Ingredients
For the BBQ Loaf Pan Chicken
- 2.5 lbs thinly-sliced chicken breast (cutlets)
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cracked pepper
- 2/3 cup barbecue sauce (Kosmos habanero peach or Rufus Honey Sweet recommended)
For the Caramelized Onions
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- Pinch of salt
For the Tangy White Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp dried Greek seasoning (see notes for homemade version)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 tsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (Louisiana or Texas Pete)
For Serving
- Fluffy white rice
- Warm naan or pita bread
Instructions
- Prepare and Bake the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 450°F. In a large bowl, season the thinly sliced chicken breast generously with salt and cracked pepper. Pour the barbecue sauce over the chicken and toss until every piece is completely coated. Stack the chicken pieces on top of each other in a loaf pan, then bake uncovered for 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part. Carefully pour off and reserve the excess pan juices for later use. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before slicing thinly using a sharp knife, stabilizing with toothpicks if needed.
- Caramelize the Onions: While the chicken bakes, heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced red onions and a pinch of salt. Sauté the onions, stirring occasionally, until they become deep purple, soft, and beautifully caramelized. To speed the process, you can add a few splashes of water as needed.
- Mix the White Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, homemade or store-bought Greek seasoning, granulated sugar, salt, pepper, fresh lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and hot sauce until smooth. Adjust seasoning to balance tanginess, sweetness, and heat according to your taste.
- To Assemble: Begin with a base of fluffy white rice on each plate. Top generously with the caramelized onions, then the sliced BBQ chicken. Drizzle the tangy white sauce and extra barbecue sauce over the top. Serve alongside warm naan or pita bread to complete the meal.
Notes
- The amount of caramelized onions can be doubled if you prefer more, as they cook down substantially.
- Homemade Greek seasoning blend: 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp dried oregano, 1 tbsp dried basil, 1 tsp sea salt (light), ½ tbsp dried dill, ½ tbsp dried parsley, ½ tbsp dried minced onion, 1 tsp dried rosemary (minced), 1 tsp cracked black pepper, 1 tsp dried thyme, ½ tsp dried marjoram.
- Reserve pan juices to keep the chicken moist when storing leftovers and reheating.
- Barbecue sauce choices like Kosmos habanero peach or Rufus Honey Sweet bring an excellent balance of sweetness and heat, but choose your favorite.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
