Description
This Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken is the ultimate comfort-food dinner—smoky, cheesy, saucy, and loaded with crispy bacon. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a bold, crowd-pleasing meal that comes together fast.
Ingredients
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup barbecue sauce
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2 green onions, chopped
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Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy; drain, cool, and crumble.
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Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, then season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden.
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Reduce heat and pour barbecue sauce over the seared chicken.
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Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top, then add the crumbled bacon.
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Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until chicken is fully cooked and cheese is bubbly.
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Remove from oven, top with green onions and optional red pepper flakes.
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Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
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Use pepper jack instead of cheddar for a spicier flavor.
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Add extra BBQ sauce if you prefer a saucier finish.
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Pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.
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Chicken is fully cooked when internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop + Oven-Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 510 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg