Casserole-Barbecued Chicken
A hearty casserole featuring tender barbecued chicken complemented by a savory ketchup sauce, seasoned vegetables, and fresh herbs—perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 lb chicken, cut up ⓘ
- 1/2 cup flour ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/2 cup fat ⓘ
- 1 sliced onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 cup ketchup ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 package frozen whole kernel corn (optional) ⓘ
- 4 large boneless chicken breast halves ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons salad or olive oil ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions
- Juice of 1/2 lime or lemon ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup chicken broth ⓘ
Instructions
- Place chicken breast halves between sheets of wax paper or plastic wrap and pound slightly with a mallet.
- Sprinkle the chicken with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat 1/2 cup (or more) fat and cook the seasoned chicken until browned on both sides.
- Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté sliced onion, chopped celery, and chopped green pepper until tender.
- Add 1 cup ketchup, 1 cup water, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper to the vegetables. Mix well.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning some sauce over the top.
- Cover and simmer for about 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Optional: Add frozen whole kernel corn during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Meanwhile, in a separate pan, heat 2 tablespoons salad or olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter.
- Cook the chicken breasts until golden and cooked through, then set aside.
- Sprinkle chopped chives or green onions, chopped parsley, and squeeze lime or lemon juice over the cooked chicken.
- Serve the chicken with the barbecue sauce and vegetables, garnished with herbs.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the barbecue sauce overnight before cooking. If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce can be a good substitute. To make the dish healthier, use skinless chicken cuts or reduce the amount of fat used for frying. Consider adding other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to the sauté for added nutrition, similar to Chicken With Squash And Corn.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a side of rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious barbecue sauce. A fresh salad or steamed vegetables can add a nice contrast. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside bread rolls or a simple corn on the cob. For more ideas, explore other Chicken recipes to complement your main dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, but be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Casserole-Barbecued Chicken contains roughly 858 calories, with 7g protein, 196g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (117% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (48% of the Daily Value), and iron (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 659mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used as a substitute. They will add more moisture and flavor to the dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a few minutes longer to cook through compared to breasts.
What can I serve with the casserole?
This casserole goes well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or baked potatoes. You can also pair it with cornbread for a comforting, hearty meal that fits well with the barbecue flavor.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add some heat, consider mixing in some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the sauce. You can also use a spicy barbecue sauce instead of the regular ketchup for an extra kick. Adjust the level of spice according to your preference for a customized flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).