I found going to a large size needle stopped the thread breakage for me. Even when the charts all say a certain size needle for a certain size thread, it never works out for me. One tip that will save you tons of frustration:
Keep a notebook of what brand name and size of thread and what needle brand and size you used when you find a combo that works. I have found C&C thread will work find for super fast quilting but the expensive King Tut will give me fits.