Description
Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken is a smoky, cheesy, and savory dish featuring juicy chicken breasts topped with crispy bacon, melty sharp cheddar, and rich BBQ sauce. Perfect for quick family dinners or impressive weekend BBQs, this recipe combines bold flavors with simple, beginner-friendly steps to deliver a comforting and satisfying meal in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Bacon & Cheese
- 6 thick-cut bacon strips
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, sliced or shredded
Sauce
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (smoky or sweet variety)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and optionally smoked paprika. Lightly brush with olive oil to prevent sticking and promote browning.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large pan over medium heat, cook bacon strips until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels, leaving some bacon fat in the pan for added flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Using the leftover bacon fat or olive oil, sear chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side over medium-high heat until golden brown, developing a flavorful crust without cooking completely through.
- Add BBQ Sauce and Cheese: Reduce heat to low, spoon a generous amount of BBQ sauce over each chicken breast, then layer cheddar cheese slices or shredded cheese on top.
- Finish Cooking and Assemble: Cover the pan with a lid or foil and cook until the cheese melts and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Place crispy bacon strips atop just before serving.
Notes
- Use a quality BBQ sauce to maximize flavor.
- Allow chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking for juiciness and tenderness.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is perfectly cooked.
- A cast-iron skillet is ideal for even heat and better searing.
- Double the bacon for extra crunch and smoky flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
Keywords: cowboy chicken, BBQ chicken, bacon cheddar chicken, smoky chicken recipe, quick chicken dinner, family-friendly chicken, gluten-free chicken
