BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, flavor-packed meal that combines the smoky taste of BBQ with the creamy tang of ranch, this BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole is the perfect recipe. It’s the ultimate fusion of two beloved flavors, tossed together with tender chicken, pasta, cheese, and veggies to create a mouthwatering casserole that’s easy to prepare. Whether you’re making dinner for the family or prepping meals for the week, this casserole will become a new favorite. Plus, it only takes a few simple ingredients and one dish!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish or baking dish with non-stick spray.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain and set it aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken

1. Cook and Shred the Chicken: If you haven’t already cooked the chicken, you can bake, boil, or use rotisserie chicken. Once cooked, shred it using two forks or chop it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 4: Mix the BBQ and Ranch Sauce

1. Combine the Sauces: In a large bowl, mix the BBQ sauce and ranch dressing together until fully combined. This will create the base of the casserole’s rich flavor.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, corn, black beans, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and the BBQ ranch mixture. Stir everything until well-coated.
2. Pour into Casserole Dish: Transfer the mixture into the greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 6: Add Bacon and Cheese

1. Top with Cheese and Bacon: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole, followed by the crumbled bacon pieces.

Step 7: Bake the Casserole

1. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

1. Add Toppings: Once the casserole is done baking, you can garnish it with chopped green onions, cilantro, or even some crushed tortilla chips for added crunch.
2. Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious combination of BBQ, ranch, and cheesy goodness!

Serving Suggestions for BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole

This casserole is a meal in itself, but you can pair it with a few sides for a complete dinner:

With a Salad:

• Serve with a simple green salad topped with ranch dressing for a light and refreshing side dish.

With Garlic Bread:

• Pair the casserole with garlic bread or buttery rolls for a comforting carb boost.

With Vegetables:

• Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans make a great side to balance the richness of the casserole.

Tips for the Best BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole

• Use Pre-Cooked Chicken for Convenience: To save time, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Simply shred it and add it to the casserole mix.
• Customize the BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce, whether it’s sweet, smoky, or spicy, to customize the flavor of the casserole to your liking.
• Add Extra Vegetables: Feel free to throw in other vegetables like diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to add more color and nutrition.
• Make it Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce, some chopped jalapeños, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to spice things up!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Family-Friendly: The flavors of BBQ and ranch are a favorite with both kids and adults, making this a guaranteed hit at the dinner table.
• Great for Meal Prep: This casserole reheats beautifully, so you can make it ahead of time and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• Full of Flavor: The combination of smoky BBQ, creamy ranch, crispy bacon, and melted cheese creates a bold and delicious dish.

Storing and Reheating

Storing:

• In the Fridge: Store any leftover BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

• Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
• Microwave: For individual portions, reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.

Freezing:

• Freezing: This casserole freezes well! After cooking, allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Conclusion

This BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole brings together all the flavors you love in a super easy, family-friendly recipe. The creamy ranch dressing mixed with the smoky BBQ sauce, tender chicken, and cheesy goodness makes for an irresistible dish that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or prepping for a gathering, this casserole is a no-fail recipe that’s sure to impress!

FAQs

1. Can I use different pasta?
   Yes! Feel free to use any short pasta like penne, rotini, or even macaroni for this casserole.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
   Absolutely. You can assemble the casserole in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
3. Can I use ranch seasoning instead of dressing?
   You can use ranch seasoning mixed with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a thicker consistency if you prefer that over ranch dressing.
4. What other toppings can I add?
   You can top the casserole with crushed tortilla chips, extra bacon, or even a drizzle of BBQ sauce before serving.
5. Can I use different cheese?
   Cheddar and Pepper Jack work well in this recipe, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even smoked gouda for a unique twist!

Yield: 6

BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe

Print

If you're looking for a comforting, flavor-packed meal that combines the smoky taste of BBQ with the creamy tang of ranch, this BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole is the perfect recipe. It's the ultimate fusion of two beloved flavors, tossed together with tender chicken, pasta, cheese, and veggies to create a mouthwatering casserole that’s easy to prepare. Whether you’re making dinner for the family or prepping meals for the week, this casserole will become a new favorite. Plus, it only takes a few simple ingredients and one dish!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 3 cups cooked pasta (such as penne or rotini)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   If not already cooked, cook the chicken breasts by boiling or baking until fully cooked, then shred with two forks. Alternatively, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for ease.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, ranch seasoning, sour cream, and milk. Stir until smooth and well blended.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
   In the same bowl, add the shredded chicken, cooked pasta, corn, and half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Mix everything together until evenly coated with the sauce.
5. Transfer to the Casserole Dish:
   Spread the chicken and pasta mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Top with the remaining shredded cheese and crumbled bacon.
6. Bake:
   Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
7. Garnish and Serve:
   Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Notes

Pasta Choice: You can use any short pasta like penne, rotini, or fusilli.

BBQ Sauce: Use a smoky or sweet BBQ sauce for added flavor, or try a spicy version for a little heat.

Vegetables: Feel free to add more veggies like diced bell peppers or black beans for extra texture and flavor.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.