Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken

Cowboy flavors meet weeknight ease in this irresistible dish. The Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken delivers bold, smoky notes with a glossy honey-Dijon glaze that clings to every bite. Easy prep means you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time with family. Grilling lends a natural, mouthwatering smoke that mingles with melty cheddar and crispy bacon. If you’re familiar with Monterey Chicken, you’ll recognize the friendly, crowd-pleasing vibes—and this version brings a little Western flair.

Why You’ll Love This Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken

• Quick and easy weeknight meal that won’t heat up your kitchen.
• Bursting with smoky BBQ flavor from the grill or skillet.
• Juicy, marinated chicken that stays tender.
• Crispy bacon bits and melted cheddar finish every bite.
• Versatile for grill or stovetop, ideal for family dinners or entertaining.

Ingredients

Chicken Marinade:

• 4 Thinly Sliced Chicken Breasts
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Pepper
• 1/4 cup Oil
• 1/4 cup Dijon Mustard
• 1/4 cup Honey

Toppings:

• 4 to 6 slices Crispy Bacon
• 1 cup BBQ Sauce (plus more for dipping)
• 1 cup Grated Cheddar Cheese (or 4 slices)
• 1/4 cup Chopped Red Onion
• Chopped Cilantro
• Pickled Jalapenos

Notes & Substitutions

• Chicken breast preparation: Pound to even thickness or butterfly to ensure uniform cooking; thin slices cook more quickly and evenly.
• Oil choices: Any mild oil works—olive oil is classic, or canola for a neutral flavor.
• BBQ sauce: Use your go-to smoky, tangy, or sweet variety to tailor the heat.
• Cheese: Monterey Jack or Colby Jack are great swaps for Cheddar.
• Bacon: Fresh-cut crispy bacon is ideal; pre-cooked bacon works in a pinch.
• Spice level: Adjust with extra black pepper or a pinch of cayenne if you like heat.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, whisk together oil, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Reserve 1/4 cup of marinade for basting later. This keeps the finished chicken juicy while delivering a glossy glaze.

2. Prepare Chicken Breasts

Pound the chicken to an even thickness for uniform cooking. Place the chicken in a resealable bag with the remaining marinade and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour. The light marination ensures depth of flavor without a long wait.

3. Cook the Bacon

Cook bacon until crispy, then chop into bite-sized pieces. Set aside for topping. Crisp bacon adds texture and that signature smoky note that pairs so well with BBQ.

4. Preheat Grill or Skillet

Preheat the grill to medium heat, or heat a skillet over medium-high. Lightly oil the cooking surface to prevent sticking and promote even browning.

5. Cook the Chicken

Place the marinated chicken on the hot surface. Cook about 6–9 minutes per side, flipping once. Baste with the reserved marinade as you cook. Check for an internal temperature near 160°F, then proceed to melt the cheese.

6. Add Cheese and Finish

Top each piece with cheddar and cover (lid on grill or skillet lid) for 1–2 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from heat and keep warm.

7. Garnish and Serve

Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce, sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces, and finish with chopped red onion and cilantro. Garnish with pickled jalapeños if you like a little kick, and serve immediately.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

• Even cooking: Always pound the chicken to a uniform thickness for even heat penetration.
• Flavor boost: Don’t skip the marinade time; it builds depth without extra effort.
• Perfect bacon: For the best texture, cook bacon until very crispy.
• Temperature check: Use a meat thermometer; final doneness is 165°F for safe, juicy chicken (target ~160°F and let carryover finish).
  To ensure safe consumption, the USDA recommends cooking all poultry to an internal temperature of 165°F (73.9°C).
• Burn prevention: Keep grill or pan heat steady and avoid flare-ups with gentle heat.
• Marinade safety: Never baste with raw marinade that touched raw chicken.
• Juicy result: Remove from heat just as cheese melts to prevent overcooking.

Serving, Storage, & Variations

Serving Suggestions

• Creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, corn on the cob, or a bright green salad.
• Classic coleslaw or baked beans for a hearty, bbq-lue menu.
• A warm crusty bread roll to mop up extra sauce.

Storage Instructions

• Cool completely before storing.
• Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Reheat gently, covered, to avoid drying out.

Variations

• Spice it up: Add cayenne or chili powder to the marinade.
• Cheese swap: Try Monterey Jack or Colby Jack.
• Sauce swap: Use a smoky, spicy, or sweet BBQ variety.
• Protein swap: Pork chops or turkey cutlets adapt well.
• Veggie toppings: Sautéed onions and bell peppers for extra color.

Nutrition

This dish balances bold flavor with a satisfying protein-and-fat profile, suitable for a hearty meal. The following numbers are approximate per serving and may vary by exact ingredients used.

Note: Nutrition figures are approximate and depend on brands and exact portions.

FAQ

What is Monterey Chicken?

Monterey Chicken is a popular, approachable chicken dish featuring tangy cheese and a bright glaze. It’s a good baseline for flavors like you’ll find in this Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken, with a rustic twist.

Can I bake this chicken instead of grilling?

Yes. Arrange the marinated chicken on a baking sheet, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, then top with cheese and bake until melted. Finish under a broiler for 1–2 minutes if you want extra bubbly edges.

How do I get juicy chicken breasts?

Pound to even thickness, marinate briefly, and avoid overcooking. Use a thermometer to reach about 160–165°F, then rest a few minutes before slicing.

Conclusion

The Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken brings bold, smoky flavor to your table with minimal effort. Easy marination, quick grill time, and a cheesy, crispy finish make it a true weeknight winner. Give it a try for your next family dinner or casual gathering, and watch it disappear fast. If you love it, share your results, drop a comment, and subscribe for more quick, beginner-friendly recipes.

Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken

A flavorful grilled chicken recipe featuring a honey-dijon marinade, topped with tangy BBQ sauce, crispy bacon, melted cheddar, fresh red onion, cilantro, and pickled jalapenos. This easy dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 13 minutes mins

Total Time 28 minutes mins

Servings 4 servings

Calories 662 kcal

Equipment

• 10-inch Cast Iron Skillet
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

  

Chicken Marinade:

• 4 Thinly Sliced Chicken Breasts
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Pepper
• 1/4 cup Oil
• 1/4 cup Dijon Mustard
• 1/4 cup Honey

Toppings:

• 4 to 6 slices Crispy Bacon
• 1 cup BBQ Sauce (plus more for dipping)
• 1 cup Grated Cheddar Cheese (or 4 slices)
• 1/4 cup Chopped Red Onion
• Chopped Cilantro
• Pickled Jalapenos

Instructions

 

Steps

• Combine oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a bowl, then reserve 1/4 cup of this marinade for basting.
• Place chicken breasts, preferably thin-sliced, into a resealable bag with the remaining marinade and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
• While the chicken marinates, cook bacon until crispy in a skillet or oven at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes, then cut into bite-size pieces.
• Grill chicken on medium heat for 6-9 minutes per side until it reaches 160 degrees F, basting with the reserved marinade after flipping.
• Sprinkle cheese over the cooked chicken to melt, then remove from the grill and top with BBQ sauce, crispy bacon, fresh cilantro, and pickled jalapenos.

Notes

Using thin-sliced chicken breasts ensures even cooking; pound or butterfly thicker breasts if needed. Remember to reserve some marinade before adding the chicken for basting later. Cook bacon until crispy for best texture.