Why Make This Recipe
Cheesy BBQ Bacon Chicken Casserole is a delightful dish that combines savory chicken, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese with a tangy barbecue sauce. It’s hearty, filling, and perfect for families or gatherings. This casserole brings comfort food to a new level, and everyone will love digging into it. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste!
How to Make Cheesy BBQ Bacon Chicken Casserole
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed or shredded)
- 1 cup cooked bacon (crumbled, about 6-8 slices)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained (optional)
- 1 cup cooked rice or cauliflower rice (optional for a low-carb version)
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking the chicken)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil.
- Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken cubes and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the casserole filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked bacon, BBQ sauce, corn (if using), and red onion (if using). Stir everything together until evenly coated.
- Assemble the casserole: Pour the chicken and BBQ mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Spread it out evenly.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top of the chicken mixture.
- Bake the casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For an extra golden top, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking, but keep a close eye on it!
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite side dishes!
How to Serve Cheesy BBQ Bacon Chicken Casserole
Cheesy BBQ Bacon Chicken Casserole is best served warm. Pair it with a simple green salad or some steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also enjoy it with dinner rolls or garlic bread to soak up the delicious BBQ sauce.
How to Store Cheesy BBQ Bacon Chicken Casserole
If you have leftovers, let the casserole cool completely before storing it. Place it in an airtight container and put it in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven.
Tips to Make Cheesy BBQ Bacon Chicken Casserole
- You can use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time.
- For extra flavor, try adding some jalapeños or diced bell peppers.
- Keep an eye on the cheese while broiling to prevent burning.
Variation
For a low-carb version, replace the rice with cauliflower rice and skip the corn. You can also try different cheeses, like pepper jack for a spicy kick!
FAQs
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Q: Can I freeze the casserole?
A: Yes! You can freeze the casserole before or after baking. Cover it tightly and it should keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Q: What can I use instead of BBQ sauce?
A: If you don’t have BBQ sauce, you can substitute it with teriyaki sauce or even a homemade sauce made from ketchup and vinegar.
Cheesy BBQ Bacon Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed or shredded
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (about 6-8 slices)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce your favorite brand
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained optional
- 1 cup cooked rice or cauliflower rice optional for a low-carb version
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped optional
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil for cooking the chicken
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken cubes and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked bacon, BBQ sauce, corn (if using), and red onion (if using). Stir everything together until evenly coated.
- Pour the chicken and BBQ mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
Baking
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top of the chicken mixture.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For an extra golden top, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking, but keep a close eye on it!
Serving
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite side dishes!