Description
This Cowboy Chicken Recipe is a flavorful baked chicken dish layered with BBQ sauce, black beans, corn, bacon, and cheddar cheese. Perfect for a hearty main course with a southwestern twist, it’s easy to prepare and great for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Topping Mixture
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned and drained)
- ½ cup diced red onion
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon (divided)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
- Prepare Topping Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, black beans, corn, diced red onion, and half of the crumbled bacon. Mix well to blend the flavors.
- Add Topping to Chicken: Spoon the BBQ and vegetable mixture evenly over each chicken breast, ensuring each piece is well covered.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 to 30 minutes to allow the chicken to cook through and the flavors to meld.
- Add Cheese and Bacon: Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and the remaining bacon over the chicken breasts.
- Bake Uncovered: Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with sliced green onions and fresh chopped cilantro. Serve warm with your choice of rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- For a quicker option, use shredded rotisserie chicken and layer the ingredients casserole-style before baking.
- This dish pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
- Ensure chicken is fully cooked by checking internal temperature with a meat thermometer for safety.
