Are you looking for a simple, yet satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor? Try this Cowboy Chicken recipe, cooked to perfection in the air fryer. This recipe combines juicy chicken thighs, crispy bacon, melty cheese, and tangy barbecue sauce for a delicious and easy dinner that the whole family will love.
Why This Will Be Your New Favorite Way To Make Chicken
- Fast. A delicious chicken dish that is ready in under 30 minutes with the help of your air fryer.
- Easy. Wrap some chicken thighs with bacon, air fry, and coat with your favorite bbq sauce and some spicy, melty cheese.
- Low Carb. Only net carbs per serving.
- High Protein. This Cowboy Chicken is packed with an impressive 31 grams of protein per serving.
Why Do We Call It Cowboy Chicken?
We dubbed this recipe cowboy chicken because it is reminiscent of the type of food that cowboys would have eaten on the range. It’s hearty and rustic and reminds us of something that a cowboy would be ecstatic to dig into.
Whether you’re a fan of classic cowboy cuisine or just looking for a delicious and comforting dinner, cowboy chicken is a dish that’s sure to satisfy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs - You can also use chicken breasts or chicken tenderloins, but I love how juicy the thighs are when cooked in the air fryer.
- Bacon - Use traditional pork bacon, or swap out turkey bacon for a healthier option.
- Barbecue sauce - Use your favorite BBQ sauce, but watch the carb count in it if you want to keep this dish keto-friendly.
- Pepperjack Cheese - If you’re not a fan of spice, this Cowboy Chicken recipe is also tasty with sharp cheddar cheese.
- Salt and pepper - Just a touch to enhance the natural flavors of the other ingredients.
How To Make Cowboy Chicken
Honestly, this recipe isn’t only amazing because it’s packed with flavor and can feed the hungriest cowboy (or cowgirl). I also love this dish because of how simple it is to make. The hardest part is wrapping your chicken in bacon, and that takes minimal effort.
- Prepare the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Wrap the chicken thighs in bacon. Add pepper jack cheese to one side of the chicken thighs and roll to secure the cheese in the middle. Wrap each chicken thigh with a slice of bacon, securing the ends of the bacon with toothpicks.
- Add the chicken to the basket. Once your air fryer is preheated, place the bacon-wrapped chicken thighs in the basket of the air fryer, making sure they are not overlapping.
- Cook the Chicken Thighs. Cook the chicken for 20-25 minutes, flipping it halfway through the cooking time until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F and the bacon is crispy. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
- Baste with sauce and serve. Use a basting brush to coat the chicken thighs with your favorite BBQ sauce, serve, and enjoy!
Variations
- Skip the bacon. If you want to keep the calorie count lower in this recipe, you can just omit it and spray the chicken thighs with some cooking spray or oil before tossing them in the air fryer.
- Swap out the cheese. This Cowboy Chicken recipe is delicious with a variety of cheeses, but pepper jack cheese just happens to be my favorite. Use sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, or provolone to melt over the top for a tasty bite.
- Use a different cut of chicken. Not a fan of chicken thighs, or just have a different cut in your fridge already? No problem, Just wrap the breasts or tenderloins with the bacon and air fry for 8 minutes for tenderloins or 10-12 minutes for chicken breasts (depending on thickness). As always, make sure you check the internal temperature of your chicken to ensure it has reached 165F.
What To Serve With Bacon Wrapped Chicken
There are many delicious side dishes that complement Cowboy Chicken. Here are a few of my favorite sides to serve alongside it:
- Roasted vegetables - Roast some vegetables, such as carrots , potatoes , or Brussels sprouts , in the oven or air fryer for a tasty and healthy side dish.
- Corn on the cob - Grilled corn on the cob is a sweet and juicy side dish that pairs perfectly with BBQ chicken.
- Baked beans - Serve a bowl of baked beans for a classic side dish that’s both filling and flavorful.
- Coleslaw - A creamy coleslaw adds a crunchy and tangy contrast to the rich flavors of the bacon wrapped chicken.
- Dinner rolls or garlic bread - For a comforting and filling side dish, serve the chicken with warm biscuits or garlic bread.
- Salad - A crisp and refreshing salad, such as a classic Caesar salad or a mixed greens salad, is a great way to balance the richness of the bacon wrapped chicken.
No matter what side dish you choose, the combination of Cowboy Chicken and any of these sides is sure to be a hit with your family and guests.
How Long Does It Last?
Cowboy Chicken can last in the refrigerator for up to 4 days if properly stored. Here are a few tips for storing and reheating the chicken:
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
When reheating, place the chicken in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for 4-6 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat the chicken in the microwave, but this may cause the bacon to become soft and lose its crispiness.
Avoid storing the chicken at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as this can allow bacteria to grow and potentially cause foodborne illness.
It’s important to follow food safety guidelines when storing and reheating chicken to minimize the risk of foodborne illness. If you’re unsure whether the chicken has gone bad, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and throw it out.
More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes
Cooking chicken in the air fryer is incredibly simple and makes for a juicy, delicious bite. If you love the convenience and flavor, check out some of my other great air fryer chicken recipes:
- Chicken Burgers
- Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
- Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Cowboy Chicken | Bacon Wrapped Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- ▢ 4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
- ▢ 4 strips Bacon
- ▢ 1 cup pepper jack cheese
- ▢ 1/2 cup low carb bbq sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Add pepper jack cheese to one side of the chicken thighs and roll to secure the cheese in the middle. Wrap each chicken thigh with a slice of bacon, securing the ends of the bacon with toothpicks.
- Once your air fryer is preheated, place the bacon-wrapped chicken thighs in the basket of the air fryer, making sure they are not overlapping.
- Cook the chicken for 20-25 minutes, flipping it halfway through the cooking time until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F and the bacon is crispy. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
- Use a basting brush to coat the chicken thighs with your favorite BBQ sauce, serve, and enjoy!
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And don’t forget to check out my air fryer cookbooks! Every day easy air fryer , and Air Fryer Revolution .
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Cowboy Chicken | Bacon Wrapped Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
- 4 strips Bacon
- 1 cup pepper jack cheese
- 1/2 cup low carb bbq sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Add pepper jack cheese to one side of the chicken thighs and roll to secure the cheese in the middle. Wrap each chicken thigh with a slice of bacon, securing the ends of the bacon with toothpicks.
- Once your air fryer is preheated, place the bacon-wrapped chicken thighs in the basket of the air fryer, making sure they are not overlapping.
- Cook the chicken for 20-25 minutes, flipping it halfway through the cooking time until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F and the bacon is crispy. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
- Use a basting brush to coat the chicken thighs with your favorite BBQ sauce, serve, and enjoy!
Cowboy Chicken | Bacon Wrapped Chicken Recipe https://twosleevers.com/cowboy-chicken/
If you’re a fan of taco salad, you know that the dressing can make or break the dish. Luckily, making this homemade Taco Salad Dressing is easy and can be customized to fit your tastes.
Why You’ll Want This On Every Salad
- Fast. Ready in only 5 minutes!
- Easy. Just mix together three ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen for a tasty homemade sauce.
- Low Carb. Only 3 net carbs per serving, depending on the brand of salsa you use.
- Delicious. This taco salad dressing recipe is tasty on a variety of dishes–not just taco salad!
Making your own taco salad dressing is an easy way to elevate your salad game. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful dressing that’s perfect for any taco salad.
What Dressing Goes On Taco Salad?
There are a variety of dressings that can be used for taco salad, depending on personal taste and preference. Some popular dressing options for taco salad include:
- Salsa - Salsa is a classic topping for taco salad and can be used as a dressing as well. It is typically a mixture of chopped tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, cilantro, and lime juice, and can be adjusted to your preferred level of spice.
- Sour Cream - Sour cream can be mixed with taco seasoning to create a creamy and tangy dressing that pairs well with the other ingredients in the salad.
- Guacamole - Guacamole is a delicious and creamy dressing option that is made with mashed avocados, lime juice, and seasonings. It can add a refreshing and zesty flavor to the salad.
- Ranch Dressing - Ranch dressing is a popular dressing option for taco salad and can be used to add a cool and creamy flavor to the dish.
Do you know what my personal favorite thing to dress a taco salad with is? A combination of all of them! So, I’ve created this delicious salad dressing so I can get the best of all of my favorite all-in-one tasty sauce to drizzle over the top.
What Is The Most Popular Dressing In The World?
It’s hard to pinpoint what the MOST popular salad dressing in the world is because different cultures prefer different flavor profiles, and different types of food pair better with certain sauces. I can give you a list of some of the salad dressings that are the most commonly used overall.
Check out some of the sauces that are used the most for topping and dipping all over the world:
- Italian Dressing - This is a popular vinaigrette-style dressing made with oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices.
- Ranch Dressing - This is a creamy dressing made with buttermilk, mayonnaise, and herbs, and is often used in salads, as a dip, or as a condiment.
- Caesar Dressing - This is a classic dressing made with anchovies, garlic, parmesan cheese, and mayonnaise, and is commonly used in Caesar salads.
- Thousand Island Dressing - This is a creamy dressing made with ketchup, mayonnaise, and sweet pickle relish, and is often used as a condiment or in salads.
- Balsamic Vinaigrette - This is a tangy dressing made with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and herbs, and is often used in salads or as a marinade.
What Does It Taste Like?
Taco salad dressing made with sour cream, salsa, and taco seasoning has a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor that perfectly complements a Mexican-inspired salad.
The sour cream gives it a rich and smooth texture, while the salsa adds zest, a touch of acidity, and a hint of tomato sweetness. The taco seasoning brings warmth and depth with spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika.
Together, these ingredients create a bold, flavorful dressing that’s both cooling and zesty. It’s perfect for drizzling over taco salads, burrito bowls, or grilled meats.
What Is Taco Salad Dressing Made Of?
- 1 Cup Sour cream - You can use full-fat or low-fat sour cream, whichever fits your dietary needs better.
- 1/2 Cup Salsa - Watch the nutrition facts for your salsa to ensure it is low carb friendly if you’re counting macros.
- 2 TBSP Taco seasoning - If you are having trouble finding a keto option, you can make your own at home using my keto taco seasoning recipe .
How To Make Taco Salad Dressing
- Mix the sour cream and salsa in a small bowl until well combined.
- Add the taco seasoning and stir until the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Once the dressing is chilled, give it a stir and serve it with your favorite taco salad ingredients.
Variations
Taco salad dressing is a versatile dressing that can be adjusted and modified to suit your flavor preferences. Here are some different ingredient swaps you can try for a new take on the recipe:
- Spicy - Add some heat to your salad dressing by mixing in some hot sauce or jalapeño peppers.
- Creamy - Mix in some mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to create a creamier texture.
- Citrusy - Add some lime juice or orange juice to give the dressing a zesty and refreshing flavor.
- Chipotle - Mix in some chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky and spicy flavor.
- Avocado - Blend in some avocado for a creamier and richer texture.
- Cilantro - Mix in some fresh chopped cilantro for a bright and herbaceous flavor.
Tips And Tricks
The key to the perfect taco dressing is creating one that is perfect for you! So, use some of these tips and tricks to adjust the taste and texture to whip up something that you’ll love.
- Make it thick. If you prefer a thicker dressing, use more sour cream and less salsa.
- Thin it out. If you prefer a thinner dressing, use more salsa and less sour cream.
- Spice it up. You can adjust the amount of taco seasoning based on your personal preference for spice and flavor.
What To Serve It With
This dressing is quick and easy to make and can be customized to your taste preferences. It’s a great way to add flavor to any taco salad!
Here are a few more things you can use this Taco Salad Dressing for that are outside of the box:
- Dip - This dressing can be used as a dip for tortilla chips, vegetables, or even chicken strips .
- Sandwich Spread - Use it as a spread on sandwiches or wraps instead of traditional mayonnaise or mustard.
- Grilled Meats - Make a marinade for grilled meats such as chicken, steak, or pork.
- Baked Potatoes - Drizzle it on baked potatoes as a flavorful and tangy alternative to sour cream.
- Taco Bowls - Use taco salad dressing as a topping for rice bowls, burrito bowls, or other Mexican-inspired dishes.
- Tacos - Use it as a sauce for tacos or as a topping for taco salads.
- Breakfast - Top breakfast burritos or use it as a sauce for breakfast sandwiches .
How Long Does It Last?
To ensure the longest possible shelf life for your taco salad dressing, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay safe to enjoy with all of your favorite foods for 5-7 days.
Always check the dressing for any signs of spoilage such as a sour smell or mold growth before consuming it. If in doubt, it is better to discard the dressing and make a fresh batch.
Can You Freeze It?
It is generally not recommended to freeze taco salad dressing, as the consistency and texture of the ingredients can change when frozen and thawed. Freezing can cause the dressing to become grainy or separate, which can impact the overall quality and taste.
More Awesome Sauce Recipes
- Big Mac Sauce
- Keto Ranch Dressing
- Keto Alfredo Sauce
- Bang Bang Sauce
- Low Carb Pizza Sauce
Taco Salad Dressing | Zesty Taco Salad Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
- ▢ 1 cup sour cream
- ▢ 1/2 cup Salsa
- ▢ 2 tbsp Taco Seasoning
Instructions
- Mix the sour cream and salsa in a small bowl until well combined.
- Add the taco seasoning and stir until the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Once the dressing is chilled, give it a stir and serve it with your favorite taco salad ingredients.
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Don’t forget to check out my other Ketocookbooks.
Keto Instant Pot, Keto Fat Bombs, Sweets, & Treats , and Easy keto in 30 minutes.
