If you’re craving a dish that perfectly combines smoky barbecue flavors with crispy, cheesy goodness, then the Baked BBQ Chicken with Bacon, Cheddar, and French Fried Onions Recipe is just the ticket. This delightful meal is packed with tender chicken breasts smothered in tangy BBQ sauce, topped with crunchy bacon bits, melted sharp cheddar, and those iconic golden French fried onions that bring both texture and a hint of savory sweetness. It’s a dish that feels fancy enough for guests but easy enough for a weeknight dinner, making it an instant favorite that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients makes all the difference in nailing the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each element plays a role, from the creamy butter that keeps the chicken moist, to the savory BBQ seasoning and crispy fried onions that add that unforgettable topping.
- ¼ cup butter: Melted in the pan to keep the chicken juicy and add a rich, buttery flavor.
- ¾ cup Bisquick: This versatile baking mix creates a light, crispy coating that soaks up the BBQ seasoning perfectly.
- 3 Tbsp BBQ seasoning: Infuses the chicken coating with smoky, tangy, and slightly spicy notes.
- 2 large eggs: Act as a binder, helping the Bisquick and seasoning stick well to the chicken.
- ¼ cup milk: Keeps the egg wash smooth and helps create an even crust.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish—tender and easy to cook evenly.
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce: Adds that sticky, tangy glaze that’s impossible to resist.
- ½ cup bacon: Crispy, smoky bacon bits bring a wonderful contrast in texture and flavor.
- â…“ cup French Fried Onions: The secret ingredient for crunch and a touch of sweetness on top.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty cheese ties everything together with gooey goodness.
How to Make Baked BBQ Chicken with Bacon, Cheddar, and French Fried Onions Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F to ensure a hot environment for perfectly baked chicken. Place the butter in a 13×9-inch baking pan and pop it into the oven for 2 to 3 minutes or until fully melted. This step ensures the bottom of the chicken cooks in a flavorful buttery bath, elevating its moisture and taste.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
While the butter melts, mix the Bisquick and BBQ seasoning together in a shallow dish. In a separate small bowl, whisk the eggs and milk until smooth. Now for the fun part—dip each chicken breast first into the Bisquick mixture, then into the egg wash, and finally back into the Bisquick, creating a thick, flavorful crust that locks in juices and seasoning during baking.
Step 3: Bake the Chicken
Place the coated chicken breasts in the buttered pan and bake uncovered for about 20 minutes. This initial baking cooks the chicken through while crisping the outside, setting the stage for the topping that will take the dish to the next level.
Step 4: Add Toppings and Finish Baking
Remove the pan from the oven and spread BBQ sauce evenly over each chicken breast. Sprinkle bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and French fried onions on top to create a mouthwatering layer of flavors and textures. Return the pan to the oven for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted beautifully and the toppings are warmed through.
How to Serve Baked BBQ Chicken with Bacon, Cheddar, and French Fried Onions Recipe
Garnishes
To enhance the presentation and flavor, consider garnishing your dish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions. The pop of green not only adds a fresh aroma but also a vibrant contrast to the deep tones of BBQ and cheddar. A drizzle of extra BBQ sauce on the side makes it super saucy for dipping or spreading.
Side Dishes
This hearty baked BBQ chicken pairs brilliantly with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, buttery corn on the cob, or a crisp garden salad to balance the richness. For a Southern-inspired twist, try serving it alongside coleslaw or baked beans for that truly comforting feast experience.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve this dish family-style in the baking pan straight from the oven. Alternatively, slice the chicken and layer it over rice or in a toasted sandwich bun, transforming it into a BBQ chicken melt with extra crunch from the French fried onions. It’s versatile enough to fit any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply place any leftover chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors develop further overnight, making it a perfect lunch or quick dinner option. To keep the topping crunchy, store French fried onions separately and add them when reheating or serving.
Freezing
This Baked BBQ Chicken with Bacon, Cheddar, and French Fried Onions Recipe freezes well. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil or store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Freeze before adding the French fried onions to maintain their crispness upon reheating.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat the chicken in a 350°F oven until warmed through to keep the crust crispy and cheese melty. Adding the French fried onions fresh after reheating brings back that essential crunch and flavor burst.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will lend a slightly richer flavor and remain juicy even if slightly overcooked. Adjust baking time depending on thickness, generally 5 to 10 minutes longer than breasts.
What type of BBQ sauce works best?
Choose a BBQ sauce that matches your taste preference—whether sweet, smoky, or spicy. A thicker sauce will cling better to the chicken and toppings, creating a saucy, delicious finish.
Are French fried onions necessary?
While optional, they are a signature element of this recipe, adding that irresistible crunch and slight sweetness that complements the bacon and cheddar perfectly. They really elevate the dish.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute Bisquick with a gluten-free baking mix and ensure your BBQ seasoning and fried onions are gluten-free as well to make a safe and tasty alternative.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes! The layers of flavor hold up well over a few days, making it a perfect candidate for meal prep. Just store components properly to retain freshness.
Final Thoughts
This Baked BBQ Chicken with Bacon, Cheddar, and French Fried Onions Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels like a warm, delicious hug on a plate. It’s loaded with flavors and textures that satisfy every craving, yet remains so simple to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. So go ahead, give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Baked BBQ Chicken with Bacon, Cheddar, and French Fried Onions Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Baked BBQ Chicken recipe offers a flavorful twist on classic baked chicken by coating tender boneless skinless chicken breasts in a crispy seasoned Bisquick mixture, then topping them with savory BBQ sauce, bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy French fried onions. It’s a delicious and easy-to-make dish perfect for a weeknight dinner that combines smoky, cheesy, and crunchy textures.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Coating
- ¼ cup butter
- ¾ cup Bisquick mix
- 3 tablespoons BBQ seasoning
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
For the Toppings
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce
- ½ cup cooked bacon, chopped
- â…“ cup French fried onions
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare butter: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Place the ¼ cup of butter in a 13×9-inch baking pan and heat it in the oven for 2 to 3 minutes until the butter melts completely, coating the bottom of the pan evenly.
- Prepare the coating mixture: In a shallow dish, combine ¾ cup Bisquick mix with 3 tablespoons BBQ seasoning. In a separate small bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs and ¼ cup milk until fully blended.
- Coat the chicken: Take each boneless skinless chicken breast and first coat it thoroughly with the Bisquick and BBQ seasoning mixture. Then dip the coated chicken breast into the egg and milk mixture, and coat again with the Bisquick mixture. This double coating ensures a crispy exterior after baking. Place the coated chicken breasts in the buttered baking pan.
- Bake the chicken: Bake the chicken uncovered in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes. This cooking time helps the coating set and the chicken to cook through.
- Add toppings and finish baking: Remove the pan from the oven carefully. Spoon ¼ cup BBQ sauce over each chicken breast, then sprinkle with ½ cup chopped bacon, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, and ⅓ cup French fried onions evenly on top. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted and toppings are warmed.
Notes
- For extra smoky flavor, consider using smoked bacon.
- Make sure the chicken breasts are similar in size to ensure even cooking.
- If you prefer less crispy topping, reduce the French fried onions or omit them.
- You can swap cheddar cheese for a Mexican cheese blend for a different flavor.
- Check chicken internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
