BBQ Bake Recipe

Shredded chicken: Cooked and shredded chicken breast or thigh meat, providing the main protein for the dish.

BBQ sauce: A smoky and tangy sauce that brings the signature barbecue flavor.

Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a creamy, melty topping to the bake.

Canned corn: Sweet corn kernels that add a pop of sweetness and texture.

Black beans: Earthy and hearty beans that complement the other ingredients.

Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor without the need for fresh garlic.

Onion powder: Provides a mild onion flavor to enhance the dish.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the ingredients.

Pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the dish.

When mixing the shredded chicken with the bbq sauce, make sure the chicken is evenly coated to ensure every bite is flavorful. For a more intense flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the bbq sauce for at least 30 minutes before combining it with the other ingredients. This allows the sauce to penetrate the meat, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

• shredded chicken - Substitute with shredded turkey: Turkey has a similar texture and flavor profile to chicken, making it a suitable substitute.

• bbq sauce - Substitute with teriyaki sauce: Teriyaki sauce provides a sweet and savory flavor that can complement the other ingredients similarly to BBQ sauce.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella melts well and has a mild flavor that works well in baked dishes.

• canned, drained corn - Substitute with frozen corn: Frozen corn can be used as it retains a similar texture and sweetness when cooked.

• canned, drained and rinsed black beans - Substitute with canned, drained and rinsed kidney beans: Kidney beans have a similar texture and can absorb flavors well, making them a good alternative.

• garlic powder - Substitute with minced garlic: Minced garlic provides a more intense garlic flavor and can be used in a slightly smaller quantity.

• onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped onions: Finely chopped onions offer a fresh onion flavor and can add a bit of texture to the dish.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

• pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat and can be used to spice up the dish.

• Allow the BBQ bake to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
• Transfer the cooled BBQ bake to an airtight container. If you don't have a container large enough, you can use a baking dish covered tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
• Store the container in the refrigerator. The BBQ bake will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, consider freezing. Portion the BBQ bake into individual servings for easy reheating. Place each portion in a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the containers or bags with the date so you can keep track of how long they've been stored.
• When you're ready to enjoy the BBQ bake again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
• Reheat the BBQ bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. If reheating from frozen, it may take a bit longer. Cover with foil to prevent the cheese from over-browning.
• Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place the portion on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, or until hot. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover BBQ bake in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with aluminum foil to retain moisture and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

• For a quicker option, use the microwave. Transfer a portion of the BBQ bake to a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

• If you prefer a crispy top, use the broiler. Place the BBQ bake in an oven-safe dish and broil on high for 3-5 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning. This method works best if the BBQ bake has already been reheated using another method.

• For a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the pan. Place the BBQ bake in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the BBQ bake in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating. This method will give you a nice, crispy texture.

• Oven: Used to bake the BBQ chicken mixture until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

• Large bowl: Used to mix together the shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, corn, black beans, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

• Baking dish: Used to transfer and spread out the chicken mixture evenly for baking.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, corn, black beans, and shredded cheddar cheese.

• Wooden spoon: Used to mix the ingredients together in the large bowl.

• Cheese grater: Used to shred the cheddar cheese if it is not pre-shredded.

• Oven mitts: Used to safely handle the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven.

• Can opener: Used to open the cans of corn and black beans.

• Colander: Used to drain and rinse the canned black beans and corn.

• Knife: Used to shred the chicken if it is not pre-shredded.

• Cutting board: Used as a surface to shred the chicken.

Use rotisserie chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking and shredding chicken yourself.

Pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded cheddar cheese to cut down on prep time.

Frozen corn: Use frozen corn instead of canned; it’s already prepped and can be added directly.

Mix in the baking dish: Combine all ingredients directly in the baking dish to save on cleanup time.

Meal prep: Prepare the mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just add cheese and bake when ready.