The first time I made Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken, my husband declared it restaurant-quality. There's something about juicy chicken smothered in tangy BBQ sauce, topped with melted cheddar and crispy bacon that hits every craving at once.
My daughter calls it "the chicken with all the good stuff," and my sister made it for her potluck and came home with an empty pan. This is weeknight comfort food that tastes like you spent all day on it.
Why You'll Love This Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken
This is one of those bbq chicken recipes that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. You get tender, juicy chicken breasts covered in smoky BBQ sauce, crispy bacon, and melted sharp cheddar cheese. It's perfect for family dinner or easy weeknight dinners when you want something special.
My family asks for this weekly, and it's ready in under 45 minutes. Plus, it's a total crowd-pleaser.
What You'll Need
Simple ingredients come together to create this loaded cowboy chicken recipe. Everything you need is easy to find, and the flavor payoff is incredible.
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 8 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Optional: sliced green onions
Optional Extras
You can add sautéed mushrooms on top for extra richness, use pepper jack cheese for heat, or drizzle with ranch dressing before serving. Some folks like mixing BBQ sauce with a bit of honey for sweetness.
Want the full recipe? Check the recipe card below.
How to Make Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken
Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This bbq chicken dinner starts with well-seasoned meat, so don't skip this step. The spices create a flavorful base under all that bacon and cheese.
Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown. They don't need to be fully cooked yet since they'll finish in the oven. Transfer the skillet off the heat.
Add BBQ Sauce and Bacon
Brush each chicken breast generously with BBQ sauce, making sure to coat the top completely. Sprinkle the crumbled crispy bacon evenly over each piece. The bacon adds that smoky, salty crunch that makes this cheesy bacon bbq chicken so addictive.
Q: Can I make this with chicken thighs instead?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and stay even juicier. Adjust cooking time slightly since thighs can take a bit longer to reach 165°F.
Top with Cheese
Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over each chicken breast, covering the bacon. The cheese will melt and get bubbly in the oven, creating that gooey, melted topping everyone loves in bbq cheddar bacon chicken.
Bake Until Melted
Transfer the skillet to a preheated 375°F oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. If you want extra browning on the cheese, turn on the broiler for the last 2 minutes.
Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and sliced green onions if using. Serve hot with your favorite sides. This cowboy BBQ bacon cheddar chicken is pure comfort on a plate.
Aliana's Top Tip
The secret to the most flavorful chicken is pounding the breasts to an even thickness before cooking.
This ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy throughout.
Also, don't cheap out on the BBQ sauce.
Use a quality sauce you actually enjoy eating because it's the star flavor here.
My mom always said "cook with ingredients you'd eat on their own," and she was right.
Follow Aliana on Pinterest →Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
You can easily swap sharp cheddar for monterey jack, colby, or a Mexican cheese blend. Turkey bacon works if you want a lighter option. For a healthier version, use sugar-free BBQ sauce and reduce the cheese slightly. Add jalapeños on top before baking for a spicy kick inspired by monterey chicken with BBQ sauce.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Keep leftover bbq bacon cheddar chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to keep the chicken moist and the cheese melty. You can freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What to Serve With Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken
This pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple garden salad. My family loves it with corn on the cob and coleslaw for a full bbq cookout food experience. You can also serve it over rice, with baked beans, or alongside garlic bread. It's one of those bbq dinners that works with almost any side.
FAQs About Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken
Can I use pre-cooked bacon?
Absolutely! Pre-cooked bacon crumbles save time and work perfectly in this recipe. Just sprinkle them on before adding the cheese.
What's the best BBQ sauce to use?
Use your favorite! Sweet and tangy sauces work great, or go for a smoky or spicy version depending on your taste. I like Sweet Baby Ray's or a local craft BBQ sauce.
Can I make this on the grill?
Yes! Grill the chicken over medium heat until nearly done, then top with sauce, bacon, and cheese. Close the lid for a few minutes to melt the cheese.
How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
Don't overcook it. Use a meat thermometer and pull it at exactly 165°F. Pounding it to even thickness also helps prevent dry edges.
More Recipes You'll Love
If you're craving more easy bbq recipes, my honey garlic chicken is sweet, sticky, and always a hit. For another loaded chicken dish, try my bacon ranch chicken or explore more chicken breast recipes bbq style in my collection. You'll find this recipe and many others in my Chicken category, where quick Dinner ideas shine.
Tried this recipe? Tag me on Pinterest @AlianaRecipes - I'd love to see your twist on it!
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Pairing
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