Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken
This Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken recipe combines smoky BBQ sauce, crispy bacon, and melted sharp cheddar cheese for a bold and satisfying meal. Perfect for grilling or stovetop cooking, it offers easy prep, hearty flavors, and versatile options that make it ideal for family dinners or backyard parties.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (choose your favorite smoky variety)
- 8 bacon strips, cooked crispy
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to build a flavorful foundation.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Sear the chicken breasts until golden brown on each side, about 3-4 minutes per side. This locks in juices and creates a delicious crust.
- Add BBQ Sauce: Lower the heat to medium and brush a generous layer of BBQ sauce over each piece of chicken. Let it cook for 2 minutes to set the sauce slightly.
- Top with Bacon and Cheese: Place crispy bacon strips on top of each chicken breast, then add a thick layer of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Cover the skillet with a lid to allow the cheese to melt perfectly.
- Finish Cooking: Cook for another 3-5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked without drying it out.
- Cook bacon separately for crispier texture before adding to the chicken.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to retain juices and guarantee tender bites.
- Choose a quality, smoky BBQ sauce for best flavor.
- Cover the pan when melting cheese to ensure even melting without burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: BBQ chicken, bacon cheddar chicken, cowboy chicken, grilled chicken, gluten free chicken, BBQ recipe, cheesy chicken, bacon recipe