The Best BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Comfort meets creativity in this mouthwatering bbq ranch chicken casserole that promises to become your new dinner favorite.

Layers of tender chicken blend seamlessly with tangy ranch and smoky barbecue sauce.

Crispy edges hint at the deliciousness waiting inside the dish.

Cheesy goodness melts between each carefully crafted bite, creating a harmonious flavor profile.

Weeknight dinners just got an upgrade with this simple yet spectacular meal.

Families will devour every last morsel, asking for seconds before the first plate is empty.

You won’t be able to resist digging into this irresistible comfort classic.

BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole That’s Comfort Food

• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows swapping proteins, adding extra veggies, or adjusting cheese types to match personal taste preferences.
• Zero-Stress Preparation: Simple one-bowl mixing method and straightforward baking process make this casserole perfect for busy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with minimal kitchen cleanup.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with kid-approved ingredients like chicken, cheese, and bacon that appeal to all ages, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys their meal.

Ingredients for BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole

• Shredded Chicken: A tender and flavorful protein base that provides the main substance of the casserole.

• Pasta: A comforting base that adds texture and helps bind the casserole together.
• BBQ Sauce: Adds a tangy and sweet flavor profile to the chicken.
• Ranch Dressing: Provides a creamy and herbal taste that complements the BBQ sauce.

• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheeses that create a golden, gooey top layer with rich flavor.
• Bacon: Crispy and salty ingredient that adds a savory crunch to the casserole.
• Green Onions: A fresh and optional garnish that brings a light, sharp flavor and bright color to the dish.

How to Make BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C) to get ready for some delicious magic.

Step 2: Boil and Drain Pasta

Cook your pasta following the package instructions until perfectly tender.

Drain completely and set aside.

Step 3: Create Flavor-Packed Chicken Mixture

• Shredded chicken
• Tangy BBQ sauce
• Creamy ranch dressing

Stir everything together until the chicken is completely coated with saucy goodness.

Step 4: Marry Pasta and Chicken

Add the cooked pasta to the chicken mixture.

Gently toss to ensure every pasta piece gets a delicious sauce hug.

Step 5: Prepare Baking Dish

Transfer the entire mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 6: Cheese It Up

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Shredded mozzarella cheese

Make sure the cheese covers the entire surface for maximum deliciousness.

Step 7: Add Crispy Bacon Topping

Scatter crumbled bacon across the cheesy layer for an extra flavor punch.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

You’re looking for melted, bubbly cheese and a golden, appetizing appearance.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Pull the casserole out of the oven.

If desired, sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh finish.

Serve hot and enjoy your comfort food masterpiece!

Pro Tips for BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole

• Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for an extra protein punch and to save preparation time.
• Replace bacon with turkey bacon or veggie bacon strips for a lighter version of the casserole.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or smoked gouda to add unique flavor dimensions to the dish.
• Assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
• Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Variations of BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Casserole: Replace BBQ sauce with chipotle sauce, add diced jalapeños, and swap ranch dressing for cilantro-lime crema for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Chicken Bake: Use Greek yogurt instead of ranch, add feta cheese, swap BBQ sauce for sun-dried tomato paste, and top with kalamata olives.
• Vegetarian Protein Casserole: Substitute chicken with roasted chickpeas or black beans, keep ranch and cheese, and use vegetable broth to moisten the pasta.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Option: Use gluten-free pasta, ensure BBQ sauce is gluten-free certified, and replace regular bacon with turkey bacon for a lighter version.

Serving BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole Ideas

• Family Feast Night: Serve this hearty casserole with a crisp garden salad to balance the rich, savory flavors and add a fresh crunch to your meal.
• Backyard BBQ Side: Pair the dish with corn on the cob or coleslaw for a classic summer cookout feel that complements the BBQ chicken perfectly.
• Protein Power Plate: Add a simple roasted vegetable medley like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus to boost nutritional value and create a complete, satisfying dinner.
• Game Day Delight: Serve alongside tortilla chips or garlic bread for a crowd-pleasing meal that's perfect for casual gatherings and sports watching parties.

Storing BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole Safely

• Transfer leftover casserole to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with a lid or plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
• Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn and maintain quality.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350F for 20-25 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning and ensure even heating throughout the dish.

FAQs

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

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Simply shred the meat and follow the recipe as directed.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add some red pepper flakes to the BBQ sauce or use a spicy BBQ sauce to increase the heat level. You can also mix in some jalapeños for extra kick.

• Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! Prepare the casserole, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

• Can I substitute the cheese types?

Definitely! Feel free to use any combination of cheeses you prefer, such as pepper jack, monterey jack, or provolone for different flavor profiles.

Bbq Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty bbq ranch chicken casserole brings Southern comfort straight to dinner tables with creamy layers of zesty flavor. Cheesy, smoky goodness mingles perfectly, promising a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 3 cups (680 grams) cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
• 1/2 cup (115 grams) cooked bacon, crumbled

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 1/2 cups (340 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (115 grams) mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) ranch dressing

Pasta and Seasonings:

• 2 cups (450 grams) uncooked pasta (penne or rotini)
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup (40 grams) green onions, chopped (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350F (175C), preparing a 9×13-inch baking dish for the casserole.
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions, then drain thoroughly and set aside.
3. Shred cooked chicken and combine with BBQ sauce and ranch dressing in a large mixing bowl, ensuring even coating.
4. Fold the drained pasta into the chicken mixture, stirring gently to distribute sauce and chicken uniformly.
5. Transfer the combined pasta and chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly across the surface.
6. Generously layer shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top of the casserole, covering the entire dish.
7. Sprinkle crumbled bacon across the cheese layer for added texture and flavor.
8. Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts completely and edges become golden and bubbly.
9. Remove casserole from oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes to set.
10. Optional: Garnish with finely chopped green onions before serving for a fresh, crisp accent.

Notes

• Swap ranch and BBQ sauce with lighter, homemade versions to reduce sodium and calories for health-conscious eaters.
• For gluten-free adaptation, use alternative pasta like chickpea or rice pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Boost veggie content by mixing in roasted bell peppers, spinach, or corn for extra nutrition and flavor complexity.
• Prep chicken in advance using rotisserie or slow cooker methods to save time and ensure tender, flavorful meat.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 412 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg