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Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken

Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken
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Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken combines smoky BBQ sauce, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese for a bold, flavorful dish perfect for grill lovers and comfort food fans. This quick and easy recipe features juicy, seasoned chicken cooked with a golden crust, topped with savory bacon and cheese, and finished in the oven for a melty, delicious meal ideal for weeknight dinners or backyard barbecues.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs

Bacon and Cheese

  • 6 strips of bacon
  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)

Seasonings and Sauce

  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (smoky or tangy variety)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoky or sweet)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Cooking Fats

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Generously season the chicken breasts or thighs with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the seasoned chicken rest for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
  2. Cook the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon strips until crisp and golden. Remove the bacon and drain on paper towels, then crumble or chop for topping later. Reserve a small amount of bacon fat for cooking the chicken if desired.
  3. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear each side for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crusty, aiming for a juicy interior.
  4. Add BBQ Sauce and Cheese: Pour a generous layer of BBQ sauce evenly over the seared chicken. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, allowing it to melt over the warm chicken.
  5. Bake or Broil to Finish: Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven or use a broiler. Cook for 5-8 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  6. Add Bacon and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and immediately top the melted cheese with crispy bacon crumbles. Serve hot and garnish as desired.

Notes

  • Chicken Thickness Matters: Pound the chicken to an even thickness to ensure even cooking.
  • Bacon Quality: Use thick-cut bacon for a more substantial, smoky crunch.
  • BBQ Sauce Choice: Pick a BBQ sauce that complements, not overwhelms, the bacon and cheese flavors.
  • Cheese Timing: Add cheddar cheese late to avoid overcooking and maintain meltiness.
  • Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to lock in juices.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ chicken, bacon chicken, cheddar chicken, smoky chicken, grilled chicken, comfort food, quick dinner, family friendly

Find it online: https://eazyum.com/cowboy-bbq-bacon-cheddar-chicken/