If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner idea, this Easy BBQ Cheddar Baked Chicken is a winner. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that’s full of flavor and sure to please everyone at the table. The tangy BBQ sauce and melted cheddar cheese make this chicken irresistible. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe will have you coming back for more.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400ºF. If the chicken breasts are thick or uneven, use a mallet or rolling pin to even them out. Cut the chicken breasts in half to make four pieces.
- Mix together smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pat the chicken pieces dry and sprinkle the seasoning mix over both sides of each piece.
- Place the seasoned chicken in a baking dish. Spoon 1 tablespoon of BBQ sauce over each piece, spreading it evenly across the surface.
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for approximately 18 minutes. Adjust the time if the chicken pieces are smaller or thinner.
- While the chicken is baking, shred the cheddar cheese, dice the red onion, and chop the cilantro.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar over each piece. Return to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF.
- Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes after baking. Top with diced red onion and chopped cilantro before serving.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1.3 pounds total)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1280kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 156g | Fat: 52g | Sodium: 2708mg | Fiber: 4g
FAQ
- Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
- This recipe is best with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Bone-in chicken takes longer to cook, which may result in the BBQ sauce burning.
- What type of BBQ sauce works best for BBQ Cheddar Baked Chicken?
- While any BBQ sauce can be used, a savory or smoky flavor is recommended over a sweeter one. Sweet Baby Ray’s is a popular choice.
- How can I prevent my chicken breast from drying out?
- To avoid dry chicken, ensure it is baked to an internal temperature of 165ºF. Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to keep the juices from escaping.
- What are some good side dishes to serve with BBQ Cheddar Baked Chicken?
- This dish pairs well with potato salad, Three Bean Salad, Cowboy Caviar, Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potato Cornbread, Parmesan Roasted Potatoes, and Green Chile Mac and Cheese.
- How can I ensure my chicken cooks evenly?
- Use a mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness, which helps them cook more uniformly.
Tips
- Pound Chicken Evenly: Use a mallet or rolling pin to gently flatten the thicker end of the chicken breasts, ensuring they cook evenly and quickly.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Adjust the baking time based on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts. Larger pieces may require 20-25 minutes, while smaller or thinner pieces need only 15-18 minutes.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly by using a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165ºF to avoid dryness.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to keep the juices locked in, resulting in moist and tender meat.
Equipment
- Meat Thermometer – Essential for ensuring the chicken reaches the correct internal temperature without overcooking.
- Mallet or Rolling Pin – Useful for pounding chicken to an even thickness for more consistent cooking.
