Baked BBQ Chicken Breast with Cheddar and Scallions Recipe

Introduction

This baked BBQ chicken breast recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken topped with melted cheddar and a smoky kick. It’s a simple, crowd-pleasing dinner perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts (about 1½ pounds total, cut lengthwise into 4 cutlets)
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon brown sugar (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• ½ cup BBQ sauce (We love Kinder’s original BBQ sauce)
• 1 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 scallions (thinly sliced)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Arrange the 4 chicken cutlets in a single layer. Pat the chicken dry thoroughly with paper towels.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, black pepper, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper to make the dry brine seasoning.
3. Step 3: Lightly sprinkle a small amount of the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken cutlet. The seasoning should be a light dusting, not a heavy coat. Refrigerate uncovered for 30 minutes to 8 hours.
4. Step 4: Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Brush the tops of the chicken cutlets evenly with BBQ sauce.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese and smoked paprika evenly over the sauced chicken.
6. Step 6: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer. If desired, broil for 1 to 2 minutes until cheese is melted and lightly browned—watch carefully to avoid burning.
7. Step 7: Garnish with thinly sliced scallions and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For extra tenderness, dry brine the chicken for several hours or overnight.
• Use your favorite BBQ sauce to customize the flavor profile, from sweet to spicy.
• Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or chili powder into the cheese layer for more smoky heat.
• Serve with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a low oven or microwave to avoid drying out the chicken and cheese.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe?

This recipe works best with boneless cutlets sliced thinly to ensure even cooking. Bone-in breasts will take longer and may not cook as evenly.

What if I don’t have an instant-read thermometer?

Cook chicken until the juices run clear and there is no pink in the middle, usually around 12 to 15 minutes depending on thickness. Using a thermometer is recommended for best results and food safety.

Baked BBQ Chicken Breast with Cheddar and Scallions Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 76 reviews

This Baked BBQ Chicken Breast recipe features tender chicken cutlets seasoned with a flavorful dry brine, topped with tangy BBQ sauce and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner, this dish is bursting with smoky, savory flavors and a hint of spice, finished with fresh scallions for a vibrant touch.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour (including brining time)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasoning

• 2 chicken breasts (about 1½ pounds total, cut lengthwise into 4 cutlets)
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon brown sugar (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Toppings

• ½ cup BBQ sauce (We love Kinder’s original BBQ sauce)
• 1 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 scallions (thinly sliced)

Instructions

1. Dry Brine the Chicken: Pat the chicken cutlets dry thoroughly with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, black pepper, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper to create the dry brine seasoning. Lightly sprinkle this seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken cutlets, just a light dusting, not a heavy coating. Place the chicken on a parchment or foil-lined baking sheet, uncovered, and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes and up to 8 hours to let the flavors penetrate.
2. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and brush the tops of the cutlets evenly with the BBQ sauce, ensuring good coverage to infuse the chicken with smoky sweetness.
3. Add Cheese and Seasoning: Sprinkle the freshly grated cheddar cheese over the BBQ-coated chicken breasts evenly. Then, dust the tops with smoked paprika to add an extra smoky depth and appealing color.
4. Bake the Chicken: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the thickest part of the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) as measured by an instant-read thermometer. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your cutlets.
5. Optional Broil for a Golden Finish: If desired, switch the oven to broil and cook the chicken for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly browned. Keep a close eye to prevent the cheese from burning.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven, garnish with the thinly sliced scallions for freshness and a pop of color, then serve immediately to enjoy the dish at its best.

Notes

• Cutting the chicken breasts lengthwise into cutlets helps them cook evenly and faster.
• The dry brine seasoning is lightly applied to enhance the chicken’s natural flavor without overpowering it. Any leftover seasoning can be saved for another use.
• Refrigerating the chicken uncovered during dry brining helps achieve a better texture by drying the skin slightly.
• Using an instant-read thermometer ensures perfectly cooked chicken, avoiding under or overcooking.
• Broiling the cheese topping is optional but adds a deliciously gooey and slightly crispy texture.

Keywords: BBQ chicken breast, baked chicken, cheddar cheese chicken, dry brine chicken, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner