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Creamy homemade chicken and dumplings in a rustic bowl

Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken

This Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken is loaded with smoky barbecue flavor, crispy bacon, and melty cheddar cheese, making it a hearty, comforting dinner that's easy to make perfect for weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, BBQ
Calories: 540
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts You can also use thighs for a juicier option.
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon Thick-cut bacon works best for a hearty crunch.
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Add more for extra meltiness.
  • 1/2 cup smoky barbecue sauce Use more if desired.
Spices and Oil
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil For coating the chicken.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika Or regular paprika plus a pinch of chili.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnish
  • chopped green onions
  • pickled jalapeños For a spicy kick.
  • fresh herbs (like cilantro)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat your grill to medium-high.
  2. Cook the bacon until crispy. Once cooled, crumble or roughly chop and set aside.
  3. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil, then rub it evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  4. Optional: For extra flavor, sear the chicken on a hot skillet for 4-5 minutes per side until lightly golden.
Cooking
  1. Brush a generous layer of barbecue sauce over each piece of chicken.
  2. Sprinkle crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese over each chicken breast.
  3. Transfer to the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until cheese is melted, bacon is warmed, and chicken is fully cooked through.
  4. Garnish with chopped green onions, pickled jalapeños, or fresh herbs. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

You can customize the recipe by adding jalapeños for spice, using different cheeses, or adding sliced vegetables before baking.