Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken
A comforting, crowd-pleasing meal featuring chicken breasts topped with BBQ sauce, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces chicken breasts (boneless and skinless) Ensure they’re even in size for even cooking.
- 1 cup BBQ sauce Use your favorite brand — homemade version works wonders too!
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Choose sharp cheddar for an extra kick.
- 6 slices bacon Choose thick-cut for a hearty bite.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil Adds flavor and helps with crisping the chicken.
- to taste salt For seasoning the chicken to perfection.
- to taste pepper For seasoning the chicken to perfection.
- optional fresh parsley or green onions For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and season with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Once done, let it cool on paper towels, retaining the drippings in the pan.
Cooking
- In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, add olive oil if needed and sear the chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Pour the BBQ sauce over the chicken, generously coating it.
- Crumble the bacon over the saucy chicken and sprinkle the cheddar cheese on top.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired, and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. For a lighter version, use skinless chicken thighs and a lower-sugar BBQ sauce. This dish can also be grilled for a smoky flavor. Experiment with BBQ flavors for varied tastes!