Cheesy Bacon BBQ Chicken

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Sargento for IZEA Worldwide. All opinions are 100% mine.

I can't stop thinking about this Cheesy Bacon BBQ Chicken. Smoky seasoned chicken topped with tangy barbecue sauce, aged white cheddar cheese, and crunchy bacon for a deliciously easy dish that every cook needs in their repertoire. Simple but unforgettable!

If you like easy meals that the whole family will love, you will love this Cheesy BBQ Bacon Chicken.

With just seven ingredients (plus salt and pepper), you have got a dinner that comes together in about 30 minutes and is nothing short of spectacular.

The star of the show is Sargento® Reserve Series™ Sliced Aged White Cheddar Natural Cheese which I pick up when I shop at Walmart.

I have always loved Sargento, and now with the new Reserve Series™ that love has grown even deeper. This series offers gourmet flavors available in convenient forms allowing anyone to elevate their everyday meals.

In addition to the variety used here, other available types include:

Sargento® Reserve Series™ Shredded 18-Month Aged Cheddar
Sargento® Reserve Series™ Shredded Aged Italian Blend
Sargento® Reserve Series™ Sliced Fresh Asiago Natural Cheese
Sargento® Reserve Series™ Sliced Aged Gouda Natural Cheese

Ingredients to Make Cheesy Bacon Chicken

Sargento® Reserve Series™ Sliced Aged White Cheddar Natural Cheese - Aged to reach its fullest flavor, this cheese is the best way to enjoy gourmet flavors every day with 100% real, natural cheese.

Garlic Powder - I love fresh garlic, but since we are cooking at medium-high heat and garlic burns so quickly, garlic powder is better suited here.

Smoked Paprika - Also called pimentón, Smoked Paprika is smoky and mildly spicy, with deep flavors you don't get from regular paprika. It is a favorite at my house. If you don't have it, sweet or hot paprika works here too.

Sea Salt - I use fine pink Himalayan sea salt, but whatever salt you prefer works. If you are using a coarser salt, you may wish to use a touch more. As always, adjust the amount of salt to your taste. I love salt, so consider that when determining how much to use.

Fresh Ground Black Pepper - It only takes a few extra minutes, and the extra pop of flavor is so worth it!

Avocado Oil - Avocado oil is my go-to oil for cooking over medium-high heat. You can use another oil if you prefer, just make sure that it is safe. You can read more about cooking over high heat here.

Boneless Chicken Breast - I am partial to chicken breast, but if you prefer thighs, that will work too. Just make sure you use an instant-read thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature reaches 160° F before you remove the chicken from the oven.

BBQ Sauce - You can use your favorite brand - hickory, mesquite - it all works. If you are sugar-free and looking for a homemade recipe, this one from my low carb website is my personal favorite.

Bacon - Any bacon that you like will work here. I am a big fan of beef bacon when I can find it, but pork or turkey will also work.

Tips

As mentioned under the ingredients, please ensure that you are using an oil that is safe for high heat.
I recommend always using an instant-read thermometer when cooking meat. For chicken, take the meat off when it reaches 160° F. The internal temperature will continue to rise to the recommended 165° F as the chicken rests.

Storage

You can store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three days. I recommend reheating in a 350° F oven for about 10 minutes, until warmed through.

Can I Double the Recipe?

Absolutely! If you are like me and have teenage boys, doubling recipes like this is a necessity.

How Do I Make Cheesy BBQ Bacon Chicken?

First, start by making the spice blend. Combine the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

Sprinkle the seasoning over the chicken. If you have time, allow it to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Pressed for time? No worries - this step is completely optional.

Next, heat the oil in a large ovenproof skillet. (If you aren't one for measuring, make sure you don't have a heavy hand, as the skillet will eventually be going in the oven and too much oil can cause it to smoke.)

Cook the chicken until it is golden brown and then remove the skillet from the heat.

Top with the BBQ sauce, Sargento® Reserve Series™ Sliced Aged White Cheddar Natural Cheese, and bacon.

Cook in the oven until the internal temperature registers 160° F.