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Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken

Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken - featured image
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A smoky, flavorful grilled chicken recipe topped with crispy bacon and sharp cheddar cheese, perfect for cookouts and quick dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 680 g)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) smoky hickory or mesquite style BBQ sauce
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
  • Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 375°F (190°C). If using a grill pan, heat it on the stove over medium-high.
  2. Cook bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Drain on paper towels and chop roughly into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine BBQ sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk thoroughly.
  4. Place chicken breasts in the bowl and coat evenly with the marinade. Let sit for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours in the fridge.
  5. Place chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, brushing with leftover marinade occasionally. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  6. Once chicken is nearly done, top each breast with about 1/4 cup (25 g) shredded cheddar and a generous sprinkle of chopped bacon.
  7. Close the grill lid and let cheese melt and bacon warm through, about 2-3 minutes. If using a pan, cover loosely with foil to melt cheese.
  8. Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes to lock in juices. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired.
  9. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy.

Notes

Avoid flipping chicken too often to get nice grill marks. Pre-cook bacon separately for best texture. Let chicken rest after grilling to keep it juicy. If BBQ sauce burns, move chicken to a cooler spot or reduce heat. Can be baked at 400°F for 20-25 minutes if no grill is available.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ chicken, bacon cheddar chicken, grilled chicken, cowboy chicken, cookout recipe, easy chicken recipe, smoky chicken

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/cowboy-bbq-bacon-cheddar-chicken-recipe-easy-perfect-cookout-meal/