If you’re craving a dish that combines tangy BBQ goodness with a crispy, cheesy crust, then this Baked BBQ Chicken Breast with Cheddar Cheez-Its Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a vibrant and flavorful meal that takes simple ingredients and transforms them into a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. The crunchy Cheez-Its add an unexpected twist that perfectly complements the tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in rich barbecue sauce. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple you’ll want to share with friends and family again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of the ingredients here—each one plays a crucial role in creating the balance of savory, tangy, and crispy textures that make this meal so irresistible. The creamy cheddar flavor combined with the smoky BBQ sauce is what makes this recipe stand out and keeps everyone coming back for more.
- 2 cups BBQ sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade sauce for that perfect tangy and smoky flavor coating.
- 2 cups White Cheddar Cheez-Its: Crushing these gives you that incredible crispy cheesy crust everyone will love.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean, juicy foundation of the dish that soaks up all those delicious flavors.
How to Make Baked BBQ Chicken Breast with Cheddar Cheez-Its Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350ºF and getting a casserole dish ready by spraying it with nonstick spray. Pour half of your BBQ sauce to coat the bottom of the dish; this extra layer locks in moisture and adds flavor as the chicken bakes.
Step 2: Crush the Cheez-Its
Place the Cheez-Its into a large Ziplock bag, seal it up, and crush them finely using your hands. Pour the crumbs into a shallow bowl so they’re ready for coating the chicken. This step is key because the finer the crumbs, the better the crunchy coating will stick.
Step 3: Prepare the Dipping Station
Pour the remaining cup of BBQ sauce into another shallow dish. This is where each chicken breast will take a flavorful bath before meeting its cheesy crust—the secret to that irresistible stickiness.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken breast first into the BBQ sauce, ensuring every side is fully coated. Then press the chicken into the Cheez-Its crumbs, patting firmly so the cracker pieces adhere well. This double coating step creates the perfect smoky, cheesy exterior. Carefully place each prepared breast into your casserole dish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake the chicken for 30 minutes. This gentle cooking locks in juices and lets the flavors meld beautifully. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to crisp up the Cheez-Its crust and finish cooking through. Always check that the chicken is cooked white all the way through before serving.
How to Serve Baked BBQ Chicken Breast with Cheddar Cheez-Its Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro sprinkled on top add a pop of color and brightness that contrasts perfectly with the rich BBQ sauce and cheesy crust. A slice of lime or lemon on the side can give an extra zing for those who like a touch of acidity.
Side Dishes
This dish shines alongside simple sides that soak up the extra sauce. Think creamy mashed potatoes, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini. Cornbread or buttery dinner rolls complement the Southern BBQ vibe perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the chicken breasts into strips and serve as finger food with dipping sauces like ranch or extra BBQ sauce. You can also serve this atop a bed of fluffy rice or inside warm tortillas for BBQ chicken wraps that are perfect for casual dinners or game-day parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keeping the cheesy crust intact can be tricky, so try to store the chicken breasts side by side rather than stacked to preserve their crunch as much as possible.
Freezing
If you’d like to prepare ahead on a bigger scale, these chicken breasts freeze well. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To regain that delightful crispy texture, reheat the chicken in a 350ºF oven for about 10-15 minutes rather than microwaving. This method warms the meat evenly and revitalizes the Cheez-Its crust so it’s just as delicious as fresh.
FAQs
Can I use other types of crackers instead of White Cheddar Cheez-Its?
Absolutely! While White Cheddar Cheez-Its bring the perfect sharp cheddar flavor and crunch, you can experiment with other cheese crackers or even seasoned breadcrumbs depending on what flavor profile you want to emphasize.
Is it necessary to dip the chicken in BBQ sauce before the Cheez-Its?
Yes, dipping the chicken in BBQ sauce first ensures the Cheez-Its stick properly and creates that magical combination of a sticky, saucy inside with a crunchy, cheesy crust outside.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
If you swap the Cheez-Its for a gluten-free cheese cracker option, you can enjoy this recipe gluten-free. Just double-check your BBQ sauce ingredients to make sure it doesn’t contain gluten either.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF and is white and opaque inside, with no pink remaining. Using a meat thermometer helps make this super easy and safe.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and tend to be juicier. Just be sure to adjust the baking time as thighs may take a little longer to cook through.
Final Thoughts
This Baked BBQ Chicken Breast with Cheddar Cheez-Its Recipe is a real crowd-pleaser, blending familiar flavors with a fun and unexpected twist. Whether for a busy weeknight or a weekend get-together, this recipe is super approachable, incredibly satisfying, and sure to make your dinner table the happiest place in the house. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite way to enjoy baked chicken!
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Baked BBQ Chicken Breast with Cheddar Cheez-Its Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Baked BBQ Chicken Breast recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in tangy BBQ sauce and a crispy white cheddar Cheez-Its crust. Easy to prepare and perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner, the chicken bakes to golden perfection with a crunchy cheesy topping that adds an irresistible texture.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cups BBQ sauce (divided)
- 2 cups White Cheddar Cheez-Its
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pour 1 cup of the BBQ sauce into the bottom of the casserole dish to create a flavorful base layer (this step is optional as noted).
- Crush Cheez-Its: Place the White Cheddar Cheez-Its in a large zip-top bag and seal it. Crush the crackers by hand until they are finely broken into crumbs. Transfer the crushed crackers into a shallow bowl and set aside for coating the chicken.
- Prepare Coating Sauce: Pour the remaining 1 cup of BBQ sauce into a separate shallow dish. This will be used to dip the chicken breasts before coating with the Cheez-Its crumbs.
- Coat Chicken: One at a time, dip each chicken breast into the bowl of BBQ sauce, making sure both sides are completely covered. Then immediately dip the sauced chicken into the crushed Cheez-Its and press gently with your fingers to ensure the crumbs adhere well on both sides. Place each coated chicken breast into the prepared casserole dish.
- Bake: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes to crisp up the crust. Check to ensure the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside — it should be white and fully cooked before removing from the oven.
Notes
- If you prefer a less saucy bottom, you can omit pouring BBQ sauce on the base of the casserole dish.
- Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Using fresh chicken breasts of uniform size helps ensure even cooking.
- For an extra crispy crust, you can broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes after baking, watching closely to prevent burning.
