Sweet, smoky, and melty with every bite, this family favorite is pure comfort. Juicy chicken bakes under a blanket of BBQ sauce, turkey bacon, and cheddar for an easy weeknight win. It comes together fast and always disappears first at the table.
Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken
Equipment
- 1 Sheet pan lined with parchment
- 1 Parchment Paper optional
- 1 Skillet
- 1 Tongs
- 1 Pastry Brush
- 1 Instant-read thermometer
Ingredients
Chicken & Toppings
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 2 lb total
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup BBQ sauce plus more for serving
- 6 slices turkey bacon cooked crisp and chopped
- 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 0.5 medium red onion thinly sliced
- 1 jalapeño thinly sliced; seeds optional
Optional Add-Ins & Garnish
- 0.5 cup corn kernels optional
- 0.5 cup black beans drained and rinsed; optional
- 2 green onions thinly sliced, for garnish
- Extra BBQ sauce for drizzling
Instructions
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment for easy cleanup and lightly oil it.
- Cook turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat until golden and crisp, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain on paper towels and chop.
- Pat chicken dry. Rub with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- Sear chicken in a hot skillet 1 to 2 minutes per side for color. Transfer to the prepared sheet pan.
- Brush each piece generously with BBQ sauce. Scatter chopped turkey bacon, a thin layer of red onion and jalapeño, and finish with a generous mound of shredded cheddar. Add optional corn and black beans around the chicken if using.
- Bake 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part. If you like deeper color, broil 1 minute, watching closely.
- Let rest 5 minutes. Sprinkle with green onions and drizzle a little extra BBQ sauce to serve.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken
- Big flavor with simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
- Oven baked for minimal mess and easy cleanup.
- Turkey bacon adds smoky crunch without overpowering the chicken.
- Melty cheddar and BBQ sauce make a crowd-pleasing topping.
- Great for meal prep and easy to reheat.
Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken Ingredients & Substitutions
- Chicken: Boneless skinless chicken breasts. Swap with boneless thighs and add a few minutes to bake time.
- BBQ sauce: Your favorite bottled or homemade. Choose a balanced sauce that is not overly sweet.
- Turkey bacon: Cook until crisp for the best texture. If skipping, add a pinch more smoked paprika for extra smokiness.
- Cheddar cheese: Freshly shredded melts best. Pepper jack or a cheddar blend also work.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for sweetness. Yellow onion works in a pinch.
- Jalapeño: For gentle heat. Remove seeds for mild, keep them for extra kick.
- Garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper: Simple, reliable seasoning.
- Olive oil: For searing and to keep the chicken juicy. Avocado oil works too.
- Optional mix-ins: Corn kernels and drained black beans for a heartier cowboy twist.
- Garnish: Chopped green onions and a little extra BBQ sauce for drizzling.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken
1. Prep the oven and pan
Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment for easy cleanup and lightly oil it.
2. Crisp the turkey bacon
Cook turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat until golden and crisp, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain on paper towels and chop.
3. Season the chicken
Pat chicken dry. Rub with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
4. Quick sear (optional but tasty)
Sear chicken in a hot skillet 1 to 2 minutes per side for color. Transfer to the prepared sheet pan.
5. Sauce and top
Brush each piece generously with BBQ sauce. Scatter chopped turkey bacon, a thin layer of red onion and jalapeño, and finish with a generous mound of shredded cheddar. Add optional corn and black beans around the chicken if using.
6. Bake
Bake 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part. If you like deeper color, broil 1 minute, watching closely.
7. Rest and garnish
Let rest 5 minutes. Sprinkle with green onions and drizzle a little extra BBQ sauce to serve.
Tips for Success
- Pound chicken to even thickness so it cooks uniformly.
- Shred cheese from a block for creamier melt.
- Cook turkey bacon until crisp before baking so it stays crunchy.
- Do not overbake; pull at 165°F for juicy results.
- Line your pan to keep cleanup easy and prevent sticking.
Variations of Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken
- Spicy: Add chipotle powder or use a spicy BBQ sauce.
- Cheese swap: Try pepper jack for a zesty kick or smoked gouda for deeper flavor.
- Ranch twist: Sprinkle 1 to 2 teaspoons dry ranch seasoning over the chicken before saucing.
- Skillet version: Sear, then cover and cook on low with BBQ sauce until 165°F. Add cheese, cover again to melt.
- Pineapple pop: Add small pineapple tidbits for a sweet-savory contrast.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken
- Skillet corn and peppers or grilled corn on the cob
- Creamy slaw or chopped ranch salad
- Buttered rice, cilantro-lime rice, or garlic mashed potatoes
- Roasted baby potatoes or sweet potato wedges
- Warm cornbread or dinner rolls for soaking up sauce
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Store: Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap portions tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat: Oven at 350°F, covered, 8 to 12 minutes until hot. Microwave at 70 percent power for 60 to 90 seconds. For extra crisp on the bacon, broil 1 minute.
Memories Made Around the Table
This is the dish I make when the house is full and everyone is hungry from the first hello. It is simple, reliable, and the kind of sticky, cheesy comfort that gets people back to the table for seconds.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs? Yes. Use boneless skinless thighs and bake a few minutes longer until they reach 165°F.
What BBQ sauce works best? A balanced sauce that is tangy with a touch of sweet is ideal. If your sauce is very sweet, add a splash of apple cider vinegar for brightness.
Can I assemble it ahead? You can season and sauce the chicken up to 12 hours ahead. Add turkey bacon and cheese just before baking so they stay crisp and melty.
Can I grill this? Yes. Grill chicken over medium heat until 160°F, move to indirect heat, add sauce, turkey bacon, and cheese, cover, and cook to 165°F.
Final Thoughts
Weeknight easy and celebration worthy, Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken brings big flavor with little effort. Keep it in your rotation and watch the plates come back clean.