Easy Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken Dinner
If you’re craving a bold, comforting meal that feels like backyard BBQ night without the fuss, this Easy Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken Dinner delivers big flavor fast. Juicy chicken breasts are seasoned, brushed with smoky barbecue sauce, topped with crispy turkey bacon and melty cheddar cheese, then finished with fresh green onions for the perfect bite. It’s a family-friendly dinner that works just as well in the oven as it does on the grill.
This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or anytime you want something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken
- Quick & easy: Ready in about 30 minutes
- Bold BBQ flavor: Smoky, cheesy, and savory in every bite
- Family-friendly: Mild heat with easy customization
- Versatile cooking: Bake it or grill it
- Great for leftovers: Reheats beautifully for lunch the next day
This dish combines classic comfort food flavors with simple prep, making it a reliable go-to dinner you’ll want on repeat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped
How to Make Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or preheat a grill to medium heat. Pat the chicken breasts dry and brush lightly with olive oil.
Step 2: Season
In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Season both sides of the chicken evenly.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Oven method: Place chicken in a baking dish and bake for 18–22 minutes, until almost cooked through.
- Grill method: Grill chicken for about 5–6 minutes per side, until nearly done.
Step 4: Add BBQ, Bacon & Cheese
Brush each chicken breast generously with barbecue sauce. Top with cooked turkey bacon and shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 5: Melt & Finish
Return to the oven or grill and cook for another 5–7 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Easy Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken Dinner
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken is the ultimate comfort food—juicy, tender chicken breasts seasoned with smoky spices, smothered in BBQ sauce, topped with crispy turkey bacon and melted cheddar, then finished with fresh green onions. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or backyard-style BBQ flavor at home.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8 slices turkey bacon
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
Instructions
1. Cook turkey bacon until crispy, then crumble. Set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or preheat grill to medium heat.
3. Pat chicken breasts dry and brush both sides with olive oil.
4. In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season chicken on both sides.
5. Oven: Place chicken in a baking dish and bake 18–22 minutes until nearly cooked through. Grill: Grill 5–6 minutes per side until nearly done.
6. Brush chicken generously with barbecue sauce.
7. Top each chicken breast with crumbled turkey bacon and shredded cheddar cheese.
8. Return to oven/grill 5–7 minutes until cheese is melted and chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
9. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Notes
No-pork swap: use turkey bacon (recommended) or beef bacon.
Kid-friendly: omit red pepper flakes and choose a mild BBQ sauce.
Cheese options: Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella.
Storage: refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days in an airtight container; reheat gently until warmed through.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked or Grilled
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
Tips & Variations
- Make it milder: Skip the red pepper flakes for kids
- Extra smoky: Use hickory or mesquite-style BBQ sauce
- Cheese swap: Try Colby Jack or a cheddar blend
- Add veggies: Serve with grilled corn or roasted potatoes
- Meal prep tip: Cook chicken ahead and add toppings when reheating
Serving Ideas & Storage
Serve this Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Roasted green beans
- Coleslaw or a fresh garden salad
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~420 |
| Protein | 38g |
| Carbs | 12g |
| Fat | 24g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | ~820mg |
Final Thoughts
This Easy Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken Dinner is the kind of recipe that brings everyone to the table fast. With juicy chicken, smoky BBQ sauce, crispy turkey bacon, and gooey cheese, it’s comfort food done right — simple, satisfying, and full of flavor. Whether baked or grilled, this dish is guaranteed to become a regular in your dinner rotation.