Shredded Barbecue Chicken Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Introduction to Shredded Barbecue Chicken Casserole
Are you looking for a warm, comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to please everyone at the table? Look no further! Shredded Barbecue Chicken Casserole is not only delicious but also incredibly simple to whip up, making it the perfect weeknight meal. With tender shredded chicken coated in flavorful barbecue sauce, combined with rice, beans, and cheese, this casserole is a hearty dish that brings smiles to faces and warmth to hearts.
A Personal Story Behind My Shredded Barbecue Chicken Casserole Journey
Growing up, my family had a tradition of gathering around the dinner table every Sunday. My mother often made her signature barbecue chicken casserole, and it quickly became a family favorite. The savory aroma that filled our home was always inviting, and the laughter shared over the meal created cherished memories. Today, I love to recreate this dish for my family, keeping the tradition alive while adding my own twist to it.
What Makes This Shredded Barbecue Chicken Casserole Recipe Special?
This casserole stands out because it combines the convenience of rotisserie chicken with a medley of textures and flavors. The creamy richness of the melted cheese, the tender chicken, the sweetness of the corn, and the hearty black beans create a delightful harmony in every bite. Plus, it’s a versatile dish—perfect for leftovers, and you can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients or spices. The simplicity of preparation ensures that even novice cooks can impress their guests with this dish!
The Full Shredded Barbecue Chicken Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cooked rotisserie chicken (about 6 cups shredded chicken)
- 1 ½ cups barbecue sauce
- 1 cup uncooked minute rice (or 2 cups cooked rice)
- 1 cup black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup frozen corn
- ½ yellow onion (chopped)
- 4 scallions (chopped, about 1 cup)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×11 casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Carefully separate the meat from the bones and skin of the rotisserie chicken. Shred the meat into bite-sized pieces using two forks. You’ll need about 6 cups of shredded chicken for this recipe.
- In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of uncooked minute rice with 1 ½ cups of barbecue sauce. Make sure the rice is fully coated for proper cooking.
- Add the shredded chicken to the bowl and mix until everything is evenly coated with the barbecue sauce.
- Stir in 1 cup of black beans, 1 cup of frozen corn, ½ cup of chopped yellow onion, and 1 cup of chopped scallions. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared casserole dish. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. This helps to cook the rice thoroughly and meld the flavors together.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious BBQ Chicken Casserole!
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Shredded Barbecue Chicken Casserole
This casserole can be served as a standalone dish, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or a side of garlic bread for a complete meal. For variations, consider substituting the black beans with pinto beans or kidney beans for a different flavor. You can also add spices like cumin or chili powder to enhance the taste. If you like a bit of crunch, try topping with crushed tortilla chips before serving. This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking, making it a perfect option for busy nights!
Frequently Asked Questions About Shredded Barbecue Chicken Casserole
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover chicken works perfectly in this casserole, making it a great way to use up any extra poultry you have on hand.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, this casserole can be frozen before or after baking. Just ensure it’s stored in an airtight container. When ready to eat, bake straight from the freezer, adding extra time as needed.
Is this casserole spicy?
No, this recipe is not spicy, but you can add spices like cayenne pepper or jalapeños if you enjoy a kick in your dish.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Enjoy making and sharing this Shredded Barbecue Chicken Casserole with your loved ones. It’s a dish that brings comfort and joy to any meal!
Recipe Stats
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Calories per Serving: 350
- Servings: 6
Shredded Barbecue Chicken Casserole
Equipment
- 9x11 casserole dish
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups barbecue sauce
- 1 cup uncooked minute rice or 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 0.5 cup yellow onion chopped
- 1 cup scallions chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x11 casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Carefully separate the meat from the bones and skin of the rotisserie chicken. Shred the meat into bite-sized pieces using two forks. You’ll need about 6 cups of shredded chicken for this recipe.
- In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of uncooked minute rice with 1 ½ cups of barbecue sauce. Make sure the rice is fully coated for proper cooking.
- Add the shredded chicken to the bowl and mix until everything is evenly coated with the barbecue sauce.
- Stir in 1 cup of black beans, 1 cup of frozen corn, ½ cup of chopped yellow onion, and 1 cup of chopped scallions. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared casserole dish. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious BBQ Chicken Casserole!