Ultimate Cowboy Chicken: Roasted Peach BBQ Chicken with Smoked Gouda Sauce & Crispy Hash Browns
There are some recipes that just hit differently, becoming instant legends in your household. This “Cowboy Chicken” is one such triumph. It’s a dish that consistently earns rave reviews, particularly from my husband, who declared it an absolute favorite from the very first bite. While not every culinary endeavor can be a groundbreaking success, this one undeniably soared past expectations. And honestly, what’s not to adore about a meal that combines so many universally loved elements?
Imagine this: tender, flavor-packed barbecued chicken, generously topped with crisp, savory bacon. Then, a rich, smoky Gouda cheese sauce cascades over it all, perfectly complementing the sweet and tangy notes of the chicken. And to complete this symphony of flavors and textures? A bed of golden, crispy hash browns, ready to soak up every delicious drop. Each component plays a crucial role, building a hearty and unforgettable dish that is far more than the sum of its parts. It truly makes you think of one word: YUM.
The Secret Ingredient: Martinez Fire Roasted Peach Salsa
The true magic behind this Cowboy Chicken recipe lies in a special ingredient: Martinez Fire Roasted Peach Salsa. I’ve had the pleasure of cooking with Martinez salsa before, and it consistently delivers an exceptional depth of flavor. You might recall the Carnitas Nachos I crafted for tailgating events, or perhaps the Double Decker Baked Tacos that made an appearance on National Taco Day. Both of these dishes were my introduction to the incredible, authentic fire-roasted taste that defines Martinez salsas.
Martinez salsas come in a versatile range of flavors: Hot, Medium, Mild, and, the star of today’s show, Peach. While the spicy varieties are fantastic for adding a kick to any meal, the peach salsa holds a special place in my family’s heart, especially with the kids! Its unique sweetness, combined with that signature fire-roasted smokiness, makes it incredibly versatile and perfect for creating something truly unique. I knew right away that this peach salsa had to be featured in a standout recipe, and thus, the idea for Cowboy Chicken was born.
Rooted in tradition, Martinez Salsa carries a rich history, with its origins tracing back five generations to Great Grandmother Martinez in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. This heritage ensures that every jar delivers true fire-roasted Mexican salsa, a rare find in today’s market, bringing authentic flavors directly to your kitchen table. The dedication to traditional preparation methods is evident in every spoonful, offering a depth of flavor that mass-produced salsas simply cannot replicate. It’s this authenticity that elevates the Cowboy Chicken from a simple meal to a gourmet experience.
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Crafting the Perfect Marinade and Grilling the Chicken
The foundation of our Cowboy Chicken begins with an exquisite marinade. I combined the delightful Martinez Fire Roasted Peach Salsa with our favorite bottled BBQ sauce. This blend creates a marinade that is both sweet and tangy, with a subtle smoky undertone from the fire-roasted peaches. The salsa adds a complex fruitiness that brightens the traditional BBQ flavor, making each bite of chicken incredibly juicy and flavorful.
After letting the chicken breasts luxuriate in this glorious mixture for a couple of hours, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat, they were ready for the grill. Grilling imparts a beautiful char and seals in the moisture, creating perfectly tender chicken with those irresistible smoky notes. As soon as the chicken came off the grill, I topped each piece with generous slices of freshly cooked, crispy bacon. The salty, smoky crunch of the bacon adds another layer of texture and richness that perfectly complements the barbecued chicken.
The Unforgettable Smoked Gouda Cheese Sauce
But wait, there’s more! What truly elevates this dish to legendary status is the homemade smoked Gouda cheese sauce. While the chicken and bacon are fantastic on their own, a luscious, warm cheese sauce takes it over the top. I whipped up a rich, velvety cheese sauce using smoked Gouda – its nutty, slightly sweet, and distinctively smoky flavor profile is absolutely ideal for this dish. Drizzled generously over the chicken and bacon, this sauce brought everything together in a way that was, simply put, I-N-C-R-E-D-I-B-L-E!
Making a smooth cheese sauce might seem daunting, but it’s surprisingly simple. Starting with a basic roux (butter and flour) and gradually whisking in milk creates a thick, creamy base. The key is to stir constantly to prevent lumps and ensure a silky texture. Once the base is smooth, off the heat, the shredded smoked Gouda is stirred in until perfectly melted and incorporated. This process ensures the cheese melts evenly without becoming stringy or oily, resulting in a perfectly decadent topping for your Cowboy Chicken.
Serving it Up: Crispy Hash Browns and a Complete Meal
To complete this ultimate comfort meal, we serve the Cowboy Chicken over a generous portion of crispy hash browns. The golden, crunchy potatoes provide a wonderful textural contrast to the tender chicken and creamy sauce, and they are also perfect for soaking up all the incredible flavors. You can fry your hash browns from scratch or use frozen ones for convenience, just make sure they are cooked until beautifully golden brown and delightfully crisp.
When plating, arrange a mound of crispy hash browns on each plate. Top them with a grilled, bacon-laden chicken breast, and then lavishly pour that warm, smoky Gouda cheese sauce over everything. A sprinkle of fresh chives, if desired, adds a touch of color and a subtle oniony freshness that cuts through the richness beautifully. This combination of sweet and savory, smoky and creamy, crunchy and tender, makes for a meal that is truly satisfying and utterly unforgettable. It’s perfect for a weekend dinner, a special occasion, or any time you want to treat your family to something extraordinary.
Next time you’re searching for an exciting way to spice up your dinner routine, look no further. Grab yourself a jar (or two!) of Martinez Fire Roasted Peach Salsa and treat your family to this phenomenal Cowboy Chicken. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and might just become your new signature dish!
Essential Equipment for Grilling: The Thermapen Mk4
When grilling chicken, ensuring it’s cooked to the right internal temperature is crucial for both safety and taste. You don’t want to serve undercooked chicken, nor do you want to dry it out by overcooking. That’s why an accurate meat thermometer is an invaluable tool in any kitchen. I wholeheartedly recommend the Thermapen Mk4. It’s hands down the best instant-read thermometer I have ever owned, providing quick and precise temperature readings every time. With a Thermapen, you’ll never have to second-guess if your chicken is perfectly done or not, ensuring juicy, safe results consistently.
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Print Recipe
Cowboy Chicken
Equipment
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Thermapen Mk4 Instant-read Thermometer
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Grill (outdoor or indoor grill pan)
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Saucepan
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Whisk
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Toppings:
- 6 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 12 strips of bacon cooked crispy
- 1/2 cup Martinez Fire Roasted Peach Salsa
- 1/2 cup your favorite bottled BBQ sauce
For the Smoked Gouda Cheese Sauce:
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup whole milk
- 6 ounces Smoked Gouda cheese shredded
- Fresh chives chopped, for garnish (optional)
- 1 pound hash brown potatoes fried crispy, for serving
Instructions
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In a medium bowl, thoroughly mix together the BBQ sauce and Martinez Fire Roasted Peach Salsa to create your marinade.
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Place the chicken breasts into a gallon-sized resealable bag. Pour the BBQ/Salsa mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag and gently massage the chicken within the bag to distribute the marinade evenly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 4 hours, flipping the bag occasionally to ensure maximum flavor infusion.
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Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using an instant-read thermometer like the Thermapen Mk4. Set aside.
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While the chicken is grilling, prepare the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until a smooth roux forms and it smells slightly nutty. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. Add the chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Continue to stir constantly for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded smoked Gouda cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce is creamy.
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Cook the bacon until crispy. Once the grilled chicken is ready, top each chicken breast with two slices of the cooked crispy bacon.
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Prepare your hash brown potatoes according to package directions or your preferred method until they are golden and crispy.
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To serve: Place a generous portion of crispy hash browns on each plate. Top the hash browns with a bacon-topped chicken breast. Generously pour the warm Smoked Gouda cheese sauce over the chicken and hash browns. Garnish with chopped fresh chives, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy this incredible Cowboy Chicken!
Nutrition
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Where to Find Martinez Fire Roasted Salsa
Ready to try this amazing Cowboy Chicken recipe and experience the unique flavor of Martinez Fire Roasted Peach Salsa for yourself? You can easily find Martinez Salsa at select Kroger stores, Woodman’s Markets, and conveniently through their online store at MartinezFood.com. Don’t miss out on this incredible salsa that brings authentic fire-roasted flavor to your home cooking.
Stay connected and discover more fantastic recipes and product updates by following Martinez Salsa on social media: Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. For even more culinary inspiration featuring their delicious salsas, be sure to visit their official website!