Sweet BBQ Bacon Chicken (Domino’s Copycat) Recipe

Imagine the perfect blend of sweet, tangy barbecue sauce, smoky bacon, and crispy chicken topped with a melty mix of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. This Sweet BBQ Bacon Chicken recipe, inspired by Domino's signature dish, delivers exactly that. It's the ultimate comfort food that you can easily make at home, promising a burst of flavors in every bite.

Photos of Sweet BBQ Bacon Chicken (Domino’s Copycat) Recipe

This recipe calls for breaded chicken bites which can be found in the frozen section of most supermarkets, as can the bacon. If you prefer, you can bread and fry the chicken yourself, or even use leftover chicken. The bbq sauce used is a personal preference, but a sweet and smoky variety works best for this recipe. Lastly, don't forget to get both mozzarella and cheddar cheeses for that creamy, melty topping.

Ingredients for Sweet BBQ Bacon Chicken

Breaded chicken bites: These are the star of the dish, providing a crunchy exterior and juicy interior.

Barbecue sauce: Gives the chicken bites a tangy, sweet, and smoky flavor.

Mozzarella cheese: This cheese melts well, providing a satisfying stretch and creaminess.

Cheddar cheese: Has a sharper flavor than mozzarella, adding depth to the cheese topping.

Bacon: Adds a smoky, savory crunch, balancing out the sweetness of the barbecue sauce.

One reader, Delano Pippin says:

This sweet BBQ bacon chicken recipe is a game-changer! The combination of crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and tangy BBQ sauce is simply irresistible. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a delicious and easy-to-make dish. I highly recommend it for a delightful and satisfying meal.

Delano Pippin

Techniques Required

How to preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to line up chicken nuggets: Arrange the breaded chicken bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are in a single layer and touching each other on the sides.

How to coat with BBQ sauce: Evenly coat the chicken nuggets with barbecue sauce.

How to top with bacon crumbles: Sprinkle most of the crispy bacon crumbles over the coated chicken nuggets.

How to sprinkle with cheese: Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the chicken nuggets, then top with the remaining bacon crumbles.

How to bake: Bake the prepared chicken nuggets for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is crispy, browned, and melted.

How To Make Sweet BBQ Bacon Chicken (Domino’s Copycat)

Savor a mouthwatering appetizer inspired by Domino’s BBQ bacon chicken. It’s made with chicken bites, crumbled bacon, and cheese baked until melted.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 15 minutes

Total: 25 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

12pcsbreaded chicken bites
¼cupbarbecue sauce
¼cupmozzarella cheese,shredded
¼cupcheddar cheese,shredded
3piecesbacon,cooked until crispy, crumbled and divided

Instructions

Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees F.
Line chicken nuggets up on a baking sheet covered in parchment paper in a single layer touching each other on the sides.
Coat with bbq sauce.
Top with most of the crispy bacon crumbles.
Sprinkle with cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese, then top with remaining bacon crumbles.
Bake for 13 to 15 minutes until cheese is crispy, browned, and melted.

Nutrition

Calories: 1566.44kcal
Fat: 111.86g
Saturated Fat: 37.17g
Trans Fat: 0.77g
Monounsaturated Fat: 44.76g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 20.66g
Carbohydrates: 16.15g
Fiber: 0.32g
Sugar: 12.69g
Protein: 116.54g
Cholesterol: 476.75mg
Sodium: 1367.50mg
Calcium: 371.14mg
Potassium: 1219.77mg
Iron: 5.33mg
Vitamin A: 336.03µg
Vitamin C: 8.80mg

Expert Tip for Perfecting Sweet BBQ Bacon Chicken

When coating the chicken bites with barbecue sauce, try using a pastry brush for an even application. This ensures that every bite is packed with flavor. Additionally, when sprinkling the cheese and bacon crumbles, aim for an even distribution so each bite has a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and cheesy goodness. Remember, the key to a delicious dish is in the details.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Domino's Inspired Recipe

Prep ahead: Prepare ingredients and marinate the chicken in advance to save time when cooking.

One-pan cooking: Use a single baking sheet to cook the chicken and bacon together, reducing cleanup time.

Batch cooking: Make a larger quantity and store leftovers for quick and easy meals throughout the week.

Use pre-cooked bacon: Utilize pre-cooked bacon to cut down on preparation time and ensure crispy results.

Invest in quality tools: Quality kitchen tools such as sharp knives and efficient baking sheets can streamline the cooking process.

Organize your workspace: Keep ingredients and utensils organized to minimize time spent searching for items during cooking.

Follow the recipe: Stick to the provided instructions to avoid mistakes that could lead to time-consuming fixes.

Multi-task: While the chicken is baking, use the time to prepare side dishes or clean up the kitchen.

Substitute Ingredients For Sweet BBQ Bacon Chicken (Domino’s Copycat) Recipe

breaded chicken bites - Substitute with breaded tofu bites: Tofu can provide a similar texture and absorb the flavors of the dish while offering a vegetarian alternative.
barbecue sauce - Substitute with honey mustard: Honey mustard can provide a sweet and tangy flavor similar to barbecue sauce, adding a unique twist to the dish.
mozzarella cheese - Substitute with smoked gouda cheese: Smoked gouda can add a rich and smoky flavor, complementing the dish with a different depth of taste.
cheddar cheese - Substitute with pepper jack cheese: Pepper jack cheese can provide a spicy kick and a creamy texture, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.
bacon - Substitute with tempeh bacon: Tempeh bacon can offer a smoky and savory flavor, providing a vegetarian alternative while still adding a satisfying crunch to the dish.

How to Beautifully Present This BBQ Bacon Chicken Dish

Elevate the plating: Arrange the chicken bites in a circular pattern on a large, white, round plate. Ensure that each bite is placed with precision and care to create an aesthetically pleasing arrangement.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped chives and parsley over the chicken bites to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness to the dish.
Incorporate texture: Place the plate on a wooden board to add a rustic element to the presentation. This will create a visually appealing contrast between the sleek plate and the natural texture of the wood.
Accentuate with drizzles: Use a squeeze bottle to create artistic drizzles of barbecue sauce around the edge of the plate, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to the presentation.
Add a touch of luxury: Place a small, intricately folded cloth napkin next to the plate to elevate the dining experience and add a sense of refinement to the presentation.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Sweet BBQ Bacon Chicken

Oven: To bake the chicken at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until the cheese is crispy, browned, and melted.
Baking sheet: To line up the chicken bites in a single layer for baking.
Parchment paper: To cover the baking sheet and prevent the chicken from sticking.
Mixing bowl: To mix the barbecue sauce with the chicken bites.
Cheese grater: To grate the mozzarella and cheddar cheese for topping the chicken bites.
Knife: To chop the bacon into crispy crumbles for topping the chicken bites.

How To Store and Freeze Leftover BBQ Bacon Chicken

Let the sweet bbq bacon chicken cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the dish soggy.
To store in the refrigerator, place the chicken in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. It will keep for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
For longer storage, freeze the sweet bbq bacon chicken:
- Place the cooled chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure the pieces are not touching each other.
- Freeze for 1-2 hours until solid, then transfer the frozen chicken to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Frozen sweet bbq bacon chicken will keep for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat, place the frozen chicken on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can also reheat smaller portions in the microwave, but the texture may not be as crispy.
If you plan to freeze the dish, consider using a freezer-safe barbecue sauce and cooking the bacon until crispy to maintain the best texture and flavor after reheating.

How To Reheat Leftovers

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover sweet bbq bacon chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. This method will help maintain the crispiness of the bacon and the breading on the chicken.
If you prefer a quicker method, you can use the microwave. Place the leftover chicken on a microwave-safe plate and heat it in 30-second intervals until it's heated through. Be aware that the microwave might make the chicken slightly soggy, but it's still a convenient option if you're short on time.
For a crispy texture, you can reheat the chicken in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the leftover chicken in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the exterior is crispy. This method will help restore the crispiness of the bacon and the breading on the chicken.
If you have a toaster oven, you can use it to reheat the chicken. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the leftover chicken on the baking tray. Heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. This method is similar to using a regular oven but is more energy-efficient for smaller portions.
For a stovetop option, place the leftover chicken in a skillet over medium heat. Cover the skillet with a lid and heat the chicken for 5-7 minutes, or until it's heated through. You can add a splash of water or chicken broth to the skillet to prevent the chicken from drying out. This method is useful if you want to quickly reheat the chicken without using the oven or microwave.

Interesting Trivia About BBQ Bacon Chicken

Bacon is a versatile ingredient that can be used to add a smoky and savory flavor to a wide range of dishes. Whether it's sprinkled on top of a salad, wrapped around a piece of chicken, or mixed into a creamy pasta sauce, bacon can elevate the taste of any meal. Its crispy texture and rich flavor make it a popular choice for adding depth to recipes, and it's a key component in the delicious sweet BBQ bacon chicken dish. With its irresistible combination of barbecue sauce, melted cheese, and crispy bacon, this recipe is sure to satisfy any craving for a hearty and flavorful meal.

Is Making This Domino's Copycat Recipe at Home Cost-Effective?

The cost-effectiveness of this sweet BBQ bacon chicken recipe is quite high. The ingredients are commonly found in households, making it a budget-friendly choice. The combination of barbecue sauce, mozzarella cheese, and bacon adds depth of flavor, making it a satisfying dish. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-15, depending on the quality of ingredients. Overall, this recipe offers a delicious and economical option for a family meal, earning a solid 8 out of 10 rating for its affordability and taste.

Is This Domino's Copycat Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

This recipe for sweet BBQ bacon chicken is undoubtedly tasty, but it's not the healthiest option out there. Here's why:

Breaded chicken bites are typically high in calories, fat, and sodium due to the breading and frying process
BBQ sauce is often loaded with sugar and preservatives, adding empty calories to the dish
Bacon is high in saturated fat and sodium, which can contribute to heart disease and high blood pressure when consumed in excess
Cheddar and mozzarella cheeses are both high in saturated fat and calories, further increasing the dish's overall calorie and fat content

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Use grilled or baked chicken breast instead of breaded chicken bites to reduce the calorie, fat, and sodium content
Opt for a low-sugar, all-natural BBQ sauce or make your own using tomato paste, vinegar, and spices to control the sugar and preservative content
Use turkey bacon or Canadian bacon instead of regular bacon to reduce the saturated fat content
Reduce the amount of cheese used or choose low-fat varieties to decrease the overall calorie and fat content
Add some vegetables to the dish, such as grilled onions, peppers, or mushrooms, to increase the nutrient density and fiber content

By making these simple modifications, you can still enjoy the flavors of sweet BBQ bacon chicken while significantly improving its nutritional profile.

Editor's Opinion on Sweet BBQ Bacon Chicken: A Domino's Copycat Recipe

This recipe for sweet BBQ bacon chicken is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The use of breaded chicken bites provides a satisfying crunch, while the barbecue sauce, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese add a rich and savory element. The addition of crispy bacon crumbles elevates the dish, providing a smoky and indulgent touch. The baking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a delicious and comforting dish that is sure to be a hit.

Enhance Your Sweet BBQ Bacon Chicken (Domino’s Copycat) Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted to perfection with a savory garlic parmesan coating.

Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender carrots glazed with a sticky honey glaze for the perfect balance of flavors.

Crispy Onion Rings: Thinly sliced onions coated in a crispy batter and fried to golden perfection for a deliciously crunchy side dish.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Love This Dish

Crispy Parmesan Garlic Roasted Potatoes: These crispy parmesan garlic roasted potatoes are the perfect side dish for any meal. The combination of parmesan cheese and garlic creates a flavorful and savory coating for the roasted potatoes.

Honey Sriracha Glazed Salmon: This honey sriracha glazed salmon is a sweet and spicy dish that is sure to impress. The combination of honey and sriracha creates a delicious glaze that perfectly complements the tender and flaky salmon.

Mango Avocado Salsa: This mango avocado salsa is a refreshing and flavorful topping for grilled chicken or fish. The combination of sweet mango and creamy avocado creates a delicious and vibrant salsa that is perfect for summer.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: This creamy tomato basil soup is a comforting and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. The combination of ripe tomatoes and fresh basil creates a rich and flavorful soup that is sure to warm you up.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Sweet BBQ Bacon Chicken

Appetizers:

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a delectable appetizer by stuffing mushrooms with a savory mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs. Bake until golden and serve hot for a crowd-pleasing starter.

Crispy Coconut Shrimp: Whip up a tropical-inspired appetizer by coating shrimp in a crispy coconut breading. Fry until golden brown and serve with a tangy dipping sauce for a delightful flavor combination.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an elegant and decadent dessert experience.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Savor the creamy and tangy flavors of a classic strawberry cheesecake, topped with fresh strawberry slices and a drizzle of sweet strawberry sauce for a delightful and refreshing treat.

Why trust this Sweet BBQ Bacon Chicken (Domino’s Copycat) Recipe:

This recipe guarantees a mouthwatering experience with its perfect combination of barbecue sauce, mozzarella cheese, and cheddar cheese. The crispy bacon adds a savory crunch, elevating the flavor profile. Trust the process, as the breaded chicken bites are baked to golden perfection, ensuring a delightful texture. This delectable dish is a testament to the harmony of flavors and textures, making it a must-try for any chicken and bacon enthusiast.

Want to share your own twist on this Sweet BBQ Bacon Chicken recipe or discuss other copycat favorites? Join the conversation in the Recipe Sharing forum!

FAQ:

What type of barbecue sauce should I use for this recipe?

You can use your favorite barbecue sauce for this recipe. Whether it's a smoky, sweet, or spicy barbecue sauce, choose one that you enjoy the flavor of.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste. Pepper jack, gouda, or even a blend of cheeses can add a unique twist to the dish.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

To make this recipe healthier, you can opt for leaner cuts of bacon, use a reduced-fat cheese blend, and choose a barbecue sauce with lower sugar content or make your own healthier version at home.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While it's best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble them just before baking to ensure the chicken bites stay crispy.

What can I serve with this dish?

This sweet BBQ bacon chicken pairs well with a side of coleslaw, a fresh green salad, or some roasted vegetables for a balanced and satisfying meal.