Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of bold flavors and hearty ingredients. This dish combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and melty cheddar, all drenched in zesty BBQ sauce. Perfect for family dinners, backyard barbecues, or game day gatherings, this recipe offers a delightful blend of smoky and savory tastes that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor Explosion: Each bite features a rich combination of smoky bacon, tangy barbecue sauce, and creamy cheddar.
Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish is quick to whip up even on busy nights.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve it with rice, on a bun, or alongside your favorite sides for a complete meal.
Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for parties or family gatherings, this recipe guarantees satisfied guests every time.
Customizable Heat: Adjust the red pepper flakes to match your spice preference.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Limited Time Deal

Grab This Chef Knife Now - Almost Gone!

Stays Razor-Sharp: Ice-hardened blade keeps its edge longer than ordinary knives
Superior Grip Control: Unique finger hole design gives you perfect balance and safety
Built to Last a Lifetime: Premium stainless steel blade with elegant beech wood handle

Customer Reviews ★★★★★

Finally, a knife that stays sharp and feels comfortable in my hand

Professional quality without the premium price tag

Makes meal prep faster and more enjoyable

Don't Miss Out - Order Now

Only a few items left in stock - order soon

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large skillet
Oven-safe skillet
Cutting board
Knife
Measuring spoons
Paper towels

Importance of Each Tool

Large skillet: Perfect for cooking bacon and searing chicken to achieve that golden-brown crust.
Oven-safe skillet: Allows for seamless transition from stovetop to oven without needing to switch pans.
Cutting board & knife: Essential for chopping green onions and preparing ingredients efficiently.

Ingredients

A smoky, savory feast packed with tender grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and gooey cheddar, all smothered in a zesty BBQ sauce. Every bite delivers a perfect balance of flavors—rich, bold, and irresistibly satisfying. A true cowboy classic!

Main Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
8 slices bacon
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

How to Make Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot when you’re ready to bake the chicken.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the bacon slices and cook until crispy (about 5–7 minutes).
Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on paper towels to drain excess grease.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

While the bacon cools:
Rub both sides of each chicken breast with olive oil.
Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly over both sides.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

Place an oven-safe skillet on medium-high heat.
Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts.
Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust.

Step 5: Add BBQ Sauce and Cheese

While the chicken cooks:
Chop the green onions.
Pour barbecue sauce evenly over the seared chicken once it’s done cooking.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the barbecue sauce-covered chicken breasts.

Step 6: Top with Bacon

Crumble the cooked bacon over the cheese layer for added flavor.

Step 7: Bake

Transfer the skillet with chicken into your preheated oven:
Bake for 10–12 minutes until chicken is fully cooked through.
Check that cheese is melted and bubbly before removing from oven.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Once baked:
Remove from oven and sprinkle chopped green onions on top.
If desired, add red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Allow resting for a few minutes before serving.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken!

How to Serve Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken

Serving Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken can elevate your meal experience. This dish is not only hearty but also versatile, allowing for various accompaniments that complement its rich flavors.

With Fresh Salad

A light garden salad adds a refreshing crunch to balance the richness of the chicken.

On a Bed of Rice

Serve the chicken over fluffy rice to soak up the delicious barbecue sauce.

In a Sandwich

Place the chicken between two slices of toasted bread for a satisfying sandwich option.

With Grilled Vegetables

Pair the dish with grilled veggies like zucchini and bell peppers for added texture and taste.

Alongside Cornbread

A slice of warm cornbread makes an excellent side, perfect for sopping up extra sauce.

Topped with Avocado

Add sliced avocado on top for creaminess and additional nutrients.

How to Perfect Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken

To achieve the best results with your Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken, consider these tips for perfecting your dish.

Use high-quality chicken: Fresh, organic chicken breasts enhance flavor and tenderness.
Marinate if possible: Allowing the chicken to marinate in barbecue sauce for a few hours can deepen the flavor profile.
Monitor cooking time: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.
Crisp bacon well: Ensure bacon is crispy before adding it on top; this adds texture and flavor contrast.
Let it rest: Allowing the chicken to rest after baking keeps it juicy and flavorful.

Best Side Dishes for Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken

Pairing sides with Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken can make your meal even more delightful. Here are some fantastic options:

Coleslaw: A crunchy, tangy slaw adds freshness and complements the smoky flavors.
Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans provide a hearty side that pairs beautifully with barbecue.
Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges offer a satisfying crunch, perfect for dipping in BBQ sauce.
Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that goes well with BBQ flavors.
Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with butter enhances summer vibes at your dinner table.
Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread is great for soaking up any excess sauce from the chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken, avoiding common pitfalls can elevate your dish. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of:

Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season the chicken properly can lead to bland flavors. Ensure every side is generously coated with spices for a delicious outcome.
Not preheating the skillet: If your skillet isn’t hot enough, the chicken won’t sear correctly. Always preheat before adding the chicken for that perfect golden crust.
Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can make it dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) without overdoing it.
Rushing the resting time: Cutting into your chicken right away can result in juices running out. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving to retain moisture.
Neglecting toppings: Skipping green onions or red pepper flakes can lessen the flavor complexity. These toppings add freshness and a hint of spice, enhancing your dish significantly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken in an airtight container.
It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Make sure it cools down before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken

Place leftovers in freezer-safe containers or bags.
It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Label with date and contents for easy identification later.

Reheating Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals until hot.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, covered, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken:

What sides go well with Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken?

Pair this dish with coleslaw, baked beans, or corn on the cob for a complete meal.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes! Feel free to substitute with Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese for different flavors.

How do I make this recipe healthier?

Opt for turkey bacon instead of regular bacon and use low-fat cheese for a lighter version.

Can I grill this instead of baking?

Absolutely! Grill the seasoned chicken breasts over medium heat until cooked through, then add toppings as usual.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! Prepare it in advance and store individual portions for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken is not just a tasty meal; it’s versatile too! You can customize it by adding different cheeses or spices to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try and enjoy its rich flavors at your next family dinner!

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Cara
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Serves 4

Print Recipe

Description

Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that brings together tender grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and gooey cheddar cheese, all smothered in zesty barbecue sauce. Ideal for family dinners or game day gatherings, this recipe showcases a delightful blend of smoky and savory flavors that will have everyone asking for more. Quick to prepare and incredibly satisfying, it’s a perfect comfort food that can be served in various ways—over rice, in a sandwich, or alongside your favorite sides.

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8 slices bacon
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Season chicken breasts with olive oil and spices.
Sear the chicken in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until golden brown.
Top with barbecue sauce, crumbled bacon, and cheddar cheese.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and cheese is bubbly.
Garnish with green onions and serve hot.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American