Hunters Chicken with Bacon, BBQ Sauce, and Melted Cheese Recipe
Introduction
Hunters Chicken is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts wrapped in crispy bacon, topped with BBQ sauce and melted cheese. It’s an easy-to-make meal that pairs wonderfully with classic sides like mashed potatoes and vegetables.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 8 rashers/strips streaky bacon (smoked or unsmoked – your preference)
- 240 ml (1 cup) BBQ sauce
- 50 g (1/2 packed cup) grated/shredded mature cheddar cheese
- 50 g (1/2 packed cup) grated/shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chips or mashed potatoes, to serve
- Vegetables (such as carrots, green beans, or broccoli), to serve
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) fan-assisted.
- Step 2: Wrap each chicken breast in two rashers of bacon and place them in a shallow baking dish.
- Step 3: Bake in the oven for 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
- Step 4: Remove the dish from the oven and spoon the BBQ sauce evenly over and around the chicken.
- Step 5: Sprinkle the grated cheddar and mozzarella cheeses on top of the chicken.
- Step 6: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Step 7: Serve the Hunters Chicken hot with mashed potatoes or chips and your choice of vegetables.
Tips & Variations
- For extra smoky flavor, use smoked bacon and a BBQ sauce with a hint of chipotle or hickory.
- Swap the cheeses for pepper jack or a spicy cheddar for a bit of heat.
- Try adding sliced mushrooms or onions under the cheese for added texture and flavor.
- If you prefer, cook the chicken breasts thoroughly before wrapping in slightly crisp bacon to avoid undercooked bacon.
Storage
Store any leftover Hunters Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. To maintain the crispness of the bacon, reheat briefly in a hot oven or under a grill.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used and will add extra juiciness and flavor. Adjust cooking time as needed to ensure they are fully cooked.
Is it necessary to wrap the chicken in bacon?
Wrapping in bacon adds flavor and helps keep the chicken moist, but if you prefer, you can cook the chicken without bacon and still enjoy it with BBQ sauce and melted cheese.
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Hunters Chicken with Bacon, BBQ Sauce, and Melted Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Hunters Chicken is a comforting oven-baked dish featuring juicy chicken breasts wrapped in smoky bacon, smothered in tangy BBQ sauce, and topped with melted mature cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Served alongside creamy mashed potatoes and vibrant steamed vegetables, it makes for a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken and Bacon
- 4 chicken breasts
- 8 rashers (strips) streaky bacon (smoked or unsmoked, your preference)
Sauce and Cheese Topping
- 240 ml (1 cup) BBQ sauce
- 50 g (1/2 packed cup) grated/shredded mature cheddar cheese
- 50 g (1/2 packed cup) grated/shredded mozzarella cheese
Side Dishes
- Chips or mashed potatoes
- Vegetables such as carrots, green beans, or broccoli
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) fan-assisted to ensure even cooking of the chicken and bacon.
- Prepare Chicken: Wrap each chicken breast with two strips of streaky bacon, ensuring it is fully covered, then place the wrapped breasts in a shallow baking dish to prepare for roasting.
- Roast Chicken and Bacon: Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook thoroughly until no longer pink in the center.
- Add BBQ Sauce: Remove the chicken from the oven and carefully spoon the BBQ sauce over and around the wrapped chicken breasts, infusing them with tangy flavor.
- Apply Cheese Topping: Evenly sprinkle the grated mature cheddar and mozzarella cheeses on top of the sauced chicken breasts to create a luscious cheesy layer.
- Melt Cheese: Return the baking dish to the oven and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Serve: Plate the hunters chicken alongside creamy mashed potatoes or chips and steamed vegetables like carrots, green beans, or broccoli for a complete, well-rounded meal.
Notes
- You can use either smoked or unsmoked streaky bacon based on your flavor preference.
- For a richer dish, use full-fat cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
- Mashed potatoes are recommended for a comforting texture, but chips make a great alternative for added crunch.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) for safety.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: Hunters Chicken, baked chicken, chicken and bacon, BBQ chicken recipe, cheesy chicken bake, family dinner, oven baked chicken
