BBQ Chicken & Cheddar Sandwiches

As you can probably tell, I just love BBQ sauce flavored meats, as does my husband.  Heck, even my kids do!  Therefore, I am going to share a recipe that is decidedly NOT the first sandwich recipe featuring BBQ sauce.  It IS somewhat different though, not to mention very easy and delicious!  Next time I make this though, I am going to need to make MORE.  There was some grumbling from a certain person that wanted another sandwich.

Note to self!  Master Bread Outlet has Onion Rolls!  Everywhere else in town has, apparently, lost their mind and quit carrying them!

BBQ Chicken & Cheddar Sandwiches

4 strips of bacon, halved crosswise

3 chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 lbs.), cut into bite-sized pieces

salt & pepper

1 c. of your favorite BBQ sauce

1/2 chipotle pepper, optional ( I did not use because I didn't want to buy a can to use 1/2 of 1 pepper and they were fantastic without)

1/4 c. water

4 large onion rolls, split

1 1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Fry bacon in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 4 minutes.  Transfer to a paper-towel lined plate and pour off all but 1 Tbsp. of fat.  Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.  Cook chicken in bacon fat until browned on one side, about 4 minutes.  Flip chicken and add BBQ sauce, chipotle pepper (if desired), and water.

Cover, reduce heat to medium and simmer until chicken is cooked through and sauce is slightly thickened, about 8 minutes.  

Place onion rolls on a baking sheet.  Divide chicken mixture amongst the onion rolls, placing the chicken on the bottom portion of the rolls, cut side up.  Top with sauce, cheese, and bacon.  

Bake open-faced sandwiches in the oven until cheese melts and the rolls are golden-brown, about 4 minutes.  Top each sandwich with a toasted roll top.  

Source: Thank you Recipe Shoebox for the delicious and easy recipe!