Easy 4 Ingredient BBQ Chicken Bake

My 4 ingredient BBQ Chicken Bake is an meal that will become a staple in your household. I promised more quick and easy recipes and this one does not disappoint!

This BBQ Chicken Bake was one of those meals I grew up with as a kid and always looked forward to when it was on the menu. So it was a no brainer that I would make it for my own kids. I mean what’s not to love? Barbeque sauce, bacon, chicken and cheese…all favorite things kids love to eat.

The original method of cooking is delicious in its own right, but over the years I developed a number of different ways to cook this dish. The overall method is still the same. It’s quite simple: cook your proteins, combine with sauce smother with cheese then bake! For an even quicker meal you could try this dish using pre-cooked bacon and a warm, store bought rotisserie chicken shredded! Just be sure to use a good quality thick barbeque sauce.

The Method of BBQ Chicken Bake

However you choose to cook this dish, the 4 main components are chicken, bacon, barbeque sauce and shredded cheddar cheese. That’s it!

ingredieints

• bacon
• chicken
• bbq sauce
• cheddar cheese

Variation 1:

The first step to my BBQ Chicken Bake is to chop the bacon into bite size pieces, cook until crisp and remove to a paper towel lined plate. Next, season the chicken with salt and pepper and cook in the bacon grease until browned. Return the bacon to the skillet and add the barbeque sauce.

Place into individual ramekins or a baking dish You can even keep this in the skillet! Finally top with the cheese and broil until melty and brown.

Alternative Cooking Options of BBQ Chicken Bake:

Variation 2:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees 

Cook bacon (cut in half) in a large skillet. Set aside and reserve 2 tablespoons of grease. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper and brown both sides in the grease.

Remove chicken and place side by side in a narrow baking dish or individual ramekins. Place 2-3 bacon slices on top of chicken. Cover with barbeque sauce. Spread cheddar cheese all over the top. Bake until cooked through, about 25-30 minutes.

Serve with baked potatoes, butter and sour cream.

Vartiation 3:

My “shepherd’s pie” version of BBQ Chicken Bake is incredibly delicious if you have a bit more time to spare. This can be served in a baking dish, cast iron skillet or my kids favorite…. in the potato skin!

Place the chicken filling in a baking dish. Take baked potatoes, cut in half and scoop out potato pulp into a large bowl, leaving about ¼ inch rim. To the pulp, add 4 tablespoons of butter and mash. Add in ¼ cup sour cream, salt and pepper, and 1 cup cheddar cheese. Spread on top of chicken filling and bake 5 minutes until golden.

To serve in the potato skins, place the potato halves on a baking sheet. Fill each skin with a portion of the chicken mixture then top with the potato mixture. Bake under broiler until cheese is melted and browned.

Cook’s Notes for BBQ Chicken Bake:

tips for success:

Cook in a cast iron skillet for maximum browning.

If using individual ramekins or baking dish place on a baking sheet.

Hand shred a block of cheddar for the best melting.

Recipe Variations:

Try serving this dish inside a scooped out baked potato.

You could substitute the chicken with ground chicken, ground beef or pulled pork.

Serving suggestions:

My Mom always served this with a baked potato and a side of peas.

Alternative sides- corn, baked beans or coleslaw as they go quite nicely with barbecue chicken.

Storing:

Leftovers in an air tight container can stay good for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.

If you make my BBQ Chicken Bake and love it, I would love for you to come back and give it 5 stars! 

The Essentials