Description

BBQ Chicken and Apple Bread Pudding is a unique, savory-sweet twist on the traditional bread pudding. Combining the smoky richness of BBQ chicken with the sweetness of apples, this dish offers layers of flavor that are both comforting and unexpected.

Ingredients

2 cups cooked BBQ chicken, shredded (leftover rotisserie chicken works great)

2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 2 medium apples)

4 cups cubed day-old bread (such as French bread or a hearty loaf)

1/2 cup onion, diced

3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground thyme

Salt and pepper to taste

3 large eggs

1 1/2 cups milk

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)

1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the diced apples, cinnamon, and thyme, and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender but still firm. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside to cool.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard (if using), and maple syrup (if using). Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir in the cubed bread and allow it to soak in the mixture for about 10 minutes, gently stirring to make sure all the bread is coated and absorbed.
Add the cooked BBQ chicken, sautéed apples and onions, and shredded cheddar cheese to the bread mixture. Stir to combine everything evenly. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and press down gently with a spoon to ensure it’s evenly distributed.
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the bread pudding is golden on top and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be crispy, while the inside should be moist and custardy.
Let the bread pudding cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as thyme or parsley, if desired.

Notes

Replace the cheddar cheese with other types like Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor.

For a vegetarian version, replace the BBQ chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables.

Use Granny Smith apples for a tart contrast or Honeycrisp apples for a sweeter flavor.

Add a little cayenne pepper or diced jalapeño for a spicy kick in the apple-onion mixture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 85mg