Texas-Sized BBQ Chicken And Cheddar Sandwiches

Adjust oven rack to upper-middle position and heat oven to 400 degrees F.

Fry bacon in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until crispy, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a large paper towel-lined plate and pour off all but 1 tablespoon fat.

Pat chicken dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Cook chicken in bacon fat until browned on one side, about 4 minutes.

Flip chicken and add barbecue sauce, chili pepper and water. Cover, reduce heat to medium, and simmer until chicken is cooked through and sauce is slightly thickened, about 8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and slice crosswise into 1/4-inch pieces.

Arrange roll cut side up on baking sheet. Divide chicken among bottom halves of rolls and top with sauce, cheese and bacon. Bake open-faced sandwiches in oven until cheese melts and rolls are golden brown, about 4 minutes.

Top each sandwich with toasted roll top. Serve.