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Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken

Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken

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.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Rest Time 5 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, BBQ
Calories: 550

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 thick-cut preferred
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1/4 cup green onions chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • oven-safe skillet
  • Paper towels
  • meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels, then crumble into pieces and set aside.
  3. Rub both sides of each chicken breast with olive oil, then season evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  4. Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden-brown.
  5. Reduce heat to medium and pour barbecue sauce evenly over the chicken breasts.
  6. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the BBQ sauce, then top with crumbled bacon.
  7. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internally and cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Remove from oven, sprinkle with chopped green onions and optional red pepper flakes. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, use thick-cut bacon. To make spicier, add extra red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce. Sear chicken well before baking for best crust. For smokier flavor, use smoked BBQ sauce or add more smoked paprika. Rest chicken before serving to keep it tender and juicy.
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