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Cheesy Bacon BBQ Chicken

Highlighted under Category: Hearty Italian Second Courses

Enjoy a comforting dinner layered with flavor in every bite: succulent chicken breasts are seasoned, then topped with sweet baked onions, a generous slather of tangy BBQ sauce, and plenty of sharp cheddar cheese. The pan is oven-baked for effortless cooking, allowing the onions to caramelize beneath while the chicken remains juicy and the cheese melts into a golden topping. Finish with crunchy crumbled bacon and a sprinkle of green onions for extra flavor and texture. This dish is perfect for busy evenings—minimal prep, maximum taste, and plenty of options for customizing with your favorite toppings.

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Brought to You By Valeria Rossi
Last modified on Tue, 17 Jun 2025 16:00:38 GMT
A plate of cheesy bacon BBQ chicken. Save
A plate of cheesy bacon BBQ chicken. | recipesvaleria.com

This cheesy bacon BBQ chicken is my go-to when I need a feel-good dinner with barely any cleanup. Juicy chicken soaks up tangy sauce then gets blanketed in melty cheddar and crisp bacon with sweet onions tucked underneath. It is the kind of meal everyone cheers for and nobody guesses it takes minutes to prep.

My crew asks for this every time we have company. The first time I made it my kids actually requested seconds which never happens with chicken.

Ingredients

  • Boneless skinless chicken breast: this is the main protein and choosing fresh chicken ensures tenderness
  • Sweet yellow onion: adds natural sweetness and gets perfectly caramelized as it bakes
  • Salt and pepper: essential for seasoning every layer
  • Garlic powder: adds savory warmth
  • Onion powder: deepens the flavor and complements the fresh onion
  • BBQ sauce: go for a tangy or smoky variety and check for real tomato in the ingredients for best balance
  • Cheddar cheese: the sharper the cheese the punchier the flavor try to get freshly shredded
  • Crumbled bacon: offers unbeatable crunch and smoky depth
  • Chopped green onions: add a fresh pop of color and mild bite

When shopping I always check bacon for meaty strips and avoid overly fatty packs for best texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Oven and Pan:
Get your oven preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and grab a casserole dish. Preheating ensures your chicken cooks through quickly and evenly.
Layer the Onions:
Slice that sweet yellow onion thinly then scatter it across the bottom of the dish. These onions will caramelize right under the chicken turning into flavorful little gems.
Season the Chicken:
Mix together salt pepper garlic powder and onion powder then generously coat both sides of the chicken breasts. This helps build flavor right from the start.
Arrange and Sauce:
Set the seasoned chicken directly on the bed of onions. Take your time spreading BBQ sauce evenly over each piece which helps the top caramelize in the oven.
Cheese It Up:
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese all over so every bite gets gooey and golden. Do not skimp on this step—more cheese means more happiness.
Bake to Perfection:
Cover your dish with foil and bake for twenty five minutes to keep everything juicy. Then take off the cover and bake another fifteen to twenty minutes until the chicken hits one hundred sixty five degrees inside and the cheese is bubbling.
Finish with Toppings:
Right before serving shower the top with crispy crumbled bacon and green onions. That final salty crunch and fresh kick make all the difference.
A plate of cheesy bacon BBQ chicken. Save
A plate of cheesy bacon BBQ chicken. | recipesvaleria.com

The way crispy bacon melds with tangy sauce and cheddar always impresses my family. Once when my aunt visited she even asked for the recipe before dessert was served.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers wrapped tightly or in an airtight container. They last in the fridge up to three days. For freezing let the chicken cool completely then store individual portions for a quick future meal. To reheat cover with foil and warm gently in the oven to keep the chicken moist.

Ingredient Substitutions

No cheddar on hand Try Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a little spice. Swap in rotisserie chicken for even faster prep. Turkey bacon works if you want a lighter meal. For onions red or Vidalia both add great sweetness if yellow onions are out.

Serving Suggestions

Pile the cheesy BBQ chicken over rice mashed potatoes or even roasted sweet potatoes. It is also great on its own with a crisp green salad. Turn leftovers into a wrap sandwich or chop over nachos for the ultimate game day snack.

Cultural Context

This is a nod to classic American BBQ where sweet saucy grilled chicken meets comforting cheese. The addition of bacon and onions is a simple Southern twist that feels both homey and celebratory at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend for different flavor profiles and meltiness.

→ Is it possible to use chicken thighs?

Boneless, skinless thighs work well and may add more juiciness—adjust cooking time as needed.

→ How can I make this dish ahead?

Assemble everything up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to one day. Bake just before serving.

→ What sides pair well?

Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.

→ How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Check that the thickest part reaches 165˚F using a meat thermometer for juicy, safe poultry.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Store portions in an airtight container and freeze. Reheat thoroughly in the oven for best results.

Cheesy Bacon BBQ Chicken

Juicy chicken layered with sharp cheddar, barbecue sauce, onions, and crisp bacon for an easy, savory dinner.

Preparation Time
10 minutes
Cooking Duration
40 minutes
Overall Time Required
50 minutes
Brought to You By: Valeria Rossi

Recipe Group: Main Courses

Skill Requirement: Perfect for Beginners

Cuisine Type: American

Recipe Output: 4 Number of Servings

Diet Preferences: Gluten-Free Choices

Required Ingredients

01 900 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 1 large sweet yellow onion
03 0.5 tsp fine salt
04 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
05 0.5 tsp garlic powder
06 0.5 tsp onion powder
07 80 ml barbecue sauce
08 60 g cheddar cheese, grated

→ Optional Toppings

09 30 g crispy bacon, crumbled
10 2 tbsp green onions, chopped

How to Make It

Step 01

Preheat oven to 200°C. Thinly slice the sweet yellow onion and arrange evenly on the base of a casserole dish.

Step 02

In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Evenly coat both sides of the chicken breasts with seasoning. Place seasoned chicken on top of sliced onions.

Step 03

Spread barbecue sauce evenly over each chicken breast. Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the chicken and onions.

Step 04

Cover the dish and bake for 25 minutes. Remove cover and continue baking for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 74°C and cheese is melted.

Step 05

Top the cooked dish with crumbled crispy bacon and chopped green onions before serving.

Additional Information

  1. For best results, use freshly grated cheddar cheese and thick-cut bacon for optimal texture.
  2. Cool and store leftovers promptly; they reheat well for quick lunches.

Essential Tools

  • Casserole dish
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring spoons
  • Mixing bowl

Allergy Notes

Double-check every ingredient for potential allergenic risks. Reach out to your doctor with any concerns.
  • Contains milk (cheddar cheese)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

These nutritional details are intended for informational purposes and aren't a substitute for professional guidance.
  • Total Calories: 412
  • Fat Content: 12 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 17 grams
  • Protein Amount: 56 grams