Transform your weeknight meals with this incredibly easy and delicious Canned BBQ Sauce Chicken dinner. This recipe leverages the convenience of store-bought canned BBQ sauce to create a flavorful, satisfying, and budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy evenings.
Key Ingredients for Smoky, Sweet, and Seriously Simple Canned BBQ Sauce Chicken Dinner
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this crowd-pleasing dish:
- 2 lbs (approx. 900g) Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Cut into 1-inch cubes for even cooking and easier serving. Thighs offer more flavor and moisture, while breasts are leaner.
- 1 (18-ounce / 510g) Can Your Favorite Canned BBQ Sauce: This is our star ingredient! Choose a brand you love; a smoky and slightly sweet variety works best.
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil: For searing the chicken and preventing sticking.
- 1 Medium Yellow Onion: Chopped, to add aromatic depth.
- 2 Cloves Garlic: Minced, for a pungent kick.
- 1/2 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika: Enhances the smoky notes of the BBQ sauce.
- 1/4 Teaspoon Black Pepper: Freshly ground, for a touch of spice.
- Salt to taste: Adjust according to your preference and the saltiness of your BBQ sauce.
- Optional Garnishes: Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro, red pepper flakes for a little heat.
How to Make Smoky, Sweet, and Seriously Simple Canned BBQ Sauce Chicken Dinner
Get ready for a flavor explosion that’s incredibly straightforward! This canned BBQ sauce chicken dinner is a true weeknight hero, coming together in under 30 minutes from start to finish. Its simplicity lies in minimal chopping and maximum flavor from the rich, tangy, and sweet BBQ sauce, guaranteeing a satisfying meal without the fuss.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prep Your Ingredients: Start by patting the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This helps ensure a good sear. Season the chicken all over with salt and black pepper. Chop your onion and mince your garlic. Open your canned BBQ sauce.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan (cook in batches if necessary). Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be cooked through at this point, just nicely browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the same skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and smoked paprika, cooking for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the seared chicken to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Pour the entire can of canned BBQ sauce over the chicken, stirring gently to coat all the pieces evenly.
- Simmer to Perfection: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally, ensuring the chicken is cooked through and tender, and the sauce has slightly thickened. If your sauce seems too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of water or chicken broth.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if needed. A little more salt, pepper, or even a tiny splash of apple cider vinegar can brighten the flavors.
- Serve Hot and Garnish: Spoon the canned BBQ sauce chicken into serving bowls or onto plates. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Serve immediately!
Why You’ll Love This Smoky, Sweet, and Seriously Simple Canned BBQ Sauce Chicken Dinner
You will absolutely adore this canned BBQ sauce chicken dinner for its incredible ease and irresistible flavor. The star here is undeniably the rich, tangy, and sweet BBQ sauce, which envelops tender chicken in a comforting embrace, reminiscent of slow-cooked pulled pork but without any of the extensive work. By making this at home, you’re not only saving a significant amount compared to takeout or pre-made meals, but you’re also in control of the quality and freshness of your ingredients.
Beyond its cost-saving benefits, the dish boasts a fantastic flavor profile, enhanced by the optional fresh herbs or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes which add a burst of freshness and a touch of heat, complementing the sweetness of the BBQ sauce beautifully. It’s truly a weeknight miracle that delivers on taste and convenience. So ditch the complicated recipes and give this simple canned BBQ sauce chicken a try tonight; your taste buds (and your wallet!) will thank you.
What to Serve Smoky, Sweet, and Seriously Simple Canned BBQ Sauce Chicken Dinner With
This versatile canned BBQ sauce chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, creating a complete and satisfying meal.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The classic pairing, perfect for soaking up all that delicious BBQ sauce.
- Simple Green Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken.
- Steamed Rice or Quinoa: Great for a lighter option and equally good at absorbing the sauce.
- Coleslaw: The crunchy texture and tangy dressing of coleslaw are a fantastic counterpoint to the smoky-sweet chicken.
- Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or sweet potatoes roasted with a sprinkle of olive oil and salt make for a healthy and flavorful side.
- Corn on the Cob: A summer staple that complements BBQ flavors perfectly.
- Crusty Bread: To fully enjoy every last drop of that amazing canned BBQ sauce!
Top Tips for Perfecting Smoky, Sweet, and Seriously Simple Canned BBQ Sauce Chicken Dinner
- Don’t Skimp on the Sear: Browning the chicken deeply before adding the sauce adds a crucial layer of flavor and texture (the Maillard reaction!). Don’t rush this step.
- Choose Your BBQ Sauce Wisely: Since canned BBQ sauce is the star, pick one you genuinely love. Experiment with different brands – smoky, sweet, spicy, or tangy – to find your perfect match.
- Pat Chicken Dry: This is a simple but vital step for getting a good sear. Moisture on the chicken will steam instead of brown.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary. An overcrowded pan lowers the temperature, resulting in steamed, not seared, chicken.
- Adjust Thickness of Sauce: If your BBQ sauce is thicker than you prefer, a splash of chicken broth, water, or even a little apple cider vinegar can thin it out. If it’s too thin, a quick simmer uncovered for a few more minutes will help it reduce and thicken.
- Add a Flavor Boost: For extra depth, consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce, a spoonful of brown sugar (if your sauce isn’t sweet enough), or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. A squeeze of lime or lemon juice at the end can also brighten the flavors.
- Consider a Slow Cooker Adaptation: This recipe can easily be adapted for a slow cooker. Brown the chicken and sauté aromatics as directed, then combine everything in the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until chicken is tender.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This canned BBQ sauce chicken is fantastic for meal prepping!
- Storage: Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store any complementary sides (like rice or mashed potatoes) in separate containers if possible, or layered carefully if storing together.
- Freezing: For longer storage, this dish freezes beautifully. Once cooled, transfer the chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating:
- Microwave: For individual portions, microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally, until heated through (1-3 minutes depending on portion size).
- Stovetop: For larger portions, transfer the chicken and sauce to a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce seems too thick. Stir frequently until heated through, ensuring the chicken doesn’t dry out.
- Oven: Place the chicken and sauce in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until thoroughly warmed.
Final Thoughts
This canned BBQ sauce chicken dinner is a testament to how simple ingredients can create truly satisfying meals. It’s proof that flavorful home cooking doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, offering a delicious, comforting solution for any night of the week. Give it a try – you’ll be amazed at how quickly it becomes a family favorite!
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Smoky, Sweet, and Seriously Simple Canned BBQ Sauce Chicken Dinner FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
- A: Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely before cubing and searing. Patting it dry is even more crucial here to prevent excess moisture.
Q: What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
- A: You can omit it, or use regular paprika for color. However, smoked paprika adds a lovely depth that really complements the BBQ flavor.
Q: Can I make this spicier?
- A: Absolutely! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the garlic, or include a dash of your favorite hot sauce into the BBQ sauce. Garnish with extra red pepper flakes.
Q: Can I use bone-in chicken?
- A: While bone-in chicken can be used, the cooking time will increase significantly. This recipe is designed for boneless, skinless cuts for speed. If using bone-in, ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and adjust simmering time accordingly.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
- A: As long as your chosen canned BBQ sauce is gluten-free (many brands are) and you don’t add any other gluten-containing ingredients, then yes, this recipe can be gluten-free. Always check ingredient labels!
Q: Can I cook this in the oven?
- A: Yes! After searing the chicken and sautéing the aromatics on the stovetop, combine everything in an oven-safe dish. Cover and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.