Southern Barbecue Baked Beans

If you’re searching for a hearty, smoky, Southern side dish that skips the pork but keeps all the soul, you’re in the right place. These Southern Barbecue Baked Beans with Ground Chicken and Beef Bacon are a flavor-packed classic reimagined with a wholesome twist. Whether you’re baking them in the oven, smoking them low and slow, or simmering them on the stovetop, this recipe brings all the rich, sweet, and savory goodness you’re craving.

This flexible dish is perfect for backyard barbecues, potlucks, family reunions, or even as a main dish during busy weeknights. You’re getting a comforting, crowd-pleasing recipe that works in a variety of cooking setups—from your kitchen oven to your outdoor smoker.

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Why This Recipe Works

• Three cooking methods to suit your style: baked, smoked, or stovetop
• Pork-free but still loaded with bold, smoky flavor
• Sweet and tangy barbecue sauce with a rich, thick texture
• Meal-prep friendly and freezer-ready
• Easy to customize with your favorite add-ins or seasoning blends

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Ingredients for Southern BBQ Beans (Pork-Free)

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this Southern baked bean recipe with either cooking method:

Protein and Veggies

• 8 slices beef bacon, cooked and crumbled (reserve 3 tablespoons of drippings)
• ½ medium green bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 medium sweet onion, finely diced
• 1 pound ground Italian-seasoned chicken
• Seasoned salt and black pepper, to taste

Sauce and Flavor

• 2 (28-ounce) cans hickory-flavored baked beans (check label for pork-free)
• ⅔ cup barbecue sauce
• 1 (10-ounce) can regular diced tomatoes, drained
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons AB’s BBQ Seasoning (or your favorite smoky BBQ rub)

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Step-by-Step Instructions (All Cooking Options Included)

Step 1: Prep the Bacon and Chicken

• In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the beef bacon until crispy. Set aside to cool and crumble.
• Reserve 3 tablespoons of the drippings in the pan.
• Add diced green pepper and onion to the pan, sauté until soft (3–5 minutes).
• Add ground Italian-seasoned chicken and cook until browned. Season with seasoned salt and black pepper.
• Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Stir the following into the chicken mixture:

• Hickory-flavored baked beans
• Barbecue sauce
• Drained diced tomatoes
• Brown sugar
• Dijon mustard
• Worcestershire sauce
• AB’s BBQ Seasoning
• Crumbled beef bacon (or save whole slices to lay on top)

Now you’re ready to cook using one of three easy methods below.

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Option 1: Bake It in the Oven (Traditional)

Oven Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Transfer the bean mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish or leave it in an oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven.
• Bake uncovered for 60 to 75 minutes until bubbly and thickened around the edges.
• Let rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

Pro Tip: Baking caramelizes the top layer and intensifies the sweet-smoky flavor.

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Option 2: Smoke It (Low and Slow Flavor Bomb)

Smoker Instructions

• Preheat your smoker to 250°F using hickory or apple wood for a balanced smoke.
• Pour the bean mixture into a disposable aluminum tray or cast iron pan.
• Place uncovered in the smoker and cook for 2.5 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
• Once the sauce thickens and the top layer develops a smoky crust, remove and let sit for 10 minutes.

Pro Tip: Smoking adds deep wood-fired complexity—perfect for BBQ days.

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Option 3: Simmer on the Stovetop (Quick and Easy)

Stovetop Instructions

• Bring the bean mixture to a simmer in a large pot or Dutch oven.
• Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
• Allow to rest off heat for 10–15 minutes to thicken before serving.

Pro Tip: Great option for a weeknight when you need flavor fast without heating up the kitchen.

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Tips for Best Results

• Use high-quality beef bacon for bold, smoky depth.
• Italian-seasoned ground chicken keeps it savory with fewer calories than beef.
• AB’s BBQ Seasoning ties everything together with perfect smoky-spice balance.
• Always let the beans rest after cooking—this thickens the sauce and improves flavor.
• Make it ahead of time—flavors deepen beautifully overnight.

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Flavor Variations

Want to make it your own? Try these additions:

• Swap ground chicken for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles
• Add jalapeños or hot sauce for heat
• Stir in shredded cheddar cheese at the end
• Mix in fire-roasted corn or black beans
• Finish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives
• Top with crispy onion strings for crunch
• Add a splash of apple cider vinegar to balance sweetness
• Stir in chopped brisket or pulled chicken for extra meat
• Replace brown sugar with maple syrup for a deeper sweetness
• Use fire-roasted tomatoes for extra complexity

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What to Serve with Southern Barbecue Beans

These beans are rich and hearty enough to hold their own but shine even more alongside:

• Smoked ribs, brisket, or pulled chicken
• Grilled sausages or burgers
• Buttermilk cornbread or biscuits
• Southern coleslaw
• Macaroni and cheese
• Roasted sweet potatoes
• Green beans or collard greens
• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Potato salad
• Fried catfish or grilled shrimp

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Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Cool completely and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: On stovetop or in microwave; add a splash of water or BBQ sauce if too thick.

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Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Tips

• Assemble a day in advance and store in the fridge.
• Bake, smoke, or simmer right before serving.
• Great for batch cooking—double the recipe for large crowds.
• Ideal for meal prep—portion into containers and freeze.

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Perfect for Gatherings

This recipe makes about 12 hearty servings, and can easily be scaled up or down. It’s a crowd favorite at:

• Backyard barbecues
• Family reunions
• Church potlucks
• Holiday cookouts
• Game day spreads