Easy Barbecue Chicken Casserole Recipe

Are you looking for a mouthwatering family meal that combines the smoky flavors of barbecue with the comforting goodness of a casserole? Look no further! This barbecue chicken casserole is a hit among home cooks and lovers. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, this dish will surely become a family favorite.

Ingredients List

Before you start, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup barbecue sauce (we recommend Sweet Baby Ray’s)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (any color)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

• Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
• Combine the chicken pieces in a bowl with 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

2. Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

3. Cook the Chicken

• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until they are no longer pink about 5-7 minutes.

4. Prepare the Casserole Dish

• Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
• Spread the cooked rice evenly on the bottom of the dish.

5. Layer the Ingredients

• Spread the cooked chicken evenly over the rice.
• Add the black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, red onion, and bell pepper on top of the chicken.
• Sprinkle the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly over the layered ingredients.
• Drizzle the remaining 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce over the top.
• Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the casserole.

6. Bake the Casserole

• Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Barbecue Flavor

• Marinate Longer: If time allows, marinate the chicken overnight for a more intense barbecue flavor.
• Cheese Blend: Use a combination of cheddar and mozzarella for a creamy and gooey texture.
• Barbecue Sauce: Choose a high-quality barbecue sauce that you love, as it will greatly impact the flavor of the dish.
• Spice It Up: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce if you like a bit of heat.

Serving Suggestions

This barbecue chicken casserole pairs wonderfully with:

• A fresh green salad with ranch or vinaigrette dressing
• Garlic bread or a warm loaf of crusty bread
• Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugars: 12g

Conclusion

Ready to enjoy a delicious barbecue chicken casserole that your whole family will love? Give this recipe a try and make sure to share your experience in the comments below! We’d love to hear how it turned out and any personal twists you added.

Bon appétit!