Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: cheesy BBQ chicken bake! This dish is a heavenly mix of tender, shredded chicken soaked in tangy barbecue sauce, all wrapped up in a luscious layer of melting cheese. I remember the first time I made this for my friends during a game night; the aroma filled my kitchen, and we couldn’t wait to dig in! The flavors and textures are just so delightful, and every bite is like a warm hug. Trust me, this cheesy BBQ chicken bake is sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
How to Prepare Cheesy BBQ Chicken Bake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it helps the dish cook evenly right from the start. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than a soggy bake!
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Now, grab a large mixing bowl and throw in your shredded chicken. Next, pour in the barbecue sauce and softened cream cheese. I like to mix the barbecue sauce and cream cheese together first to make sure everything’s nice and creamy before adding the chicken. Then, gently fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese and the chopped green onions. This combo is where the magic begins!
Step 3: Prepare Baking Dish
Once your ingredients are combined, transfer that delicious mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly, making sure it reaches all the corners. Now, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top, followed by the breadcrumbs. For an extra touch of flavor, drizzle a little olive oil over those breadcrumbs. It’ll give you that golden, crispy texture we all love!
Step 4: Bake the Dish
Pop your dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is bubbly and golden brown. Oh, the smell! Let it cool for a few minutes before diving in. You won’t want to burn your mouth on that cheesy goodness!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the typical nutritional values per serving of this cheesy BBQ chicken bake. Each serving (about 1 cup) contains approximately 350 calories, 20g of fat, 30g of protein, and 15g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Rich, cheesy flavor that everyone will adore.
- Family-friendly dish that’s a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Comforting and satisfying, great for cozy gatherings.
- Easy to customize with your favorite toppings or spices.
- Leftovers are just as delicious and make for great lunches!
Tips for Success
To make your cheesy BBQ chicken bake even more delicious, here are a few tips! First, consider using rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful shortcut. If you want to spice things up, add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the mix. For a different twist, try swapping the cheddar cheese for pepper jack or mozzarella for a gooey texture. Remember to keep an eye on the bake as it cooks; every oven is a bit different, and you want that perfect golden brown on top. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up your cheesy BBQ chicken bake! Try using different cheeses like gouda for a smoky flavor or feta for a tangy twist. You can also toss in some veggies—think bell peppers, corn, or even spinach—to sneak in some extra nutrition. For a zesty kick, add a splash of hot sauce to the barbecue sauce. The possibilities are endless, and it’s all about making it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers (which I hope you do, because they’re just as tasty!), let the cheesy BBQ chicken bake cool completely before storing. Just pop it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, just be careful not to overheat!
What to Serve with Cheesy BBQ Chicken Bake
This cheesy BBQ chicken bake is delicious on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate your meal even more! I love serving it alongside a fresh garden salad, which adds a nice crunch and brightness. You can also whip up some buttery garlic bread to soak up all that cheesy goodness. For a heartier option, consider roasted veggies or creamy coleslaw. These sides complement the flavors beautifully and make for a satisfying dinner!
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Cheesy BBQ Chicken Bake: 5 Reasons You’ll Love It
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious cheesy BBQ chicken bake that combines tender chicken, tangy barbecue sauce, and melted cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with barbecue sauce and cream cheese.
- Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese and green onions.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Top with remaining cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs.
- Drizzle olive oil over the breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Adjust the amount of barbecue sauce to taste.
- Can add jalapeños for extra spice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: cheesy bbq chicken bake
