Shredded Barbecue Chicken Grits

Highlighted under: Cozy Bowls

Experience the ultimate comfort food with our Shredded Barbecue Chicken Grits. This dish combines tender, flavorful barbecue chicken with creamy, dreamy grits for a meal that will warm your soul.

Anna

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2025-12-24T20:34:28.279Z

This Shredded Barbecue Chicken Grits recipe is a delightful fusion of Southern flavors and comforting textures. Perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering, it brings together the smokiness of barbecue chicken and the creamy goodness of grits.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Tender, juicy chicken smothered in tangy barbecue sauce
  • Creamy grits that provide a perfect base for the flavorful chicken
  • Quick and easy to prepare, making it a great weeknight meal
  • A comforting dish that brings a taste of the South to your table

The Perfect Comfort Food

Shredded Barbecue Chicken Grits is more than just a meal; it's an experience that warms the heart and soul. The combination of tender chicken drenched in barbecue sauce atop a bed of creamy grits creates a delightful harmony of flavors and textures. This dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even a cozy night in. It's the type of food that makes you feel at home, no matter where you are.

What makes this dish truly comforting is its ability to evoke memories of Southern kitchens filled with laughter and love. Each bite brings a taste of tradition, rich with history and flavor. The creamy grits serve as a canvas, enhancing the succulent chicken and tangy barbecue sauce, making it a meal that's both satisfying and nostalgic.

Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal

In today's fast-paced world, finding time to prepare a homemade meal can be challenging. That's where Shredded Barbecue Chicken Grits shines. With a preparation time of just under 30 minutes, this recipe is designed for busy weeknights. You can easily whip up this dish without sacrificing flavor or quality, making it a go-to option for families on the go.

Additionally, this recipe allows for flexibility in ingredients. If you're short on time, you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken, reducing preparation time even further. The simplicity of this dish means that even novice cooks can achieve impressive results, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal without the stress.

Customizable and Versatile

One of the best aspects of Shredded Barbecue Chicken Grits is its versatility. While the recipe provides a solid foundation, you can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences. Consider adding vegetables like sautéed bell peppers or corn for an extra nutritional boost. You can also experiment with different types of barbecue sauce—whether you prefer sweet, smoky, or spicy, the choice is yours.

Furthermore, this dish is perfect for meal prep. You can make a big batch of the barbecue chicken and grits, then store them separately in the refrigerator. When you're ready to enjoy, simply reheat and combine for a quick and satisfying meal any day of the week.

Ingredients

For the Barbecue Chicken

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Grits

  • 1 cup grits
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • Salt to taste

Mix and match your favorite barbecue sauces to find the perfect flavor for your chicken!

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken, barbecue sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

Cook the Grits

In a saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil. Slowly whisk in the grits and reduce heat to low. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring frequently until thickened.

Finish the Grits

Stir in the cheddar cheese and heavy cream into the cooked grits. Season with salt to taste.

Serve

Plate the creamy grits and top with the shredded barbecue chicken. Enjoy warm!

Feel free to garnish with chopped green onions or extra cheese for added flavor.

Tips for Perfect Grits

To ensure your grits turn out perfectly creamy, always use a good quality chicken broth as the base. This adds depth of flavor that plain water simply can't provide. Additionally, whisking the grits in slowly as the broth comes to a boil prevents clumping and allows for a smooth texture.

Don't rush the cooking process—allow the grits to simmer on low heat for the full 20-25 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid sticking and to help them thicken evenly. If the grits become too thick, feel free to add a splash of additional chicken broth or water to achieve your desired consistency.

Pairing Suggestions

Shredded Barbecue Chicken Grits pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a perfect contrast to the richness of the dish. You could also serve it with cornbread or biscuits for a true Southern feast that will leave everyone satisfied.

For those looking to add a little heat, consider serving with pickled jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce. The spice complements the sweetness of the barbecue sauce, creating a well-rounded flavor profile that elevates the entire meal.

Secondary image

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds great flavor.

→ How can I make this dish healthier?

You can use low-fat cheese and replace the heavy cream with a lighter alternative, or use less barbecue sauce.

→ What type of grits should I use?

Stone-ground grits are preferred for their texture, but quick-cooking grits will also work in a pinch.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the chicken and grits separately. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Shredded Barbecue Chicken Grits

Experience the ultimate comfort food with our Shredded Barbecue Chicken Grits. This dish combines tender, flavorful barbecue chicken with creamy, dreamy grits for a meal that will warm your soul.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Anna

Recipe Type: Cozy Bowls

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Barbecue Chicken

  1. 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  2. 1 cup barbecue sauce
  3. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  4. 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  5. Salt and pepper to taste

For the Grits

  1. 1 cup grits
  2. 4 cups chicken broth
  3. 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  4. 1/2 cup heavy cream
  5. Salt to taste

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken, barbecue sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 02

In a saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil. Slowly whisk in the grits and reduce heat to low. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring frequently until thickened.

Step 03

Stir in the cheddar cheese and heavy cream into the cooked grits. Season with salt to taste.

Step 04

Plate the creamy grits and top with the shredded barbecue chicken. Enjoy warm!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Total Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 44g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 6g
  • Protein: 24g