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Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken

Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken
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Enjoy a quick and flavorful Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken recipe that combines tender chicken breasts with smoky BBQ sauce, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, this hearty and family-friendly meal is perfect for busy weeknights and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 6 strips of bacon, cooked until crisp

Sauces and Oils

  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite smoky or sweet variety)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cheese and Seasoning

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to ensure maximum flavor.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts in the pan and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and nearly cooked through.
  3. Add the BBQ Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium, then spread a generous layer of your favorite BBQ sauce over each chicken breast, allowing it to warm and soak in for a minute or two.
  4. Layer the Bacon and Cheese: Top each sauced chicken breast with crispy cooked bacon strips, then sprinkle a hearty amount of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  5. Melt the Cheese: Cover the skillet with a lid or place the pan under a broiler briefly to melt the cheese until bubbly and golden—just a couple of minutes will do the trick.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Once the cheese is perfectly melted, remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for a minute before serving.

Notes

  • Choose Quality Ingredients: Using better bacon and BBQ sauce will enhance the flavor substantially.
  • Don’t Overcook Chicken: Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Crisp Bacon Ahead: Cook bacon separately and drain well for the best crunch and texture.
  • Use a Cast Iron Skillet: It helps with even cooking and cheese melting due to excellent heat retention.
  • Rest Before Serving: Allow the chicken to rest briefly so juices redistribute for maximum tenderness.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ chicken, bacon cheddar chicken, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe, weeknight meal, smoky chicken, cheesy chicken

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