Description
This Cheesy BBQ Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts seasoned with a flavorful spice blend, topped with tangy barbecue sauce, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy fried onions. Baked to perfection, this dish offers a delightful combination of smoky, savory, and cheesy flavors that are perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Spice Mix
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried dill
Main Ingredients
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 large chicken breasts (cut into 4 cutlets)
- ¼ cup barbecue sauce (about 2 tablespoons per chicken cutlet)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup French’s fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare dish: Preheat the oven to 400º F. Lightly grease a casserole dish to prevent sticking and help with cleanup.
- Layer the onions: Spread the thinly sliced onions evenly across the bottom of the casserole dish, which will provide a flavorful base for the chicken.
- Make the spice mix: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried dill. Mix well to create the seasoning blend.
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts horizontally into four cutlets and place them on top of the sliced onions in the casserole dish. Rub the spice mix evenly over each chicken cutlet to coat well.
- Add barbecue sauce: Spoon about two tablespoons of barbecue sauce over each chicken cutlet, spreading it to cover the spiced surface.
- Top with cheese and bake: Sprinkle ¼ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the barbecue sauce on each chicken piece. Transfer the dish to the oven and bake for 20 minutes.
- Add fried onions and finish baking: Remove the casserole dish from the oven and sprinkle the fried onions on top of the chicken. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165º F.
- Rest and serve: Allow the chicken to rest for 3 to 5 minutes before serving to preserve its juiciness and enhance flavor.
Notes
- Ensure chicken cutlets are of even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165º F.
- French’s fried onions add a delightful crunch; you can substitute with homemade fried onions if preferred.
- Adjust barbecue sauce quantity to taste for more or less tanginess.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh green salad.
