In the bustling world of modern life, we all crave a satisfying meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Enter the Quick BBQ Chicken Dinner Mug Delight – a comforting, real-life weeknight solution that’s ready in just minutes. This single-serve wonder combines the bold flavors of barbecue chicken with the convenience of a mug-friendly format, making it the ultimate stress-free, grab-and-go meal for busy folks.
Why You’ll Love This Quick BBQ Chicken Dinner Mug Delight
This quick and easy dinner mug is a game-changer for busy home cooks. It delivers big flavor without the fuss, allowing you to enjoy a satisfying meal in a matter of minutes. The fast, no-mess preparation means less time cleaning up, so you can focus on what really matters – savoring a cozy, comfort-food classic that’s perfect for any hectic weeknight. Plus, the single-serve size makes it a calming, rewarding treat at the end of a long day.
Ingredients (Single-Serve)
This quick BBQ chicken dinner mug comes together with just a handful of simple ingredients you likely already have on hand. You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, your favorite barbecue sauce, shredded cheese, and a few basic pantry staples. The best part? There’s no need for any complicated prep work – just toss everything into a mug and you’re good to go.
- 6 oz – Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast, diced
- 1/4 cup – Barbecue Sauce, plus more for drizzling
- 1/3 cup – Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1 tbsp – Butter or Olive Oil (optional)
- Pinch of Salt and Pepper
Ingredient Substitutions
- Protein: Ground turkey or shredded pork work great as alternatives to chicken.
- Cheese: Any melty cheese like mozzarella or Monterey Jack can be used instead of cheddar. For a dairy-free option, try a plant-based shredded cheese.
How to Make Quick BBQ Chicken Dinner Mug Delight
This quick and easy dinner mug comes together in a flash, with just a few simple steps. Let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by dicing your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This will help them cook quickly and evenly in the microwave. Gather your remaining ingredients – barbecue sauce, shredded cheese, and any optional add-ins you’re using.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Place the diced chicken in a microwave-safe mug. Pour your desired amount of barbecue sauce over the top and stir to coat the chicken. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Carefully remove the mug from the microwave (it will be hot!) and stir in the shredded cheese. Microwave for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
If you’re feeling fancy, you can top your Quick BBQ Chicken Dinner Mug Delight with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions. For an extra burst of flavor, you can also drizzle a bit of additional barbecue sauce over the top.
Variations & Time-Saver Tips
- Swap it Up: To switch things up, try substituting different proteins, cheeses, or barbecue sauce flavors.
- Bulk it Up: For a heartier meal, you can add cooked rice or quinoa to the mug.
- Veggie-Packed: Toss in some diced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for a veggie-packed version.
- Comfort Food Twist: Top it off with a dollop of creamy mashed potatoes for a real comfort-food treat.
Serving, Storage & Reheat
Serve with: A fresh side salad or crispy roasted veggies for a complete meal.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Microwave Reheat: When ready to enjoy, simply reheat the mug meal in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until piping hot.
Make-Ahead: The mug meal can be fully assembled and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a perfect grab-and-go option for busy weeknights.
Nutrition Info
This quick and easy dinner mug packs a nutritious punch, with lean protein from the chicken, fiber and vitamins from the veggies, and a touch of creamy, melty cheese. Each serving contains approximately 300 calories, 30g of protein, and 10g of carbs, making it a balanced and satisfying meal.
- Serving Size: 1 mug
- Calories: 305 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbs: 10 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Sodium: 615 mg
FAQs
How long does the Quick BBQ Chicken Dinner Mug Delight take to make?
This delicious dinner can be ready in just 5 minutes or less, thanks to the convenience of the microwave. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can also bake it in the oven for 20-25 minutes.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! The mug meal can be fully assembled and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply reheat in the microwave.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Quick BBQ Chicken Dinner Mug Delight is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use a gluten-free barbecue sauce.
Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of the microwave?
While the microwave is the fastest and most convenient cooking method, you can also bake this dish in the oven. Simply preheat your oven to 375°F, assemble the mug meal, and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, this single-serve mug meal is perfect for meal prepping. Prepare several servings at once, store them in the fridge, and have a quick, satisfying dinner ready to go whenever you need it.
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Quick BBQ Chicken Dinner Mug Delight
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner Mug Meals
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: American
Description
A quick and delicious BBQ chicken dinner served in a mug, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
1 cup cooked shredded chicken
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
1/4 cup shredded cheese
1/4 cup corn
1/4 cup black beans
1/4 cup diced bell pepper
1/4 cup cooked rice
Instructions
1. In a microwave-safe mug, combine the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce.
2. Add the corn, black beans, diced bell pepper, and cooked rice.
3. Mix all the ingredients until well combined.
4. Top with shredded cheese.
5. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
6. Let cool for a minute before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, add your favorite spices or herbs.
This recipe is easily customizable with your choice of vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg