Cheesy Bacon BBQ Chicken Recipe

Cheesy Bacon BBQ Chicken combines several beloved ingredients into one mouthwatering dish. The smokiness of the BBQ sauce, the savory flavor of crispy bacon, and the creamy richness of melted cheese all come together beautifully. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, grilling season, or a comforting weeknight meal. Let’s dive into the details of making this indulgent, hearty dish.

Instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

The chicken breasts will be the heart of this dish, so it’s crucial to prepare them well. Season them generously to ensure each bite is flavorful.

1. Trim and Dry the Chicken:
   • Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels. Drying the chicken will help it sear better, allowing for a golden, crispy exterior.
2. Season the Chicken:
   • Sprinkle the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and chili powder (if using). Rub the seasoning into the chicken breasts on both sides. The smoked paprika will add a subtle smokiness that complements the BBQ flavors beautifully.

Step 2: Cooking the Chicken

The next step is to sear the chicken, ensuring a crispy, golden-brown exterior while locking in juices for a tender result.

1. Pan-Searing the Chicken:
   • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. You should hear a sizzle as the chicken hits the pan.
   • Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts, until they develop a nice golden-brown crust. Be sure to flip them halfway through cooking to get an even sear.
   • Check for doneness using a meat thermometer—your chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate to rest.

Step 3: Preparing the BBQ Sauce

A homemade or store-bought BBQ sauce can elevate the dish. You can adjust the sweetness, acidity, or spice level to suit your preferences. Here’s how to make a simple, tangy BBQ sauce that will pair perfectly with the chicken.

1. Mix the BBQ Sauce Ingredients:

   • In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of BBQ sauce, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper.
   • Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until everything is well combined and heated through. Let the sauce simmer for about 3-5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste the sauce, and adjust with more honey for sweetness, vinegar for tang, or pepper for a kick of heat.

2. Coat the Chicken:

   • Once the BBQ sauce is ready, brush it generously over each chicken breast. You can either add the sauce directly to the chicken now or allow the chicken to finish cooking in the oven with the BBQ sauce.

Step 4: Adding Bacon

Bacon brings a smoky, crispy element to the dish that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheese and tender chicken. Here’s how to prepare the bacon and incorporate it into the dish.

1. Cook the Bacon:
   • In a separate skillet, cook 8 slices of bacon over medium heat until crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes, depending on your stove and bacon thickness.
   • Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and drain it on paper towels. After the bacon has cooled, crumble or chop it into small pieces. Set aside for later use.

Step 5: Assembling the Cheesy Bacon BBQ Chicken

This is where all the components come together for the final product.

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is important if you want the cheese to melt perfectly and become golden brown on top.

2. Top the Chicken with Bacon:

   • After brushing the chicken breasts with BBQ sauce, sprinkle the crumbled bacon over each chicken breast. Make sure the bacon is evenly distributed across the top of the chicken. The bacon will add a salty, crunchy contrast to the creamy cheese.

3. Add the Cheese:

   • After the bacon, top the chicken with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. The cheddar will bring a sharp flavor, while the mozzarella will provide that satisfying melt.

4. Bake the Chicken:

   • Place the sauced, bacon-topped chicken breasts on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. You can broil the chicken for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end to achieve a golden, slightly crispy top.

Step 6: Garnishing and Serving

To elevate your Cheesy Bacon BBQ Chicken, add some fresh garnishes and serve with your favorite sides.

1. Garnish the Chicken:

   • Once the chicken is out of the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. If you want to add an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle green onions on top, or serve the chicken with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to balance the richness.

2. Serve:

   • Plate the chicken breasts on a serving dish. This dish is best enjoyed with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. The richness of the chicken pairs beautifully with the freshness of the vegetables or salad.

Side Dish Suggestions:

While the Cheesy Bacon BBQ Chicken is a complete meal on its own, you can elevate the meal with some tasty sides. Here are a few ideas that pair well with this rich, indulgent dish:

1. Roasted Vegetables:

• Roasting vegetables like broccoli, brussels sprouts, or asparagus will bring a crunchy texture and natural sweetness that complements the savory chicken.

2. Mashed Potatoes:

• Creamy mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, making them a perfect side to soak up the BBQ sauce and melted cheese. Add a dollop of butter and a sprinkle of chives for extra flavor.

3. Grilled Corn on the Cob:

• The sweetness of grilled corn on the cob balances the richness of the chicken. For added flavor, brush the corn with some butter, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

4. Coleslaw:

• A light, tangy coleslaw will cut through the richness of the chicken and add a refreshing crunch.

Variations of Cheesy Bacon BBQ Chicken:

While the classic Cheesy Bacon BBQ Chicken is fantastic on its own, there are many ways to customize it to suit your tastes. Here are a few ideas to mix things up:

1. Spicy BBQ Chicken:

• If you like a bit of heat, add sriracha or cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce for a spicy kick. You could also top the chicken with pickled jalapeños for an added layer of spice.

2. BBQ Chicken Thighs:

• You can swap out the chicken breasts for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for a juicier, richer alternative. Be sure to adjust the cooking time as thighs take longer to cook than breasts.

3. Grill It:

• For a smoky, charred flavor, you can grill the chicken instead of pan-searing it. Grill the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), then brush it with the BBQ sauce and top with bacon and cheese.

4. Vegetarian Option:

• For a vegetarian version, you can use portobello mushrooms as a substitute for chicken breasts. Grill or pan-sear the mushrooms, then top them with BBQ sauce, crispy bacon (or a plant-based bacon alternative), and cheese for a delicious meat-free option.

5. Add Vegetables:

• You can sneak in some vegetables by adding sautéed onions, peppers, or mushrooms to the top of the chicken before baking. These ingredients add texture and flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.

Final Thoughts:

Cheesy Bacon BBQ Chicken is a delicious, hearty dish that combines all the flavors you crave—smoky BBQ, crispy bacon, and melty cheese—into one ultimate comfort food experience. With its crispy exterior, juicy chicken, and rich flavors, it’s a recipe that will quickly become a favorite in your home.

Whether you follow the classic recipe or make your own adjustments with variations and sides, this dish will satisfy your taste buds and impress your family and friends.

Yield: 4

Cheesy Bacon BBQ Chicken Recipe

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Cheesy Bacon BBQ Chicken combines several beloved ingredients into one mouthwatering dish. The smokiness of the BBQ sauce, the savory flavor of crispy bacon, and the creamy richness of melted cheese all come together beautifully. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, grilling season, or a comforting weeknight meal. Let's dive into the details of making this indulgent, hearty dish.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if preferred)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite variety)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Season the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder on both sides.
3. Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. The chicken doesn't need to be fully cooked through yet.
4. Add BBQ sauce: Once the chicken is browned, transfer it to the prepared baking dish. Brush each piece of chicken with a generous amount of BBQ sauce.
5. Top with cheese and bacon: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the BBQ sauce-covered chicken. Then top with the crumbled bacon.
6. Bake: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish and serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot!

Notes

• Chicken Variations: You can also use bone-in chicken breasts or thighs, though they will require a longer cooking time.
• BBQ Sauce: Feel free to use any BBQ sauce you prefer—sweet, tangy, smoky, or spicy! You can also add extra BBQ sauce after baking for an additional boost of flavor.
• Bacon Options: If you prefer turkey bacon, you can use it as a substitute. You can also bake the bacon ahead of time to save some time.
• Add-ins: For extra flavor, you can add sautéed onions, jalapeños, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing before serving.
• Make Ahead: This dish is great for meal prep! You can assemble the chicken with the BBQ sauce, cheese, and bacon in advance, then bake it when ready to serve.