BBQ Chicken Apple Bread Pudding: A Deliciously Savory Recipe

BBQ Chicken Apple Bread Pudding: Yes, you read that right! Prepare to have your culinary expectations delightfully shattered with this unexpectedly delicious and comforting dish. Forget everything you think you know about bread pudding because this savory rendition is about to become your new favorite comfort food. Imagine tender, smoky BBQ chicken mingling with sweet, tart apples, all nestled within a custardy bread base. It’s a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds!

While bread pudding traditionally leans towards the sweet side, its origins lie in resourceful cooking, dating back to the early 11th century. Cooks sought ways to use stale bread, transforming it into a nourishing and satisfying meal. Our BBQ Chicken Apple Bread Pudding takes that same resourceful spirit and gives it a modern, savory twist. It’s a fantastic way to use leftover BBQ chicken and breathe new life into day-old bread.

People adore this dish for its incredible balance of flavors and textures. The smoky, tangy BBQ chicken provides a savory depth, while the apples offer a touch of sweetness and a delightful textural contrast. The bread pudding itself is soft and custardy, soaking up all the delicious flavors. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient! This BBQ Chicken Apple Bread Pudding is a one-dish wonder, perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks. It’s guaranteed to be a conversation starter and a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients:

• For the Bread Pudding:
• 1 loaf (about 1 pound) challah bread, brioche, or other soft bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1 Honeycrisp apple, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1 pound cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• For the BBQ Sauce Glaze (Optional):
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey

Preparing the Bread and Vegetables:

1. Toast the Bread: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Toast in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until lightly golden and dried out. This helps the bread absorb the custard better without becoming soggy. Let the toasted bread cool slightly.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: While the bread is toasting, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the Garlic and Peppers: Add the minced garlic, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the peppers are slightly softened. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Incorporate the Apples: Add the diced Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the apples are slightly tender but still hold their shape. The combination of tart and sweet apples adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
5. Season the Vegetable Mixture: Season the vegetable and apple mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

Assembling the Bread Pudding:

1. Combine the Chicken and BBQ Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated.
2. Prepare the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Don’t be afraid to be generous with the seasoning, as the bread will absorb a lot of it.
3. Layer the Ingredients: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Arrange half of the toasted bread cubes in the bottom of the dish.
4. Add the Vegetable and Apple Mixture: Spread the sautéed vegetable and apple mixture evenly over the bread cubes.
5. Distribute the BBQ Chicken: Sprinkle the BBQ chicken evenly over the vegetable and apple mixture.
6. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the chicken.
7. Add the Remaining Bread: Top with the remaining toasted bread cubes.
8. Pour the Custard: Slowly pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, making sure to saturate all the bread cubes. Gently press down on the bread with a spatula to help it absorb the custard.
9. Top with Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese over the top of the bread pudding.
10. Let it Rest: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard and helps the flavors meld together. If you’re short on time, 30 minutes will do, but overnight is ideal.

Baking the Bread Pudding:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the Bread Pudding: Remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the bread pudding is golden brown and set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
3. Let it Cool: Remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the custard to set up a bit more and makes it easier to slice.

Preparing the BBQ Sauce Glaze (Optional):

1. Combine the Glaze Ingredients: While the bread pudding is baking, prepare the BBQ sauce glaze (if using). In a small saucepan, whisk together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and honey.
2. Simmer the Glaze: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened slightly.
3. Brush the Glaze: During the last 10 minutes of baking, brush the BBQ sauce glaze over the top of the bread pudding. This will give it a beautiful glossy finish and add an extra layer of BBQ flavor.

Serving the BBQ Chicken Apple Bread Pudding:

1. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the bread pudding with chopped fresh parsley.
2. Serve Warm: Serve the BBQ Chicken Apple Bread Pudding warm. It’s delicious on its own, or you can serve it with a side salad or coleslaw.

Tips and Variations:

• Bread Choice: While challah or brioche are ideal, you can use any soft bread you like. French bread or even sourdough (for a tangier flavor) would work well. Just make sure to toast it properly to prevent sogginess.
• Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Pepper jack would add a spicy kick, while Gruyere would add a nutty flavor.
• Vegetable Variations: You can add other vegetables to the mix, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or corn.
• Meat Variations: Instead of chicken, you could use pulled pork, chopped brisket, or even leftover Thanksgiving turkey.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking, or omit it altogether if you prefer a milder flavor.
• Make-Ahead Tip: The bread pudding can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Enjoy your delicious and comforting BBQ Chicken Apple Bread Pudding! It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion.

Conclusion:

This BBQ Chicken Apple Bread Pudding isn’t just a recipe; it’s a flavor adventure waiting to happen! I truly believe this is a must-try dish because it masterfully balances sweet and savory, creating a comforting yet exciting culinary experience. The smoky BBQ chicken, the tart apples, and the soft, custardy bread pudding base come together in a way that will surprise and delight your taste buds. It’s the kind of dish that sparks conversation and leaves everyone wanting more.

But beyond the incredible flavor profile, this recipe is also surprisingly versatile. Think of it as a blank canvas for your culinary creativity!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

For a complete meal, I love serving this BBQ Chicken Apple Bread Pudding with a simple side salad. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the pudding. Alternatively, some roasted vegetables, like Brussels sprouts or asparagus, would also be a fantastic accompaniment.

If you’re looking to elevate the presentation, try serving individual portions in ramekins. This not only looks elegant but also ensures that everyone gets a perfectly portioned serving. A sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley or chives, on top adds a pop of color and freshness.

And speaking of variations, the possibilities are endless! If you’re not a fan of BBQ chicken, you could easily substitute it with pulled pork or even shredded turkey. For a vegetarian option, try using roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes instead of the chicken. You could also experiment with different types of cheese. Instead of cheddar, try using Gruyere or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with the apples too! While I love using Granny Smith apples for their tartness, you could also use Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter flavor. You can even add other fruits, like cranberries or pears, for an extra layer of complexity.

For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce or incorporating some chopped jalapeños into the bread pudding mixture. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can drizzle a little maple syrup over the top before baking.

Why This BBQ Chicken Apple Bread Pudding is a Winner:

This recipe is a winner because it’s:

* Unique and Flavorful: The combination of BBQ chicken, apples, and bread pudding is unexpected but incredibly delicious.
* Comforting and Satisfying: It’s the perfect dish for a cozy night in or a potluck with friends.
* Versatile and Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your own tastes and preferences.
* Relatively Easy to Make: While it may seem intimidating, this recipe is actually quite simple to follow.

I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I truly believe it’s something special. I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure! I’m so excited for you to try this BBQ Chicken Apple Bread Pudding.

Once you’ve made it, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? What did you think of the flavor combination? What did you serve it with? Share your photos and comments with me – I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy cooking!