If you love bold flavors wrapped up in tender chicken, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken Recipe. It’s a mouthwatering combination of tangy BBQ sauce, smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and a honey-Dijon marinade that transforms simple chicken breasts into a true crowd-pleaser.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Easy yet impressive: This recipe uses simple ingredients but delivers a stunning flavor profile that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Perfect balance of flavors: Sweet, smoky, tangy, and salty components combine to make every bite irresistible.
Great for grilling or stovetop: Whether you want to fire up the grill or cook indoors, this recipe adapts beautifully.
Family favorite: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy, bacon-topped goodness that’s anything but ordinary.

A white plate with two pieces of cooked chicken on the left side, each topped with melted orange-yellow cheese, small red-brown crispy bacon pieces, chopped purple onions, and green cilantro leaves, with a few green jalapeño slices scattered around; the front chicken piece is sliced slightly to show white cooked meat inside. On the right side of the plate, there is a creamy mound of pale yellow mashed potatoes with small black pepper flakes sprinkled on top. A gold fork rests on the top edge of the plate, and the whole setting is on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken, BBQ Chicken Recipes, Grilled Chicken Ideas, Bacon Chicken Dinner, Easy Chicken with BBQ Sauce

Ingredients & Substitutions

This Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken Recipe keeps things straightforward but packs a punch through each ingredient. From the honey and Dijon mustard in the marinade giving a perfect zesty sweetness, to the crispy bacon and melty cheddar that add texture and depth, every element plays its part beautifully.

Flat lay of thinly sliced raw chicken breasts, golden honey drizzle, a small pile of crispy cooked bacon pieces, bright red chopped onions, fresh green cilantro leaves, pickled jalapenos with a glossy sheen, a rich dark BBQ sauce puddle, and a handful of grated sharp cheddar cheese, all beautifully arranged with vibrant colors and textures, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken, BBQ Chicken Recipes, Grilled Chicken Ideas, Bacon Chicken Dinner, Easy Chicken with BBQ Sauce

Thinly sliced chicken breasts: Ensures quick, even cooking and tender texture; if unavailable, pound or butterfly thicker breasts for consistency.
Dijon mustard and honey: Create a sweet and tangy marinade that keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful.
Crispy bacon: Adds a smoky crunch that perfectly complements the savory chicken.

Cheddar cheese: Melts to creamy perfection on top, enhancing the BBQ flavor.
BBQ sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade BBQ sauce to add that iconic smoky-sweet finish.
Pickled jalapenos and cilantro: Fresh and spicy garnishes that bring brightness and a little kick.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by mixing oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This marinade is the heart of the recipe, infusing the chicken with that signature sweet and tangy flavor. Reserve a bit of the marinade to baste later — that extra touch seals the juicy goodness. Place your thinly sliced chicken into the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let those flavors soak in perfectly.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon and Prep Toppings

While your chicken marinates away, get that bacon sizzling until it’s irresistibly crispy. Baking it in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes yields perfect results and less mess. Once cooked, chop it into bite-sized pieces for easy topping. Meanwhile, grate your cheddar and chop the fresh cilantro and red onions so everything is ready to go when the chicken hits the grill or pan.

Step 3: Grill or Pan-Cook the Chicken

Heat your grill or skillet to medium and place the marinated chicken breasts down. Cook them evenly, about 6-9 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. After flipping, generously baste the chicken with the reserved marinade for that extra burst of flavor and moisture. This step keeps the chicken tender and bursting with those sweet and savory notes we love so much.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Finish with Toppings

Once the chicken is nearly done, sprinkle the grated cheddar (or lay slices) over each piece, allowing it to melt beautifully. Remove from heat and instantly drizzle with BBQ sauce. Top with crispy bacon, chopped cilantro, tangy red onions, and pickled jalapenos for that perfect cowboy-style finish bursting with flavor and texture.

How to Serve Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken Recipe

The white plate sits on a white marbled surface and holds two parts of a cooked chicken piece topped with diced red onions, chopped green herbs, small green jalapeño slices, and bits of crispy red bacon, all layered over a shiny reddish sauce. Next to the chicken, there is a generous scoop of creamy mashed potatoes sprinkled with coarse black pepper. A gold fork rests near the top edge on the plate, and a gray cloth is partly visible on the left side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken, BBQ Chicken Recipes, Grilled Chicken Ideas, Bacon Chicken Dinner, Easy Chicken with BBQ Sauce

Garnishes

Fresh chopped cilantro adds a bright herbal note, while pickled jalapenos offer a spicy, tangy pop to balance the richness. If you like, add a dollop of creamy ranch or sour cream to mellow out the bold flavors and add a cooling touch.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with classic cowboy sides like grilled corn on the cob, smoky baked beans, or crunchy coleslaw for some refreshing crunch. Mashed potatoes or a buttery dinner roll can also soak up the delicious BBQ sauce beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the chicken over a bed of warm cheesy grits or alongside roasted sweet potatoes. You can also turn this into a hearty sandwich by piling the chicken and toppings on a toasted bun for an epic BBQ chicken sandwich experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days, making for an easy, flavorful meal the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken pieces wrapped tightly in foil or stored in freezer bags for up to 2 months. Freeze before adding fresh toppings like cilantro and jalapenos, as those are best added fresh after thawing.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop over low heat to keep the chicken moist without drying it out. Adding a splash of BBQ sauce while reheating refreshes the flavors beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more fat and juiciness, making the dish even richer. Just adjust cooking time slightly as thighs are thicker and may take a bit longer to cook through.

What’s the best way to get crispy bacon for this recipe?

Baking bacon in the oven on a lined tray at 400°F is foolproof and creates evenly crispy pieces with minimal mess. You can also cook it in a skillet, just watch the heat to avoid burning.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Yes! The marinade can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. This makes prep even faster when you’re ready to cook.
How spicy is this dish with pickled jalapenos?

The pickled jalapenos add a gentle kick of heat balanced by the sweetness of the BBQ sauce and honey marinade. You can adjust the amount to suit your spice preference or omit entirely if you prefer mild flavors.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the hearty flavors and simple prep of the Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken Recipe. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing friends, this dish hits all the right notes—smoky, sweet, cheesy, and downright delicious. Give it a try soon, and watch it become a new favorite in your recipe lineup!

Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken Recipe