BBQ Bacon Cheddar Chicken (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Protein

01 - 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast
02 - 1 slice bacon

→ Spices and Seasonings

03 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
05 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 1 teaspoon salt
07 - 1 teaspoon black pepper
08 - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

→ Dairy

09 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

→ Oils and Condiments

10 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
11 - 1 cup barbecue sauce

→ Produce

12 - 1 cup chopped green onions

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F.
02 - Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon until crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes.
03 - Remove bacon and place it on paper towels to drain excess grease.
04 - Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside.
05 - Rub olive oil over both sides of the chicken breast. Evenly sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper on both sides.
06 - Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown.
07 - While chicken is cooking, chop green onions and have barbecue sauce ready.
08 - Reduce heat to medium and pour barbecue sauce evenly over the seared chicken breasts.
09 - Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly over the chicken, then top with crumbled bacon.
10 - Transfer skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until chicken is fully cooked and cheese is melted.
11 - Remove skillet from oven and sprinkle chopped green onions on top.
12 - If desired, add red pepper flakes over the chicken for extra heat.
13 - Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving to retain juices.

# Notes:

01 - Use thick-cut bacon for richer flavor and sear chicken well for a crispy crust.
02 - To increase spiciness, add more red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the barbecue sauce.
03 - Consider smoky barbecue sauce or extra smoked paprika for enhanced smokiness.
04 - Resting cooked chicken improves tenderness by locking in juices.