.
Assemble
- Brush chicken breasts evenly with BBQ sauce, reserving 2 tablespoons for later.
- Top each chicken breast with bacon pieces, distributing evenly.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the bacon-topped chicken.
Bake
- Bake uncovered at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through (internal temp: 165°F/74°C) and cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Remove from oven, brush with remaining BBQ sauce, and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with green onions and parsley if desired. Serve hot!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Notes
- Pounding chicken to an even thickness helps it cook quickly and evenly.
- For extra smoky flavor, use applewood or hickory smoked bacon and smoked cheddar.
- Letting the chicken rest before slicing keeps it extra juicy!
Variations
- Spicy Cowboy: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper before baking for extra heat.
- Cowgirl Ranch: Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese and drizzle with ranch dressing before serving.
- Low-Carb: Use sugar-free BBQ sauce and serve with cauliflower mash or roasted veggies.
Required Equipment
- Large oven-safe baking dish (9x13-inch)
- Skillet (for bacon)
- Meat thermometer
- Chef’s knife and cutting board
- Small bowl and brush (for BBQ sauce)
Storage Instructions
Leftover Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or microwave until heated through. For best flavor and texture, avoid freezing as the cheese and sauce can become watery after thawing.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve atop creamy mashed potatoes or buttery corn on the cob for true comfort food vibes.
- Add a crisp green salad or tangy coleslaw on the side to balance the richness.
- Try with cornbread muffins and a cool iced tea for the ultimate cowboy feast!
Pro Tips
- Use freshly shredded cheddar for the best melt and flavor.
- Let the chicken rest under foil after baking to lock in juices.
- Check for doneness with a meat thermometer—165°F is the magic number!
FAQ
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. When ready to bake, uncover and add 5 extra minutes to baking time.
Can I grill the chicken instead of baking?
Absolutely! Grill seasoned chicken breasts until almost cooked through, then top with BBQ sauce, bacon, and cheese. Cover grill and cook just until cheese melts.
What’s the best BBQ sauce for this recipe?
Your favorite style works great—smoky, sweet, spicy, or even homemade! Feel free to experiment to match your taste.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 8 slices bacon
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
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2Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper on both sides. Place them in the prepared baking dish.
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3Brush each chicken breast generously with BBQ sauce.
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4Wrap 2 slices of bacon around each chicken breast and secure with toothpicks if needed.
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5Bake for 25 minutes, then remove from oven and sprinkle cheddar cheese over each chicken breast. Return to oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the chicken is cooked through.
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6Remove toothpicks, garnish with sliced green onions, and serve hot.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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