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    Home » Main Dish Recipes » Chicken Recipes

    Simply Delicious Cheesy Bacon BBQ Chicken

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    Posted March 8, 2022 by Wendy Polisi

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    This post may contain affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    A photo of two pieces of chicken in a skillet with another photo of plated cheesy chicken below it and the text that says Cheesy Bacon BBQ Chicken in the middle.

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

    Overhead photo of a skillet with Cheesy Bacon BBQ Chicken in it.

    Looking for an easy chicken recipe that the whole family will love? You need this Cheesy BBQ Bacon Chicken in your back pocket.

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

    Ingredients for Making BBQ Bacon Chicken

    • Cheese - I used white cheddar slices, but yellow cheddar or shredded cheese works too.
    • 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 chicken thighs, that will work too. Just make sure you use an instant-read thermometer to adjust the cooking time and 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. If buying bbq sauce and you are gluten sensitive, make sure you read the label to make sure it is gluten-free.
    • Bacon - Any bacon that you like will work here. 

    Tips, Tricks, and Variations

    • 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. Take the meat off the heat when it reaches 160° F. The internal temperature will continue to rise to the recommended 165° F as the chicken rests.
    • Want creamy cheesy BBQ Chicken? You can either top the chicken with softened cream cheese before you add the cheddar cheese and bacon or finish it with ranch dressing.

    Serving Suggestions

    This recipe is so versatile and goes with many side dishes! Some great options include: Air Fryer Asparagus, Blackstone Potatoes, Brussels Sprouts, Instant Pot Red Potato Salad, Baked Potato.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I Double the Recipe?


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

    Can I Marinate the Chicken in BBQ Sauce?


    Yes! If the BBQ Sauce is high in acid, I recommend marinating for no more than four hours. Otherwise, you can marinate in the refrigerator overnight.

    How Do You Know When Chicken Is Done?


    You will want to use an instant read thermometer to ensure that your chicken is done. It should read 160° F at it's thickest point. 

    At this point, you can take it out and rest it for 5 to 10 minutes. Carryover cooking will have it reach the recommended temperature of 165° F.

    Tools Needed to Make Cheesy Bacon Chicken

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    • Instant Read Thermometer
    • Ovenproof Pan (Or a skillet and casserole dish.)

    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.

    How to Make This Cheesy BBQ Chicken Recipe

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

    Photo of a plate of seasoned chicken.
    Photo of a cast iron skillet with seasoned chicken covered in BBQ Sauce.

    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.)

    Cast iron skillet with seared chicken.
    Photo of seared chicken covered with cheese slices and bacon.

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

    Top with the cheese and bacon.

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

     

    Photo of a plate of cheesy bacon BBQ Chicken.
    If you like this recipe don't forget to leave a 5 star rating and let me know how it went in the below comments, I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, Instagram, and PINTEREST to see all my delicious recipes.
    Print Recipe
    No ratings yet

    Cheesy Bacon BBQ Chicken

    If you like easy dinners where the about of work is disproportionate to the taste, you are going to love this Cheesy Barbecue Chicken!
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time20 mins
    Total Time30 mins
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: chicken
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 484kcal
    Author: Wendy Polisi

    Ingredients

    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or sweet paprika
    • 1 teaspoon salt of choice
    • ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
    • 1 tablespoon avocado oil or any high heat oil
    • 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
    • ¼ cup BBQ Sauce
    • 7 ounces sliced cheddar cheese
    • 8 ounces bacon cooked and crumbled

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 400° F. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, and fresh ground pepper.
    • Rub the spice mixture over the chicken breasts. Heat the oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5 minutes per side, until golden brown.
    • Remove from the heat and carefully spread the BBQ sauce over the chicken. Top with the cheese slices and bacon.
    • Cook in the preheated oven for 5 to 8 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the chicken registers 160° F with an instant-read thermometer.
    • Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 484kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 40g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 17g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 107mg | Sodium: 678mg | Potassium: 372mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 418IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 188mg | Iron: 1mg

    Filed Under:

    Chicken RecipesGluten Free RecipesMain Dish Recipes

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    About Wendy Polisi

    Hi, I’m Wendy! I’m a cook, 5 time cookbook author, blogger, natural health enthusiast…and most importantly a mom. My boys are 16 & 17 and my late life princess is 9.

    Reader Interactions

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      Rating




    1. Mitch

      July 22, 2020 at 7:48 pm

      My family is going to be thanking you when I cook this! Hamburgers and chicken for the whole pandemic, and this helps me to spice things up, they will be grateful I found your recipe!
      Thanks!

      Reply
    2. Pam Wattenbarger

      July 22, 2020 at 10:46 pm

      We love barbecue chicken with cheese but we've never had it with bacon added. That's next on my list of things to try!

      Reply
    3. Tasheena

      July 22, 2020 at 10:49 pm

      My son is a huge of bacon. He’s going to love this recipe.

      Reply
    4. heather

      July 23, 2020 at 1:36 am

      This chicken turned out so good! My husband loves that it is low-carb

      Reply
      • Wendy Polisi

        July 23, 2020 at 9:42 am

        So glad that you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    5. Chei

      July 23, 2020 at 4:59 am

      Wow! I love cheesy chicken! I will definitely try this out. Yum!

      Reply
    6. Jennifer Van Haitsma

      July 23, 2020 at 11:29 am

      This looks amazing! I love chicken, and pretty much anything involving cheese. I'd love to try the gouda. Usually I only have gouda with crackers, so it would be nice to try it as part of an entree.

      Reply
    7. Marysa

      July 23, 2020 at 3:28 pm

      This sounds like a delicious combination of flavors. We love Sargento cheese! I am in such a recipe rut, I am looking forward to trying this.

      Reply
    8. Monica Y

      July 23, 2020 at 3:39 pm

      yummy, this recipe looks not only delicious but easy to prepare and something my family would enjoy

      Reply
    9. Kita Bryant

      July 24, 2020 at 2:55 am

      Now this is my kind of chicken recipe. My family would love to eat this.

      Reply
    10. Swathi

      July 24, 2020 at 5:28 am

      This looks delicious, love this cheesy bacon bbq chicken. great meal idea. love it.

      Reply
    11. Jessica

      July 24, 2020 at 9:12 pm

      You had me at cheese! ...and bacon...and bbq...oh who am I kidding?? I love it all!

      Reply
    12. Beth

      July 25, 2020 at 1:53 am

      This looks so delicious! I know that my son will want to make it often!

      Reply

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