BBQ Cheddar Baked Chicken
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
23 mins
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Total Time
33 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
320 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
American
BBQ Cheddar Baked Chicken
Description
This recipe prepares chicken breasts sliced into thinner pieces for even cooking. The seasoning blend of smoked paprika and garlic powder adds warmth and aroma, while salt and cracked black pepper enhance the base flavor. Each piece is coated with BBQ sauce spread evenly before baking.
The chicken is baked at 400ºF until nearly done, then topped with shredded cheddar cheese and returned to the oven to melt the cheese perfectly without drying the meat. The final topping of diced red onion and chopped cilantro brings crunch and bright herbal notes that complement the smoky and cheesy elements.
This baked chicken pairs well with sides like rice, vegetables, or a green salad. The simple seasoning and layered BBQ flavors make it approachable for a weeknight meal. The resting time after baking helps the juices redistribute for tender chicken.
For even cooking, pound chicken breasts to uniform thickness or slice in halves as directed.Adjust baking time slightly for smaller or thinner chicken pieces to avoid dryness.Allow chicken to rest after baking to retain juices and improve texture.Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for best melting and flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breast $7.58, boneless, skinless, about 1.3 pounds total
- 1 tsp smoked paprika $0.10
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder $0.05
- 1/4 tsp salt $0.02
- 1/4 tsp black pepper $0.02, freshly cracked
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce $0.13
- 1 cup cheddar cheese $0.85, shredded
- 1/4 cup red onion $0.05, diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro $0.09, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400ºF. If your chicken breasts are very thick or uneven in thickness, use a mallet or rolling pin to first pound them out to a more even thickness. Slice the chicken breasts in half, so you have four pieces.
- Combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pat the chicken dry with paper towel, then sprinkle the seasoning mix over both sides of each piece of chicken.
- Place the seasoned chicken pieces in a baking dish, then spoon 1 Tbsp BBQ sauce over top of each piece, spreading it from edge to edge to cover the chicken.
- Bake the chicken in the preheated 400ºF oven for about 18 minutes (less for smaller or thinner pieces).
- Remove the chicken from the oven and top each piece with shredded cheddar. Return the chicken to the oven and continue baking for five minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF.
- After baking the chicken, let the chicken rest for five minutes, then top with diced red onion and chopped cilantro just before serving.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 320 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 320kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 9g | 3% |
| Protein | 39g | 78% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Sodium | 677mg | 28% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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