Are you craving a mouthwatering meal that combines the smoky goodness of barbecue with the hearty satisfaction of a home-cooked casserole? Look no further! This Easy Barbecued Chicken Casserole is about to become your new go-to dinner that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you'll create a crowd-pleasing dish that perfectly balances flavor, nutrition, and pure deliciousness.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup black beans, drained
- 1 cup corn
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- If not already prepared, cook chicken breasts by boiling or baking until fully cooked through. Once cooled, use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, barbecue sauce, cooked rice, black beans, and corn. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Transfer the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to create a consistent layer.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the chicken mixture, covering the entire surface.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes it easier to portion.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with chopped fresh cilantro, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Tips
- Choose a high-quality barbecue sauce to elevate the overall flavor of the dish. Experiment with different varieties like smoky, sweet, or spicy to find your favorite.
- For extra moisture and tenderness, consider using rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts from scratch.
- Want to add more nutrition? Try adding diced bell peppers or swap black beans for kidney beans for variety.
- Make sure to let the casserole rest after baking to allow the flavors to meld and make serving easier.
- For a crispy top, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes after baking to give the cheese a golden, slightly crisp texture.
- This casserole freezes beautifully! Prepare an extra batch and store in individual portions for quick future meals.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 308kcal
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 29g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 77mg
