Easy Baked BBQ Chicken with Cheese Recipe (gluten free)

When I was in college I used to get a BBQ chicken sandwich from one of my favorite delis and when I say I was obsessed with it…I WAS OBSESSED. It had bbq sauce, crispy chicken, onions, cheddar and french fries. After going gluten free though, this sandwich was completely off the table. It was served on a bun that contained gluten. It was crispy chicken that contained gluten. I was just completely unable to order it. So to get that same flavor combination, I made this cheesy BBQ chicken skillet which is completely gluten free. Plus, it can also be made into an easy dairy free recipe too!

This easy recipes is ready in under 15 minutes. The whole family will love this flavorful easy one pan dinner, just like my gluten free chicken and Brussels sprout skillet.

If you love BBQ Sauce, you’ll also love this chicken bbq salad and these bbq chicken tacos. AND f you’re as obsessed with potatoes as I am, make sure to add these 20 easy potato recipes to your weekly menu!!

why you’ll love this recipe

• The beauty of this Easy Baked BBQ Chicken with Cheese recipe uses 4 main ingredients. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a busy night because if you’re anything like me you do not want to be grocery shopping for a million ingredients for one recipe.
• You can use leftover chicken, or cook some chicken breasts right in the skillet for an even faster meal. I like to use already made chicken to save myself time.
• This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights! Simply double or triple the ingredients and cook a larger batch. Portion it out into containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. I do this often when packing myself lunch especially when I’m working and have little time to prepare lunch.

ingredients & substitutions

Scallions: I use these to add a mild oniony flavor. I usually grow scallion or green onions in my garden so I always have them on hand. Chopped red onions or green onions can be used instead.

BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite kind of barbeque sauce! This adds smoky sweetness to the dish. Any kind of BBQ sauce works great including tangy bbq sauce, sticky bbq sauce or homemade bbq sauce. I like sweet baby ray brand the best! Their original is the best but I also like the sweet and spicy one as well.

Shredded Cooked Chicken: Leftover chicken is perfect here. You can also cook boneless chicken breasts or thighs in the pan first or even in your slow cooker. If I cook the large chicken breasts in the slow cooker I like to add any chicken broth, chicken stock or bone broth I have to give the shredded chicken extra flavor. If you do not have any broth you can use water. Season the water with sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder and onion powder. 

Cheddar Cheese: This melts nicely and adds a cheesy flavor to the barbecue chicken breast. Any shredded cheese you like will work including mozzarella cheese or monterey jack cheese. When I make this recipe dairy free I use dairy free cheese on top. I’ve also used lactose free cheese as well and it works great!

taste & texture

This cheesy BBQ chicken skillet is a delicious combination of savory and sweet. The tangy barbecue sauce gives the chicken a smoky and tangy flavor. The melted cheddar cheese adds a creamy richness. The scallions offer a mild oniony bite. The tender juicy chicken is flavorful. The cheese gets melty and gooey, clinging to the chicken… just like the original sandwich!

directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In your oven-safe skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add potatoes and bake for 20-25 minutes or until potatoes are golden brown.
4. Add the scallions and bake for about 2 more minutes, until softened and fragrant.
5. Remove from oven. Stir in the BBQ sauce and chicken.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the chicken mixture.
8. Place the skillet back in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

expert tips & tricks

• Adjust the amount of BBQ sauce depending on your desired level of sweetness and smokiness. I like a lot of BBQ sauce but you do you!
• For a crowd pleaser spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few slices of jalapeno to the sauce. I highly recommend the pickled jalapeños from Trader Joes.
• If you don’t have an oven safe skillet or cast iron skillet use a baking dish or a baking sheet. Add parchment paper for this Easy Baked BBQ Chicken with Cheese. The parchment paper will help with an easy clean up!
• You can also use full grilled chicken breasts instead of shredded chicken to make bbq chicken breasts. 
• I like to swap the BBQ sauce for a low-sugar or sugar-free alternative to make this a low cab Easy Baked BBQ Chicken with Cheese. I also will use a low-carb cheese substitute like mozzarella or a shredded cheese blend specifically designed for low-carb diets.
• To make this a low fat Easy Baked BBQ Chicken with Cheese, I like to cook the scallions in a non-stick pan with a light spray of cooking oil. I also choose a low-fat cheddar cheese or a fat-free cheese alternative.
• For a vegan Easy Baked BBQ Chicken with Cheese, I like to replace the chicken with cooked shredded jackfruit or chickpeas. Use vegan cheese shreds or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

how to serve, store and meal prep

This Easy Baked BBQ Chicken with Cheese dish is delicious served on its own. You can also serve with a side of rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.

Leftover cheesy Easy Baked BBQ Chicken with Cheese can be stored in an airtight container or covered with aluminum foil in the fridge for up to 4 days. I like to do this because it is a great way to make extra for a delicious dinner the next night!

For longer storage, I freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Reheat the freezer meal in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

To meal prep the Easy Baked BBQ Chicken with Cheese, I simply double or triple the recipe and portion it out into individual containers right after cooking. This makes for quick and easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.

other easy recipes you may like

If you make this recipe and enjoyed it, I would really appreciate a review! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok and Pinterest. Join my exclusive weeknight meal plan group for 5 weekly 30-minute dinner recipes plus a weekly grocery shopping list. I would love for you to follow along!