Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken
This Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken features seared chicken topped with crispy bacon, melted cheddar, and tangy barbecue sauce, all cooked in one skillet.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces 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 Cook until crispy
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Can substitute with Monterey Jack or pepper jack
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce Choose a preferred flavor
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped For garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) For an extra kick
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon until it becomes crispy, about 5–7 minutes.
- Remove the bacon and place it on paper towels to drain.
- Once the bacon has cooled, crumble it into small pieces and set aside.
- Rub both sides of each chicken breast with olive oil.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly over both sides of each chicken breast.
Cooking
- Place a large oven-safe skillet on medium-high heat and heat until hot.
- Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 4–5 minutes on each side until they get a golden-brown crust.
- While the chicken cooks, chop the green onions and get the barbecue sauce ready.
- Once the chicken is seared, reduce the heat to medium and pour the barbecue sauce evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the barbecue sauce-covered chicken.
- Crumble the cooked bacon over the cheese.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle the chopped green onions on top.
- If you like, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the chicken for extra heat.
- Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Pound chicken to even thickness for consistent cooking. Use a meat thermometer; chicken is done at 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest a few minutes before serving to keep it juicy.