Description
This Cowboy BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken recipe features tender, thinly sliced chicken breasts marinated in a flavorful mixture of Dijon mustard, honey, oil, salt, and pepper, then grilled to perfection. Topped with melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, BBQ sauce, red onion, cilantro, and pickled jalapenos, this dish delivers a smoky, savory experience perfect for a casual dinner or weekend cookout.
Ingredients
Scale
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 (to taste)
- Pickled Jalapenos (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, thoroughly mix together the oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Reserve 1/4 cup of this marinade to baste the chicken as it finishes cooking.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the thinly sliced chicken breasts in a resealable bag, pour in the remaining marinade, ensuring each piece is coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. If thin slices are unavailable, pound or butterfly the chicken for even thickness.
- Cook the bacon: While the chicken marinates, cook the bacon until crispy. You can do this in a skillet over medium heat or bake in the oven at 400°F (205°C) for 20-25 minutes. Once crisp, chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Grill the chicken: Preheat the grill to medium heat. Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6-9 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). After flipping, baste the chicken with the reserved marinade for extra flavor.
- Add cheese and toppings: Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the chicken on the grill and allow it to melt. Remove the chicken from the grill, drizzle with BBQ sauce, and top with crispy bacon, chopped red onion, fresh cilantro, and pickled jalapenos. Serve immediately with extra BBQ sauce on the side.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is cooked through by checking internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
- Thinly sliced chicken breasts cook more evenly and quickly; pound or butterfly if thick.
- Bacon can be cooked in advance and stored in the fridge for convenience.
- Adjust pickled jalapenos and cilantro quantities according to your spice and flavor preference.
- Leftover marinade should not be reused for basting unless boiled first to avoid contamination.
