Get ready to discover your new favorite weeknight meal! This Shredded BBQ Chicken Casserole brings together tangy barbecue chicken, wholesome veggies, and melty cheddar cheese all under a crispy onion topping—every bite is absolutely irresistible, and it’s a guaranteed family crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Speedy and Simple: From prep to table in about 40 minutes, this casserole is the champion of busy nights.
- One-Pan Magic: Everything bakes together in a single casserole dish—hello, easy cleanup!
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavors: With sweet, smoky barbecue sauce and crunchy onions, even the pickiest eaters go back for seconds.
- Customizable and Versatile: It adapts brilliantly to your favorite add-ins or whatever ingredients you have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Shredded BBQ Chicken Casserole is in its fuss-free ingredient list—each one plays a role in making the dish hearty, flavorful, and melt-in-your-mouth good. Here’s why every item matters!
- Shredded chicken (4 cups): The protein-packed star of the show! Rotisserie, leftover, or even poached chicken all work beautifully.
- Black beans (1 cup, drained and rinsed): Add fiber, creaminess, and an earthy flavor that balances the sweet and tangy sauce.
- Sweet kernel corn (1 cup, canned or frozen): Pops of juicy sweetness for color and crunch—no need to thaw if using frozen!
- Green pepper (1/2, finely diced): Fresh, grassy notes and a little bit of bite brighten each forkful.
- Barbecue sauce (1 cup): The secret to smoky, saucy goodness—choose your favorite BBQ sauce (sweet, spicy, or smoky) for your perfect flavor.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts over the top, bringing a golden, tangy richness that ties everything together.
- French fried onions (1/2 cup): The ultimate crunchy, savory topping—don’t skip these unless you have to!
- Cilantro (2 tbsp, chopped, optional): The fresh finishing touch, adding herby color and zip as a garnish.
Variations
Don’t be afraid to make this Shredded BBQ Chicken Casserole your own! From dietary swaps to creative add-ins, it’s practically begging for a little personalization based on taste or what’s in your pantry.
- Swap the protein: Use turkey, pork, or even plant-based shredded “chicken” to suit different diets or leftovers.
- Make it spicy: Stir in diced jalapeños or a pinch of chili flakes for a fiery barbecue casserole.
- Add more veggies: Toss in sautéed onions, zucchini, or spinach for extra color and nutrition.
- Cheese lover’s twist: Mix in pepper jack or smoked gouda instead of cheddar for more melty goodness and a different flavor profile.
How to Make Shredded BBQ Chicken Casserole
Step 1: Mix Up the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, sweet corn, diced green pepper, and all that wonderful barbecue sauce. Stir everything together until the sauce coats every last ingredient—it should look saucy, colorful, and super inviting.
Step 2: Layer and Bake
Spread the chicken mixture evenly in a casserole dish, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Generously sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar cheese all over, then cover the dish loosely with foil. Slide it into a preheated oven at 375˚F and bake for 25 minutes to let it get piping hot and the cheese begin to melt.
Step 3: Top and Crisp
After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil and shower the top with those irresistible french fried onions. Return the casserole to the oven for 10 more minutes, uncovered, so the edges bubble and the onions become golden and crispy.
Step 4: Rest, Garnish, and Serve
Let your Shredded BBQ Chicken Casserole rest for 5 minutes out of the oven—this helps everything set up and makes serving super easy. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro if you love a burst of color and freshness, then dig in!
Pro Tips for Making Shredded BBQ Chicken Casserole
- Shred Chicken for Maximum Sauce Absorption: Pull your chicken apart by hand or with two forks—smaller shreds mean every bite gets a better barbecue flavor soak.
- Cheese on Top, Not in the Mix: Layer all the cheddar on top of the casserole for the best golden melt and gooey cheese pull.
- Crunch Timing: Add french fried onions only at the end, so they keep their signature crunch and never go soggy.
- Shortcut Option: Use rotisserie chicken and frozen veggies to shave off even more prep minutes on rushed days.
How to Serve Shredded BBQ Chicken Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh cilantro really wakes up each serving, but you can also toss on extra green onions, a drizzle of barbecue sauce, or even some diced avocado for a creamy finish—don’t be afraid to get creative and make your Shredded BBQ Chicken Casserole a masterpiece!
Side Dishes
This casserole is a meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, roasted veggies, or a pot of fluffy rice to soak up extra sauce. For a classic touch, serve with sweet cornbread or freshly baked rolls.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon the casserole into small ramekins for a dinner party or use it as a hearty filling for baked potatoes or slider rolls. It also makes an unforgettable topping for nachos—just pile onto tortilla chips, broil, and add extra cheese for the ultimate game day snack!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Shredded BBQ Chicken Casserole cool fully, then cover tightly or transfer to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—just scoop out portions as needed for easy meals on the fly.
Freezing
This casserole is a freezer hero! Just assemble, bake, and let it cool (leaving off the onions until reheating), then wrap well and freeze up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before warming up.
Reheating
To reheat, cover and bake in a 350˚F oven until hot and bubbly (add extra cheese or onions if desired). Individual portions also reheat perfectly in the microwave—just cover to keep moisture in. A quick broil at the end brings back that irresistible crispy onion topping.
FAQs
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Can I make Shredded BBQ Chicken Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole earlier in the day or the night before and refrigerate until ready to bake. Wait to add the french fried onions until the last 10 minutes of baking so they stay nice and crispy.
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What type of chicken works best for this recipe?
Any cooked, shredded chicken is perfect—rotisserie, leftover grilled, slow-cooked, or even poached chicken breast work wonderfully. Just make sure it’s nicely shredded so the barbecue sauce can cling to every bite.
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Is there a way to make this casserole dairy-free?
Definitely! Simply substitute your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese and skip or replace the french fried onions with a crunchy vegan topping. The flavors of the BBQ chicken and veggies still shine through.
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Can I double the recipe for a bigger crowd?
Yes! This Shredded BBQ Chicken Casserole scales up beautifully. Just use a larger baking dish or two dishes, and keep an eye on the center for doneness—it might need a few extra minutes in the oven if doubled.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a go-to dinner that’s hearty, colorful, and downright delicious, you can’t go wrong with Shredded BBQ Chicken Casserole. It’s easy enough for weeknights, satisfying enough for guests, and always comes with rave reviews—so gather your ingredients, invite everyone to the table, and enjoy every saucy, cheesy, crunchy bite!
Print
Shredded BBQ Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Shredded BBQ Chicken Casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines tender shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and green pepper, all smothered in tangy barbecue sauce and melted cheddar cheese. Topped with crispy french fried onions and fresh cilantro, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
Shredded BBQ Chicken Casserole:
- 4 cups chicken, shredded
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup sweet kernel corn, canned or frozen
- 1/2 green pepper, finely diced
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup french fried onions
Garnish (optional):
- 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Mix the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, green pepper, and barbecue sauce until combined. Pour mixture into a large casserole dish.
- Top with cheddar cheese.
- Place the dish in the oven loosely covered with foil and bake at 375˚F for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and top with french fried onions. Continue to cook for 10 more minutes or until the sides are bubbling and the onions are browned.
- Let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with cilantro. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
