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BBQ Cheddar Baked Chicken Recipe

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4.3 from 6 reviews

This BBQ Cheddar Baked Chicken recipe features tender boneless chicken breasts seasoned with smoked paprika and garlic powder, topped with tangy BBQ sauce and melted cheddar cheese. Finished with fresh red onion and cilantro, it’s a quick and flavorful baked chicken dish perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasonings

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.3 pounds total)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper

Toppings

  • 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven and chicken: Preheat the oven to 400ºF. If the chicken breasts are thick or uneven, use a mallet or rolling pin to pound them to an even thickness. Slice each breast in half to create four pieces.
  2. Season the chicken: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Pat the chicken pieces dry then evenly sprinkle the seasoning mix over both sides of each piece.
  3. Add BBQ sauce: Arrange the seasoned chicken pieces in a baking dish. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of BBQ sauce onto each piece, spreading it evenly from edge to edge.
  4. Bake the chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 18 minutes, adjusting time if pieces are smaller or thinner.
  5. Add cheese and finish baking: Remove the chicken from the oven and top each piece with shredded cheddar cheese. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF and the cheese is melted.
  6. Rest and garnish: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking. Just before serving, sprinkle diced red onion and chopped cilantro on top for a fresh finish.

Notes

  • For even cooking, pound chicken breasts to an even thickness before baking.
  • Use your favorite BBQ sauce to customize flavor intensity.
  • Make sure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF for safe consumption.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Find it online: https://yumntasty.com/bbq-cheddar-baked-chicken-recipe/