Dinner

Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken Recipe

ByLila Prescott February 9, 2026February 9, 2026

Introduction

This Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken is a flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for any weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned, seared, and loaded with smoky bacon, melted cheddar, and tangy barbecue sauce. It’s an easy recipe that packs a punch of hearty, comforting flavors.

The dish shows a thick slice of cooked chicken breast placed on a bed of white rice, all inside a white bowl. The chicken has three layers: the bottom layer is juicy white meat sliced partly to show inside, the middle layer is covered by a smooth orange cheese sauce, and the top layer has small crispy dark brown bacon pieces and bits of green herbs scattered all over. A dark brown sauce is poured over the chicken and bacon, pooling slightly around the chicken and rice. To the side, a small bunch of fresh green thyme rests on the bowl’s edge. The bowl sits on a white marbled texture background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper
8 slices bacon
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup barbecue sauce
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Remove the bacon and drain on paper towels, then crumble into small pieces and set aside.

Step 4: Rub both sides of each chicken breast with olive oil.
Step 5: Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly over both sides of the chicken.
Step 6: Place a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add the chicken. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.

Step 7: While the chicken cooks, chop the green onions and prepare the barbecue sauce.
Step 8: Reduce the heat to medium and pour barbecue sauce evenly over the chicken breasts in the skillet.
Step 9: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the barbecue-coated chicken.

Step 10: Crumble the cooked bacon evenly over the cheese.
Step 11: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted.
Step 12: Remove from the oven and sprinkle chopped green onions on top.

Step 13: If desired, add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Step 14: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use smoked cheddar for an even richer flavor.

Substitute turkey bacon for a leaner option.
Try adding a splash of hot sauce to the barbecue sauce for a spicy twist.
Make sure the skillet is oven-safe to avoid transferring the chicken during baking.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a low oven to keep the cheese from toughening. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but reheats well.