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Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken topped with crispy bacon, melted cheddar, and fresh parsley on a wooden serving board.

Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken

A loaded, restaurant-style Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken dinner layered with smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and caramelized barbecue glaze. Tender, juicy chicken breasts are seared for maximum flavor, topped with partially cooked bacon, cheddar cheese, and baked until bubbly and golden.
5 from 1 vote
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Course: dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Bacon pineapple BBQ chicken, BBQ chicken bacon cheese melt recipe, BBQ chicken melt recipe, BBQ chicken Stack Recipe, Cheesy BBQ bacon Chicken Casserole, Chicken bacon cheese BBQ sauce, Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken, Smothered BBQ chicken recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Searing Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 520kcal
Cost: $12

Equipment

  • 1 Large cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan (12-inch recommended)
  • 1 Instant-read thermometer (For perfect doneness)
  • 1 Tongs (For flipping chicken & bacon)
  • 1 Pastry brush (For brushing BBQ sauce)
  • 1 Mixing bowl (For spice rub and sauce blend)

Ingredients

Chicken Base

  • 4 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Pound to even thickness if needed
  • 8 strips Thick-cut bacon - Cook to 75% done
  • 1 cup Sharp cheddar cheese - Freshly shredded melts best
  • ¾ cup BBQ sauce - Any preferred brand
  • 2 tablespoon Brown sugar - Mix with BBQ sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon Onion powder
  • Salt & black pepper - To taste

Optional Toppings

  • ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese - Extra melty
  • 2 Green onions, sliced - Fresh garnish
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped - Optional
  • Ranch dressing - For drizzling

Spice Rub

  • 1 tablespoon Chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin
  • ½ teaspoon Cayenne

Instructions

  • Pat chicken dry, season generously with spice rub and salt/pepper. Partially cook bacon (about 75% done) so it will crisp in the oven without burning.
  • Heat oil over medium-high heat and sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden. You’re only forming crust, not fully cooking.
  • Mix BBQ sauce with brown sugar. Brush over chicken. Lay 2 partially cooked bacon strips on each breast.
  • Top with cheddar. Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Let rest 5 minutes. Add extra BBQ sauce if desired, garnish with green onions, cilantro, or drizzle ranch.

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be considered an approximation. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes

Nutrition

Serving: 250g | Calories: 520kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 46g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 145mg | Sodium: 1150mg | Potassium: 620mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 850IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 320mg | Iron: 2mg