Description: A comforting and crowd-pleasing casserole that combines tender chicken, tangy barbecue sauce, creamy goodness, and a satisfyingly crispy topping. This Southern BBQ Chicken Casserole is the perfect weeknight meal for busy families, potlucks, or anyone craving a taste of Southern comfort food. It’s easy to assemble, requires minimal prep time, and delivers maximum flavor in every single bite. Get ready to enjoy a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more!
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked, shredded or pulled chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¾ cup barbecue sauce (sweet and smoky style recommended)
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1½ cups crispy fried onions
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking and prevents the casserole from drying out. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and make serving easier.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and barbecue sauce. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This forms the base of the casserole, providing richness and depth of flavor. The sour cream adds a subtle tang that complements the sweetness of the barbecue sauce.
Step 3: Add the cooked, shredded or pulled chicken to the bowl. Gently fold the chicken into the sauce mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Incorporate half of the shredded cheddar cheese at this stage. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the barbecue sauce and crispy fried onions already contain salt, so be mindful not to over-salt the mixture.
Step 4: Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly to ensure that each serving gets a good balance of ingredients. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top. This will create a beautiful, melted cheese layer that adds both flavor and visual appeal.
Step 5: Bake the casserole uncovered for 20 minutes. This allows the casserole to heat through and the cheese to melt. The edges should be bubbling slightly when it’s ready for the next step.
Step 6: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the crispy fried onions evenly over the top. Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on the onions to prevent them from burning.
Step 7: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and prevents it from being too runny. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, if desired, for a pop of freshness and color.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Southern BBQ Chicken Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for so many reasons. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep time and effort. You can even use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save even more time. The combination of flavors is simply irresistible – the tender chicken, tangy barbecue sauce, creamy base, and crispy onions create a symphony of textures and tastes that will tantalize your taste buds. This casserole is also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it to your liking by adding different vegetables, cheeses, or sauces. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, family gatherings, or any occasion where you need a comforting and satisfying meal. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken.
Serving Suggestions:
This Southern BBQ Chicken Casserole can be served as a main course with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:
- Coleslaw: The cool, creamy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
- Cornbread: A classic Southern pairing, cornbread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Green Beans: Steamed or roasted green beans add a healthy and vibrant touch to the meal.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a comforting side that complements the casserole perfectly.
- Macaroni and Cheese: For an extra indulgent meal, serve the casserole with a side of classic macaroni and cheese.
- Side Salad: A simple side salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a light and refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the casserole.
Tips:
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, the better the flavor of your casserole will be. Use fresh, flavorful barbecue sauce and good quality cheddar cheese.
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaking the casserole can dry it out. Bake just until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the onions are golden brown.
- Customize to Your Liking: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the casserole, such as corn, peas, or diced tomatoes. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack.
- Make it Ahead of Time: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few minutes to the baking time.
- Add a Smoky Flavor: Stir a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke into the sauce mixture before baking for an extra smoky depth.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for a little kick.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information: (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 450-550
- Protein: 30-40g
- Sodium: 700-900mg
Conclusion:
This Southern BBQ Chicken Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, customizable to your liking, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a dish to bring to a potluck, this casserole is sure to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Southern comfort food!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Absolutely! While cheddar cheese is a classic choice for this casserole, you can easily substitute it with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheeses. Just make sure the cheese melts well and complements the flavors of the barbecue sauce and chicken.
Q2: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can definitely assemble the casserole ahead of time. Simply prepare the casserole as instructed, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake it, add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
Q3: I don’t have cream of chicken soup. Can I use something else?
A: If you don’t have cream of chicken soup on hand, you can substitute it with cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup. You can also make your own cream sauce by melting butter in a saucepan, whisking in flour, and gradually adding milk or chicken broth until it thickens.
Q4: Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
A: Absolutely! Adding vegetables is a great way to customize this casserole and add extra nutrients. Some good options include corn, peas, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or onions. Simply add the vegetables to the chicken mixture before baking.
Q5: How do I prevent the crispy fried onions from burning?
A: To prevent the crispy fried onions from burning, keep a close eye on the casserole during the last few minutes of baking. If the onions start to brown too quickly, you can cover the casserole loosely with foil to protect them. You can also add the onions during the last 5 minutes of baking to prevent them from getting too dark.
