Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken is a flavor explosion
Welcome to Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken Heaven!
Howdy, fellow food lovers! Today I’m sharing my absolute favorite Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken recipe that will have your family stampeding to the dinner table.
This mouthwatering dish combines smoky BBQ flavors with crispy bacon and melted cheddar cheese. Moreover, it transforms ordinary chicken into a spectacular meal worthy of any hungry ranch hand!
I first discovered Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken at my cousin’s summer cookout last year. Since then, I’ve made it at least twice a month for my family!
The magic of this Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken recipe is how simple ingredients come together to create something truly extraordinary. Furthermore, it’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings!
5 Reasons You’ll Love This Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken
- Perfect Balance of Flavors – Sweet, smoky, savory, and cheesy goodness in every single bite!
- Quick Prep Time – Despite its gourmet taste, this Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken comes together in minutes.
- Family-Friendly – Even picky eaters can’t resist the irresistible combination of bacon and cheese.
- One-Pan Wonder – Less cleanup means more time enjoying your delicious Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken.
- Versatile Leftovers – Transform yesterday’s Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken into today’s wraps or salad toppers!
Let’s Talk Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference in creating the perfect Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken. Therefore, I’m sharing my tips for selecting the best components for this recipe!
Chicken Breasts
For the juiciest Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken, choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts of even thickness. If they’re too thick, consider butterflying or pounding them.
Fresh is best, but frozen works too – just make sure they’re completely thawed before cooking. Additionally, pat them dry to help the seasonings stick better!
Bacon
Thick-cut bacon adds the perfect smoky punch to Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken. I prefer applewood or hickory smoked varieties for extra flavor.
Cook the bacon until it’s just crispy but still slightly flexible. Consequently, it will finish cooking perfectly on top of your chicken!
Cheddar Cheese
Sharp cheddar cheese brings the bold flavor that makes Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken so irresistible. Freshly grated melts much better than pre-shredded packages.
For an extra flavor boost, try using smoked cheddar or a mix of cheddar and pepper jack. In fact, this simple change can elevate your dish to restaurant quality!
BBQ Sauce
The BBQ sauce is the heart of Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken. Choose a sauce with a balance of sweetness, smokiness, and tanginess.
I personally love using a honey chipotle BBQ sauce in my Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken. Meanwhile, feel free to use your family’s favorite or even homemade!
How to Make Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken
Creating this mouthwatering Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken is easier than falling off a horse! Follow these simple steps for dinner success.
First, preheat your oven to 375°F. Meanwhile, season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a touch of smoked paprika.
Next, heat a tablespoon of oil in an oven-safe skillet. Then, sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Brush each chicken breast generously with BBQ sauce. Subsequently, top each piece with cooked bacon slices and a handful of cheddar cheese.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake your Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken for 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Finally, remove your Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken from the oven. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep all those delicious juices inside! ️
7 Pro Tips for Kitchen Success
- Room Temperature Chicken – Take your chicken out of the refrigerator 20 minutes before cooking Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken.
- Use Cast Iron – A cast-iron skillet gives the best sear and transitions perfectly from stovetop to oven.
- ️ Meat Thermometer – The secret to perfectly cooked Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken is checking for 165°F internal temperature.
- Season Under the Sauce – Always season your chicken before adding BBQ sauce for layers of flavor.
- ️ Precook the Bacon – Cook bacon until just underdone since it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Rest Before Cutting – Let Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken rest 5 minutes before serving to retain juices.
- Garnish for Flavor – Fresh sliced green onions add color and flavor to finished Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken.
Common Cooking Mistakes to Avoid
Even the most experienced cooks can make these common mistakes when preparing Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken. However, they’re easy to avoid with these simple tips! ️
Don’t skip the searing step! Browning the chicken first creates a flavor base for your Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken that you can’t get any other way.
Avoid using cold chicken straight from the refrigerator. Otherwise, the outside will cook too quickly while the inside remains raw.
Never add cheese too early in the cooking process. Instead, add it during the final minutes so it melts perfectly on your Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken.
Resist the urge to keep opening the oven door to check on your Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken. Each time you do, the temperature drops significantly.
FAQs About Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken
Can I make Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken ahead of time?
You can prepare components ahead of time, but I recommend final assembly and baking just before serving. Nevertheless, leftovers reheat beautifully!
What sides pair well with Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken? ️
Classic sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or corn on the cob complement Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken perfectly. Additionally, a simple green salad balances the richness!
Can I grill Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken instead of baking it?
Absolutely! Grill the chicken first, then top with BBQ sauce, bacon, and cheese. Next, close the grill lid to melt the cheese completely.
What can I substitute for cheddar in Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken?
Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or colby work wonderfully in Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken. Furthermore, a cheese blend adds even more complex flavor!
Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Yields: 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 oz each)
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until just crispy
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 3/4 cup BBQ sauce (honey chipotle recommended)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Brush each chicken breast generously with BBQ sauce, reserving some for later.
- Place 2 slices of pre-cooked bacon on top of each chicken breast.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the bacon.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- If desired, brush with additional BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.
Final Thoughts
This Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken has become a staple in my household for good reason! It combines bold flavors with simple preparation.
Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or entertaining guests, Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken never disappoints. In addition, it’s endlessly customizable to suit your tastes!
I’d love to hear how your Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken turns out! Moreover, share your own variations in the comments below. Happy cooking, friends!
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