Description
This hearty Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken recipe features juicy boneless chicken breasts seasoned with smoky spices, topped with tangy barbecue sauce, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy crumbled bacon. Finished with fresh green onions and an optional kick of red pepper flakes, this dish is perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 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
Toppings
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken after searing.
- Cook the Bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon slices until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain Bacon Grease: Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess grease.
- Crumble Bacon: Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside for topping.
- Prepare Chicken: Rub both sides of each chicken breast with olive oil to help seasonings stick and to promote browning.
- Season Chicken: Evenly sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper on both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Heat Skillet for Searing: Place a large oven-safe skillet on medium-high heat and heat until hot enough for searing chicken.
- Sear Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook 4-5 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust forms.
- Prep Toppings: While the chicken cooks, chop the green onions and have the barbecue sauce ready.
- Add Barbecue Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and pour the barbecue sauce evenly over the seared chicken breasts.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the barbecue-coated chicken.
- Top with Bacon: Crumble the cooked bacon over the cheese layer.
- Bake in Oven: Transfer the oven-safe skillet with the chicken to the preheated oven and bake 10-12 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Add Green Onions: Remove skillet from oven and sprinkle chopped green onions on top of the chicken.
- Add Heat (Optional): Sprinkle red pepper flakes over the chicken if you want extra spice.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Notes
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Use an oven-safe skillet or transfer chicken to a baking dish before baking.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to taste or omit if preferred.
- Leftover chicken is great for sandwiches or salads.
- For extra smoky flavor, use smoked cheddar cheese if available.
