Save This unique take on BBQ chicken transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary. The secret lies in the cream soda BBQ sauce that adds a subtle sweetness and depth to tender shredded chicken, all nestled in crispy biscuit cups that make portion control easy and serving fun.
I first made these cups for my son's lunch when we were tired of the same old sandwiches. Now they're requested weekly and have become our go to solution for busy weeknights when we need something quick but satisfying.
Ingredients
- Cooked shredded chicken breast: provides a lean protein base and soaks up all the delicious sauce flavors
- Cream soda: adds a unique vanilla sweetness that balances the tangy elements
- Tomato ketchup: creates the classic BBQ foundation with natural thickness
- Apple cider vinegar: brings necessary acidity to cut through the sweetness
- Brown sugar: deepens the caramel notes from the cream soda
- Worcestershire sauce: adds umami depth that makes the sauce taste more complex
- Smoked paprika: contributes smoky notes without needing a grill
- Refrigerated biscuit dough: saves time while creating perfect edible cups
- Cheddar cheese: forms a melty layer that helps bind the filling together
- Green onions: add fresh color and a mild bite that balances the rich filling
Instructions
- Prepare Your Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and prepare your muffin tin with a light coating of cooking spray. The spray ensures easy removal of the finished cups without tearing the biscuit dough.
- Create The Signature Sauce:
- Combine all sauce ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. Watch carefully as the mixture comes to a simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You'll notice it gradually thickening over 6 to 8 minutes. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but still remain pourable.
- Coat The Chicken:
- Transfer your shredded chicken to a mixing bowl and pour the warm sauce over it. Gently fold the chicken and sauce together until every piece is glistening with the sweet and tangy glaze. This is the heart of the dish so ensure even distribution.
- Form The Biscuit Cups:
- Take each biscuit round and flatten it with your palm or a rolling pin until it's about 4 inches in diameter. Press each flattened round into the muffin cups, working the dough up the sides to create a vessel. Use your fingers to press the dough evenly against the sides of each cup.
- Fill And Top:
- Spoon the sauced chicken mixture into each biscuit cup, filling them about three quarters full. Distribute the filling evenly to ensure consistent cooking. Sprinkle a generous pinch of shredded cheddar on top of each cup, which will melt and help hold the filling together.
- Bake To Golden Perfection:
- Place the filled muffin tin in your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. Look for golden brown edges on the biscuit cups and bubbly melted cheese. The biscuit dough should be completely cooked through with no doughy areas.
- Rest And Garnish:
- Allow the finished cups to rest in the tin for 5 minutes. This helps them set up and makes removal easier. Carefully lift each cup from the tin and top with sliced green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Save The cream soda is truly the star ingredient here. I discovered it by accident when I ran out of regular cola for my usual BBQ sauce recipe. The vanilla notes create a subtle sweetness that even BBQ purists have complimented. My husband actually prefers this version and now we keep cream soda stocked specifically for making this sauce.
Make Ahead Options
These lunch cups are perfect for busy weekday planning. You can prepare the BBQ chicken mixture up to three days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the mixture, assemble in fresh biscuit cups, and bake as directed. The flavor actually improves after the chicken has time to marinate in the sauce overnight.
For even quicker assembly, pre flatten your biscuit dough rounds and store them between sheets of parchment paper in the refrigerator the night before. This cuts down on prep time when you're ready to bake.
Ingredient Substitutions
No cream soda available? Root beer makes an excellent substitute with a slightly different flavor profile that works wonderfully with the other ingredients. For those avoiding soda altogether, apple juice with a teaspoon of vanilla extract creates a similar sweetness.
The biscuit cups can be replaced with wonton wrappers for a crispier texture or even tortillas pressed into the muffin tin for a Tex Mex twist. For a lower carb option, consider using large lettuce cups instead of the biscuit dough and serving the BBQ chicken cold or warm.
Vegetarians can substitute jackfruit or shredded tempeh for the chicken. The sauce works beautifully with plant based proteins and creates an equally satisfying meal.
Serving Suggestions
These versatile cups can be served in multiple ways depending on the occasion. For a complete lunch, pair with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the BBQ chicken.
For party appetizers, make mini versions using a 24 cup mini muffin tin and reducing the baking time to 10 to 12 minutes. These bite sized treats disappear quickly at gatherings.
Consider setting up a topping bar with additional options like diced avocado, pickled red onions, or a drizzle of ranch dressing to let everyone customize their cups. A side of coleslaw also makes a refreshing accompaniment that complements the BBQ flavors.
Save Family Friendly Adaptations
These lunch cups are already kid friendly, but you can make them even more appealing to little ones by adjusting a few elements. For less adventurous eaters, reduce the smoked paprika and black pepper in the sauce. You can also let children help flatten the biscuit dough and create their own cups, which often encourages them to try new foods.
For school lunches, these can be made ahead and served cold or at room temperature. Simply allow them to cool completely before packing in a lunch container with an ice pack. They hold up remarkably well and provide a welcome change from standard sandwich fare.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of chicken works best?
Use cooked, shredded chicken breast for best texture. Rotisserie or leftover chicken are both great options.
- → Can I substitute the cheese?
Yes, try mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese for a different flavor profile while maintaining a melty topping.
- → How do I make biscuit cups crispier?
Ensure the dough is pressed thinly into muffin cups and bake until golden for extra crispiness.
- → Is the cream soda flavor strong?
The cream soda adds a subtle sweetness to the BBQ sauce, balancing with the tangy and smoky notes.
- → Are these suitable for meal prep?
Yes! Cool completely, store in an airtight container, and reheat before serving for convenient lunches.