Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken

Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken is pure comfort food, ideal for family dinners or feeding a crowd. There’s something about the combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and melty cheese that just feels like a warm hug. This dish brings a taste of the wild west right to your kitchen, making it a perfect addition to your recipe collection.

At its heart, this recipe uses four boneless, skinless chicken breasts, perfect for easy cooking and slicing. The addition of olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper provides a flavorful rub that enhances the natural taste of the chicken. But what really takes this dish to the next level is the crispy bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and sweet and tangy barbecue sauce. Chopped green onions add a fresh, bright finish, while red pepper flakes offer a touch of heat, if you desire.

Making this dish is straightforward and manageable, even for novice cooks. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), then cook the bacon until crispy. While it cools, prepare the chicken with the spice rub before searing it in a hot skillet. Once you layer on the barbecue sauce, cheese, and bacon, it’s off to the oven where it bakes to perfection. In just a little over half an hour, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to serve.

This recipe is perfect for chilly nights when you want something hearty, or it shines at potlucks and gatherings where comfort food is king. Gather your loved ones and get ready to enjoy a true crowd-pleaser that even the seniors in your family will appreciate.

Why You’ll Love This Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken

• Quick and Easy: It takes just over 30 minutes to prepare and cook.
• Simple Ingredients: Familiar items that you likely have on hand.
• Comfort Food Heaven: Rich flavors and textures that satisfy.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Great for family dinners or gatherings.
• Flexibility: Offers variations and substitutions for personal tastes.

Chicken Tips

When it comes to selecting chicken for this recipe, opt for quality boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Look for breasts that are plump and moist, with a pale pink color. Avoid any that appear dried out or discolored. If you have time, let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This allows for even cooking and helps maintain its juiciness.

Options for Substitutions

• Use chicken thighs for a richer flavor and extra moisture.
• Replace olive oil with avocado oil for a higher smoke point.
• Swap garlic powder for fresh minced garlic for extra zing.
• Use smoked turkey bacon instead of regular bacon for a lighter option.
• Substitute cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for added spice.
• Choose homemade or store-bought vegan barbecue sauce if you want a plant-based version.

Watch Out for These Mistakes

One common mistake is overcooking the chicken. Chicken breasts can dry out quickly if left too long in the oven. To prevent this, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; it should read 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part of the breast.

Another pitfall is improperly searing the chicken. It’s crucial to give your skillet enough time to heat up before adding the chicken. A hot skillet helps develop that golden-brown crust, locking in flavors.

Also, don’t forget to let the chicken rest after baking. This resting period is vital as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it tender and juicy.

What to Serve With Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken?

This flavorful dish pairs beautifully with several side options. Consider serving it with a crisp side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Garlic mashed potatoes can enhance the comfort factor, while roasted vegetables add a healthy balance to your meal. For a classic touch, cornbread is a great addition that complements the BBQ flavors.

Storage Instructions

Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freeze: You can freeze the chicken for up to 3 months. Ensure it’s tightly wrapped in freezer-safe packaging to prevent freezer burn.

Reheat: For stovetop reheating, place the chicken in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. In the microwave, heat in short bursts at medium power, checking frequently.

Recipe Info

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Level of Difficulty: Easy
• Servings: 4

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 1800-2200
• Protein: 140-160 grams
• Fat: 80-100 grams
• Carbohydrates: 20-40 grams

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)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Cook Bacon

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until crispy, which should take around 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess grease.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Once the bacon has cooled, crumble it into small pieces and set aside. Rub both sides of each chicken breast with olive oil. Evenly sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper over both sides of each chicken breast.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Place a large oven-safe skillet on medium-high heat and allow it to get hot. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust.

Step 4: Add Toppings and Bake

While the chicken is cooking, chop the green onions and prepare the barbecue sauce. Once the chicken is seared, reduce the heat to medium. Pour the barbecue sauce evenly over the chicken breasts, followed by a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese and the crumbled bacon.

Step 5: Bake

Transfer the skillet with the chicken to the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the chicken is done, remove the skillet from the oven. Sprinkle the chopped green onions on top and, if desired, add red pepper flakes for some extra heat. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving.

In conclusion, this Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken recipe is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy family meal. I invite you to try this recipe and let your taste buds enjoy the burst of flavors. Don’t hesitate to share your experience or browse through similar posts for more inviting recipes. Cooking should be fun and creative, and I hope this dish brings joy to your kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and add the toppings earlier in the day. Just cover it and store it in the fridge. Bake just before serving.

Is this chicken spicy?

Not necessarily. The recipe includes red pepper flakes as an option, so you can adjust the heat level according to your preference.

Can I use frozen chicken?

While it’s best to use fresh chicken, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just ensure they are fully thawed before preparing the dish.

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