Bacon Cheddar Barbecue Chicken

This tender and juicy Bacon Cheddar Barbecue Chicken is a family dinner winner! It’s packed full of protein and delicious flavors!

Dinner of green beans and tomatoes  grain blend and chicken topped with barbecue sauce, cheese and green onions

This dish has a similar texture and flavors to two of my favorite chicken dishes, Melt In Your Mouth Chicken and Alice Springs Chicken Copycat Recipe. It’s SUPER quick to assemble and becomes incredibly tender and juicy as it bakes in the oven. Bake in 1 dish and serve with your favorite sides and your dinner is ready!

Save The Recipe!

Add your email below and we’ll send it straight to your inbox+ you’ll receive all our newest recipes!

I’ve had a resounding request for more high protein, low carb options, and this easy Bacon Cheddar Barbecue Chicken fits that bill. Mayonnaise has a mild, creamy flavor that combines super well with yogurt, bacon, and cheddar. You can use regular or light ingredients. Depending on the level of fat chosen in the ingredients, there is sometimes a separation of the ingredients in the pan juices. Have no fear, there’s zero loss of flavor if this happens!

What You’ll Need

Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Recipe Card Below

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs
  • Seasoning Salt
  • Plain Greek Yogurt
  • Mayonnaise
  • Cheddar Cheese
  • Cooked Bacon
  • Barbecue Sauce
  • Green Onions
Ingredients for Bacon Cheddar Barbecue Chicken displayed on a countertop

Tools You’ll Need

  • 13”x9” Pan

Why You’ll Like Bacon Cheddar Barbecue Chicken

  • The chicken is incredibly tender and juicy!
  • It’s super simple to mix and assemble!
  • It’s high-protein, low-carb recipe friendly!
  • The blend of flavors is absolutely delicious!

How to Make This Recipe

  1. First, prepare the chicken. If you have large chicken breasts, you’ll need to halve them horizontally. A 1/2-inch thick is ideal. If using thighs, they will likely be small enough. Distribute the chicken evenly in a baking dish. Season the chicken with 1 1/2 teaspoons of the seasoning salt on both sides.
A pan of chicken being seasoned with seasoning salt
  1. For the sauce, in a medium bowl, whisk together yogurt, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, bacon, and the remaining seasoning salt.
A bowl of prepared sauce to spread on chicken
  1. Spread the sauce mixture evenly in one layer on top of the chicken.
Spreading creamy cheesy bacon mixture on top of chicken thighs
  1. Bake at 375ºF for 30-40 minutes. Using a meat thermometer, check to ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature minimum of 165ºF.
  2. Garnish the top of the chicken with a drizzle of barbecue sauce and green onions.
A pan of cooked chicken with barbecue sauce on top and being sprinkled with green onion slices

Tips and Substitutions

  • Any boneless, skinless chicken cut works in this dish. As noted above, if you’re using larger chicken breasts, they will need to be halved for optimal cooking. Most chicken thighs will be sized appropriately. Chicken tenders can also be used in this recipe. It’s most important that the chicken pieces are equal in size to cook evenly. Chicken tenders will likely be cooked through around 30-35 minutes. Insert a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh and temp to 165 degrees.
  • If you want to sear the chicken first, that’s perfectly fine! Just decrease the bake time to 25-30 minutes.
  • There are LOTS of ways to serve this delicious chicken!
    • Over Egg Noodles
    • Over White, Brown or Veggie Rice
    • Over Mashed Potatoes
    • Between Toasted Garlic Bread
    • In a Wrap
    • On Top of a Salad
  • What to serve with Bacon Cheddar Barbecue Chicken besides the accompaniments listed above:
  • You can prep this dinner in advance. Just assemble, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake it, either set it out at room temperature for 30 minutes prior to baking or add 3-5 minutes to the bake time. Of course, just check the internal temperature to ensure doneness.

Storage

  • Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days.
  • Dishes with dairy-based ingredients like these don’t freeze and thaw well due to separation of the ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use yogurt?

You can substitute sour cream for the yogurt.

Is this dish gluten-free?

The Tony Chachere’s Seasoning salt that I use says “May contain wheat, soy, or milk.” You can substitute this with a glute-free seasoning salt or simply use salt and pepper or your favorite blend of seasonings.

How thick should the chicken be?

It’s best the chicken is 1/2-inch thick to ensure doneness in the time specified. See “Tips and Substitutions” for time adjustments with chicken breasts versus thighs versus tenders.

Can I use a different kind of cheese?

Of course! You can use cheddar, pepper jack, Monterey Jack, Colby jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.

More Recipes Like This

A dinner plate topped with green beans and tomatoes, a grain blend and chicken topped with barbecue sauce, cheese and green onions.
Print Recipe Rate this Recipe Pin Recipe
5 from 2 votes

Bacon Cheddar Barbecue Chicken

This tender and juicy Bacon Cheddar Barbecue Chicken is a family dinner winner! It’s packed full of protein and delicious flavors!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chicken
Servings: 8 Servings
Calories: 329kcal

Ingredients
 

  • 2 1/2-3 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 tsp seasoning salt blend divided
  • 5.3 oz plain Greek yogurt
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise regular to light
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped cooked bacon
  • 1/4-1/2 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1/4 cup sliced green onions

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375ºF. 
  • For the topping, in a medium bowl combine yogurt, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, bacon, and 1/2 teaspoon of the seasoning salt. Mix well until smooth. 
  • Halve or flatten chicken to a ½-inch thickness. Season the chicken on both sides with the remaining seasoning. Place in a 13"x9" baking dish.
  • Spread the topping on the chicken in an even layer. Bake 30-40 minutes. Ensure an internal temperature of 165°F is reached.
  • Garnish the top of the chicken with a drizzle of barbecue sauce and green onions.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 329kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 116mg | Sodium: 648mg | Potassium: 624mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 222IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 133mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @dinnerin321 or tag #dinnerin321!

Laura

About Laura

Taught by some of the best, cooking and entertaining has always been my favorite hobby. Food is my love language! The conception of Dinner in 321 came from my family talks that sharing our dinners would help others learn new skills, tasty recipes, and make cooking fun! Read more…

Similar Posts

4 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I am a senior and avid cook for all my life. I rarely post about a recipe, but had to in this case. This was so delicious and yet so easy. The perfect combo. I don’t eat bacon so didn’t use it. Not necessary at all. Thank you for a true winner!

    1. This flat out warmed my heart to read! Thank you SO much!!!🥰 I’m so happy you made it and liked it so much!! Janice, you are so kind!

5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating