Description
A hearty, smoky, and comforting BBQ chicken dinner featuring crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and tangy BBQ sauce. This simple 5-step recipe delivers bold flavors perfect for weeknight meals.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 680g)
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (100g)
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (120ml)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Chop bacon into bite-sized pieces and shred cheddar cheese if not pre-shredded.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels, leaving bacon fat in the skillet.
- Add olive oil to the bacon fat in the skillet (about 2 tablespoons total) and increase heat to medium-high. Sear chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown but not fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place seared chicken breasts in a baking dish or oven-safe skillet. Spoon BBQ sauce generously over each piece, then sprinkle crispy bacon on top. Finish with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese. Bake for 10-12 minutes until cheese is melted and chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C). For extra crispy cheese, broil 1-2 minutes watching closely.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Notes
Do not skip searing the chicken to lock in juices and get a golden crust. Use thick-cut bacon for better crispiness and smoky flavor. Let chicken rest 5 minutes after baking for juiciness. Adjust BBQ sauce sweetness with lemon or apple cider vinegar if needed. For extra smoky heat, add chipotle hot sauce or smoked paprika on top. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Avoid microwaving if possible.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast wit
- Calories: 520
- Sodium: 850
- Fat: 34
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 5
- Protein: 45
Keywords: BBQ chicken, bacon, cheddar cheese, smoky chicken, easy dinner, weeknight meal, loaded flavor, cowboy chicken