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
- 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.
- Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 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.
- Prepare the Casserole Dish
- Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- Spread the cooked rice evenly on the bottom of the dish.
- 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.
- 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!
Post a Comment