Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 4 cups chicken (shredded)
- 1 cup black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup sweet kernel corn (canned or frozen)
- 1/2 green pepper (finely diced)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
Toppings
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 cup french fried onions
- 2 tbsp cilantro (chopped)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly mix the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, finely diced green pepper, and barbecue sauce until evenly combined.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the chicken mixture into a large casserole dish and evenly spread it out. Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the top of the mixture.
- Bake Covered: Loosely cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375˚F (190˚C) for 25 minutes, ensuring the ingredients meld and the dish heats through.
- Add Onion Topping: Remove the foil carefully and evenly top the casserole with French fried onions. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the casserole edges are bubbling and the onions have browned to a crisp.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving. Enjoy your comforting BBQ chicken casserole!
Notes
- Using canned corn and beans speeds up preparation time without sacrificing flavor.
- Ensure chicken is well shredded for even mixing and absorption of flavors.
- French fried onions add a delicious crunchy texture; you can substitute with breadcrumbs if unavailable.
- Allowing the casserole to rest after baking helps it set for easier serving.
- For a milder dish, consider using a sweeter barbecue sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
