Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken
Juicy grilled chicken breasts are topped with tangy BBQ sauce, crispy bacon, and melty sharp cheddar for a crowd-pleasing, easy cookout main dish. This recipe is perfect for summer nights, potlucks, or any time you crave hearty, comforting flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lb)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. In a mixing bowl, toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika until evenly coated. If chicken breasts are thick, slice in half horizontally for even cooking.
- Place bacon slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes until crispy, or pan-fry over medium heat. Drain and crumble.
- Preheat grill to medium-high (about 400°F). Clean and oil grates.
- Grill chicken breasts directly on the grill for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden grill marks appear and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Brush BBQ sauce generously over each chicken breast.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar and crumbled bacon evenly over each breast. Tent loosely with foil.
- Close grill and cook for 2-3 more minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Transfer chicken to a platter. Garnish with green onions and parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
For best results, use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Tent with foil to keep cheese gooey and bacon crisp. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free BBQ sauce. Chicken thighs can be substituted for breasts; adjust cooking time as needed. This recipe can also be made in the oven: bake chicken at 400°F for 20 minutes, then add toppings and broil until cheese is bubbly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast wit
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 900
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 14
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 38
Keywords: BBQ chicken, bacon cheddar chicken, cowboy chicken, cookout recipe, summer grilling, easy chicken dinner, comfort food