Name: Shredded BBQ Chicken Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast or thighs; 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand); 2 cups cooked rice or cooked elbow macaroni; 1 cup frozen corn (thawed); ½ cup black beans (rinsed and drained); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped green onions or cilantro for garnish (optional)

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If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food to share with family or friends, let me introduce you to Shredded BBQ Chicken Casserole! This dish is a weeknight hero, loaded with tender chicken, creamy cheese, sweet corn, black beans, and your favorite smoky barbecue sauce—all baked together until bubbly and golden. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s rich, satisfying, and remarkably easy to customize. There’s just something magical about the way these flavors meld together, making this casserole an irresistible favorite that’s always at the top of my must-make list!

Shredded BBQ Chicken Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll love how straightforward these ingredients are—each one plays a crucial role in building all that big, bold flavor and texture. Gather everything before you start, and you’ll see just how seamlessly this Shredded BBQ Chicken Casserole comes together!

Cooked, shredded chicken (3 cups): Rotisserie chicken works wonders for both ease and flavor, but any cooked breast or thigh meat will do.
Barbecue sauce (1 cup): Your favorite bottled brand adds that signature smoky sweetness; go spicy or mild depending on your crowd.
Cooked rice or elbow macaroni (2 cups): Either a bed of rice or tender pasta makes this casserole wonderfully hearty; choose based on what you love or have on hand.
Frozen corn, thawed (1 cup): Sweet pops of corn add gorgeous color and a satisfying bite.
Black beans, rinsed and drained (½ cup): Creamy black beans provide extra protein and make the casserole feel even more robust.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): The bold, melty cheddar gives that irresistible golden top layer.
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese (½ cup): Monterey Jack melts beautifully and adds a creamy richness to every bite.
Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): This simple seasoning amps up the savory flavor without overpowering the dish.
Onion powder (½ teaspoon): A sprinkle of onion powder helps build that comforting casserole taste we all love.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Don’t forget these finishing touches to perfectly balance the flavors.
Chopped green onions or cilantro, for garnish (optional): Totally optional, but a fresh burst of green makes the casserole pop and adds a little extra zing.

How to Make Shredded BBQ Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish

Start by firing up your oven to 375°F. Trust me, taking a minute to preheat while you prep saves time later. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a quick rub of oil—this ensures your Shredded BBQ Chicken Casserole lifts out easily, and cleanup is a breeze.

Step 2: Make the Chicken Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, add your cooked, shredded chicken and pour over the barbecue sauce. Give it a generous stir so every piece is coated with sweet, smoky goodness. This is the flavor base—be sure the chicken gets plenty of that saucy love!

Step 3: Add Grains, Veggies, and Spices

Time to bulk it up! Gently fold in your cooked rice or elbow macaroni along with the corn, black beans, garlic powder, onion powder, plus a pinch of salt and pepper. If you’re feeling adventurous, this is also the moment to stir in extras like jalapeños for heat or extra veggies if you’re cleaning out the fridge.

Step 4: Mix in Cheese

Sprinkle in half the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Give the mixture a good toss until everything is evenly combined—the cheese will help bind everything and melt into all those cozy nooks once baked.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, pressing it gently down so it’s spread evenly. Scatter the remaining cheeses over the surface to form a luscious blanket that’ll bubble and brown in the oven. Slide your Shredded BBQ Chicken Casserole into the hot oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden at the edges.

Step 6: Rest and Garnish

Once it’s piping hot and golden, pull the casserole from the oven. Let it sit for about 5 minutes—it’ll be easier to serve, and the flavors marry together nicely as it cools slightly. If you’re using green onions or cilantro, sprinkle them over the top for a fresh, colorful finish.

How to Serve Shredded BBQ Chicken Casserole

Garnishes

Nothing beats that extra touch of green! Sliced green onions or a handful of fresh cilantro really brighten up each plate, offering a burst of color and a pop of fresh flavor. For even more flair, try adding a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of extra barbecue sauce right before serving—you’ll get creamy, smoky, and vibrant all in one bite.

Side Dishes

Shredded BBQ Chicken Casserole is deliciously hearty all on its own, but pairing it with simple sides can take your meal to the next level. I love serving it with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies to balance out the richness. For a BBQ-inspired spread, add classic favorites like cornbread, coleslaw, or sliced avocado. Every bite feels like a little feast!

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, scoop the casserole into individual ramekins for personalized servings—perfect for dinner parties or feeding a crowd in style. Or, serve it in warm tortillas or over baked potatoes for a BBQ chicken “bar” experience. However you plate it, this dish always steals the spotlight!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, any leftovers can be transferred to an airtight container and kept in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors seem to deepen overnight, making leftover Shredded BBQ Chicken Casserole just as tempting the next day—a bonus for meal preppers and busy weeknights!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Shredded BBQ Chicken Casserole! Just wrap the baked, cooled casserole tightly in foil (or portion it in freezer-safe containers) and freeze for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best texture and even heating.

Reheating

To reheat, cover and warm the casserole in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly (usually about 20 minutes). For single servings, a quick spin in the microwave works perfectly—just cover to retain moisture. Add extra cheese or a fresh garnish to liven it up before serving.

FAQs

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken in Shredded BBQ Chicken Casserole?

Absolutely—using rotisserie chicken is both convenient and super flavorful! Just shred it up and follow the recipe as written for an easy, time-saving boost.

What’s the best barbecue sauce for this casserole?

That’s totally your call! Sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy—choose whichever bottled BBQ sauce you and your family love. You can also mix and match different sauces for a flavor twist.

Can I make Shredded BBQ Chicken Casserole gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use cooked rice (instead of pasta) and double-check that your barbecue sauce is labeled gluten-free. With those swaps, this casserole fits right into a gluten-free lifestyle.

How can I add some heat to the casserole?

For a spicy kick, stir in some chopped jalapeños, diced green chilies, or swap your regular BBQ sauce for a spicy variety. Hot sauce drizzled over the finished casserole is another easy way to adjust the heat to your liking.

Can this casserole be prepped ahead?

Definitely! You can assemble everything up to a day ahead and store, covered, in the fridge. When ready, just sprinkle on the top cheese and bake as directed—perfect for busy nights or easy entertaining.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something special about cozying up with a homemade Shredded BBQ Chicken Casserole—it’s hearty, satisfying, and always a hit with everyone at the table. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or sharing leftovers with friends, this casserole makes weeknights feel extra delicious. Give it a try; I have a feeling it’ll become one of your favorites, too!

Shredded BBQ Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and flavorful Shredded BBQ Chicken Casserole that is easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner. This hearty dish combines tender shredded chicken with BBQ sauce, rice or pasta, corn, black beans, and gooey cheeses for a satisfying meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

3 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast or thighs
1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
2 cups cooked rice or cooked elbow macaroni
1 cup frozen corn (thawed)
½ cup black beans (rinsed and drained)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped green onions or cilantro for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken with barbecue sauce. Add in rice or pasta, corn, black beans, seasonings, salt, pepper, and half of the cheeses. Combine well.
Assemble the casserole: Transfer the mixture to the baking dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.
Finish and serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with green onions or cilantro.