BBQ Chicken and Apple Bread Pudding

BBQ Chicken and Apple Bread Pudding is a savory-sweet twist on a classic comfort dish. Juicy shredded BBQ chicken and tender apples are layered with cubes of crusty bread and a smoky, creamy custard, then baked to golden perfection. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for fall dinners, potlucks, or an unexpected brunch centerpiece.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

cooked BBQ chicken (shredded)apples (peeled and diced)day-old bread (cubed)eggsmilk or half-and-halfbarbecue saucesharp cheddar cheese (shredded)onion (optional)olive oil or buttersalt and pepperfresh thyme or parsley (optional for garnish)

directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.

In a skillet, sauté onions (if using) and apples in olive oil or butter until tender. Set aside to cool slightly.

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, BBQ sauce, salt, and pepper.

Add cubed bread, cooked apples, shredded BBQ chicken, and half of the cheese. Toss to combine and soak.

Let the mixture sit for 10–15 minutes so the bread absorbs the custard.

Transfer to the greased baking dish and top with the remaining cheese.

Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until puffed, golden, and set in the center.

Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6–8 people.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 35–40 minutes
Resting time: 10 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

Add crumbled bacon or sausage for extra richness.
Use cornbread instead of regular bread for a Southern twist.
Try smoked gouda or pepper jack cheese.
Include diced bell peppers or roasted corn.
Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce before serving.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
Freeze baked pudding for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.

FAQs

What kind of bread works best?
Day-old French bread, sourdough, or cornbread cubes hold up well and soak nicely.

Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling is preferred for a softer texture, but you can leave the skin on for color and bite.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, mix it with your favorite BBQ sauce before adding to the mix.

Is this dish sweet or savory?
It’s a savory bread pudding with light sweetness from the apples and BBQ sauce.

Can I make this ahead?
Yes, assemble it and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before baking.

Can I use green apples?
Yes, they add a nice tart contrast to the rich flavors.

Is this good for brunch?
Absolutely—serve it alongside a salad or eggs for a filling, flavorful meal.

Can I add more BBQ sauce on top?
Yes, drizzle before serving for extra flavor and moisture.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free milk and cheese alternatives as needed.

Do I need to cover it while baking?
No, unless it browns too quickly—then tent with foil toward the end.

Conclusion

BBQ Chicken and Apple Bread Pudding is a creative, cozy dish that blends smoky, savory, and subtly sweet flavors into one unforgettable bake. With its tender chicken, melty cheese, and juicy apples tucked into buttery bread, it’s comfort food with a flavorful twist that’ll keep everyone coming back for seconds.

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