Easy, Saucy and Cheesy Dinner Recipe
This Cowboy BBQ Beef Bacon Cheddar Chicken is a flavorful, saucy and cheesy dinner that comes together quickly. Juicy chicken breasts are seared or grilled, topped with sweet smoky BBQ sauce, melted cheddar and crispy beef bacon for the perfect weeknight meal. It is a popular American comfort recipe and works beautifully with fries, mashed potatoes or a simple salad.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 and 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 to 8 slices beef bacon, cooked until crisp
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Season the chicken
Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper and paprika.
2. Cook the chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked.
3. Add BBQ and cheese
Lower the heat.
Spread BBQ sauce over each chicken breast.
Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
4. Add crispy beef bacon
Place 2 slices of cooked beef bacon over each piece of chicken.
5. Melt the cheese
Cover the skillet for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese fully melts and becomes bubbly.
6. Serve
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Cowboy Chicken
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for faster, more even cooking.
- Use a smoky BBQ sauce for deeper flavor.
- Cook beef bacon until very crisp for the best crunch.
- Add sliced jalapeños for a spicy version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless thighs work very well and stay juicy.
Can I bake this recipe?
Yes. Bake chicken at 400°F for 22 minutes, add toppings and bake 5 more minutes.
Can I use a different cheese?
Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack melt beautifully.
Yield, Time and Nutrition
- Yield: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Estimated Nutrition per serving:
About 380 to 420 calories depending on the BBQ sauce and cheese used.
Conclusion
This Cowboy BBQ Beef Bacon Cheddar Chicken is a quick, satisfying and crowd pleasing dinner. It is saucy, cheesy and packed with smoky flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or weekend comfort meals.