This Cheesy BBQ Chicken Toast Bake is an irresistible, savory dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd. Made with layers of cheese, BBQ chicken, and bread, soaked in a rich egg-milk mixture, then topped with grated cheese, this dish is like a cross between a savory French toast and a comforting casserole. It’s great for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
- 12 slices of bread
- 12 slices of cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your preferred type)
- 6 slices of BBQ chicken (or any leftover BBQ chicken)
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup of milk (120 ml)
- 100 grams of grated cheese (about 1 cup, for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Sandwiches
- Make the sandwiches: Lay out 12 slices of bread on a flat surface. On 6 slices, place a slice of cheese followed by a slice of BBQ chicken. Top each with another slice of cheese, then cover with the remaining 6 slices of bread to form sandwiches.
2. Prepare the Egg and Milk Mixture
- Beat the eggs: In a medium-sized bowl, crack the 2 eggs and whisk them until they are fully beaten.
- Add the milk: Pour in the ½ cup of milk and whisk together with the eggs until well combined. This mixture will soak into the bread and make the bake fluffy and rich.
3. Layer the Sandwiches
- Arrange the sandwiches: Place the prepared sandwiches in a single layer in a large, greased baking dish. You may need to press them slightly to fit snugly in the dish.
4. Pour the Egg Mixture
- Soak the sandwiches: Slowly pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over the sandwiches, making sure to cover them completely so that they soak up the mixture. Let it sit for a few minutes to absorb.
5. Top with Grated Cheese
- Add the cheese: Sprinkle 100 grams (about 1 cup) of grated cheese evenly over the top of the soaked sandwiches. You can use any cheese you like—cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend all work well.
6. Bake the Dish
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) and allow it to fully preheat.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese on top is golden brown and bubbly.
7. Serve and Enjoy
- Cool slightly: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes. This helps the cheesy bake set a little before cutting.
- Serve: Slice into portions and serve warm. This Cheesy BBQ Chicken Toast Bake pairs perfectly with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or even just on its own for a quick and satisfying meal.
Tips for Success
- Use sturdy bread: If you want a heartier bake, use thick slices of bread, like sourdough or whole grain, to hold up well after soaking in the egg mixture.
- Leftover BBQ chicken: This recipe is great for using up leftover BBQ chicken. If you don’t have BBQ chicken on hand, you can substitute it with rotisserie chicken mixed with your favorite BBQ sauce.
- Customizable: Feel free to add extras like sautéed onions, jalapeños, or even bacon for more flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Sugars: 4 g
Conclusion
This Cheesy BBQ Chicken Toast Bake is a simple and comforting dish that can be whipped up in no time. It’s an ideal recipe for using leftover BBQ chicken and transforming it into a delicious, melty, cheesy bake. The combination of crispy bread, gooey cheese, and flavorful BBQ chicken makes this dish perfect for sharing with friends and family, whether it’s for brunch, lunch, or dinner. Enjoy this hearty, crowd-pleasing meal!
