Cheesy BBQ Bacon Chicken Casserole Recipe

Name: Cheesy BBQ Bacon Chicken Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed or shredded); 1 cup cooked bacon (crumbled, about 6-8 slices); 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand); 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained (optional); 1 cup cooked rice or cauliflower rice (optional for a low-carb version); 1 small red onion, finely chopped (optional); Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking the chicken)

By funsmagcom@gmail.com

January 27, 2025

0

37

- Advertisement -

Cheesy BBQ Bacon Chicken Casserole Recipe

This Cheesy BBQ Bacon Chicken Casserole is the perfect combination of rich, comforting flavors that will satisfy your family or guests. Loaded with tender chicken, crispy bacon, zesty BBQ sauce, gooey melted cheese, and a crunchy topping, this casserole is both hearty and indulgent. It’s an easy-to-make one-dish meal that’s great for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or even a special occasion. The smoky bacon, savory chicken, and sweet BBQ sauce create the perfect balance of flavors, while the melted cheese ties everything together for a deliciously creamy and satisfying casserole.

- Advertisement -

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the perfect temperature for the casserole to bake through and get golden and bubbly on top.

- Advertisement -

2. Prepare the Chicken:

If you haven’t done so already, cook and shred the chicken. You can use any method to cook the chicken—whether that’s boiling, grilling, or baking. To boil, place chicken breasts in a pot of water, bring to a boil, then simmer for 10-12 minutes until cooked through. Once cooled slightly, shred the chicken using two forks or chop it into bite-sized pieces.

- Advertisement -

3. Cook the Bacon:

Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet, crumble it, and set it aside. You can also use pre-cooked bacon for convenience if desired.

4. Mix the Casserole Base:

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, BBQ sauce, sour cream, ranch dressing, chopped onion, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), and corn (if using). Stir everything together until the mixture is well-combined. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

5. Add the Pasta:

If using pasta, mix in the cooked and drained pasta. The pasta will help bulk up the casserole, making it more filling and giving it a lovely texture. If you prefer a low-carb version, you can omit the pasta and add extra vegetables (such as diced bell peppers or zucchini) for added nutrition and texture.

6. Transfer to a Baking Dish:

Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with a little butter or cooking spray. Transfer the mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly.

7. Prepare the Topping:

In a small bowl, mix the crushed tortilla chips with olive oil. This will help the chips crisp up and get a nice golden-brown color during baking. Sprinkle the chip mixture evenly over the top of the casserole, followed by a sprinkling of extra shredded cheddar cheese.

8. Bake the Casserole:

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly, the cheese is melted, and the topping is golden brown. The edges of the casserole should be slightly crispy.

9. Garnish and Serve:

Once the casserole is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro or sliced green onions for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!

Variations and Customizations:

One of the best things about this Cheesy BBQ Bacon Chicken Casserole is how easy it is to customize based on your preferences. Here are some fun variations and add-ins you can try:

Vegetable Add-Ins:
- Bell Peppers: Add diced bell peppers (any color) for a bit of crunch and sweetness.
- Zucchini or Yellow Squash: Dice and sauté zucchini or squash before mixing it into the casserole for a subtle vegetable addition.
- Spinach or Kale: For extra greens, stir in fresh spinach or kale. You can sauté the spinach beforehand or just mix it into the casserole raw—either works!
Spicy Kick:
- Add jalapeños (fresh or pickled) to the casserole for a spicy kick. You can dice them and mix them into the casserole or sprinkle them on top as a garnish.
- Use a spicy BBQ sauce or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for a more intense flavor.
Add Beans:
- If you want to make this casserole even heartier, consider adding black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans to the mixture. Beans also add protein and fiber, making the dish more filling and nutritious.
Cheese Variations:
- While cheddar is a classic choice, you can use a combination of cheeses for more complex flavors. Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Colby, or even cream cheese could work well in place of or in addition to cheddar.
Low-Carb Version:
- Skip the pasta and add more vegetables instead—such as cauliflower florets or diced sweet potatoes. These veggies can bulk up the casserole without adding extra carbs.
- Alternatively, you can use zucchini noodles (zoodles) as a substitute for regular pasta for a low-carb version of the casserole.

Meal Prep and Make-Ahead Tips:

This casserole is excellent for meal prep, and you can make it in advance to save time on busy weeknights. Here are some tips for prepping and storing:

Make-Ahead:
- Assemble the casserole up to a day ahead of time, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake it, just pop it in the oven for 25-30 minutes. It may need an extra 5 minutes, depending on whether it’s straight from the fridge.
Freezing:
- You can also freeze the casserole for longer storage. After assembling the casserole (but before baking), cover it with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze it for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to bake it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake it as directed. Alternatively, you can bake it from frozen, but it will need an additional 15-20 minutes of baking time.
Leftovers:
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Serving Suggestions:

This casserole is hearty on its own, but here are some sides that would complement it perfectly:

Garlic Bread: A side of crusty garlic bread is always a good pairing with a cheesy casserole. The bread can be used to scoop up any sauce left on the plate!
Green Salad: Serve with a simple side salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the casserole.
Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, or carrots make a great pairing.
Coleslaw: For a refreshing, tangy contrast, serve the casserole with a side of coleslaw.

Advanced Tips for Perfecting Your Casserole

Achieving the Perfect Crispy Topping: The topping is one of the best parts of any casserole! To make sure you get that golden, crispy layer, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Even Distribution: Make sure to evenly distribute the crushed tortilla chips or breadcrumbs across the top. Pile them on a little higher in the middle to get a nice, crispy crown.
- Oil or Butter: Drizzle a little olive oil or melted butter over the top of the chips/breadcrumbs before baking. This helps them brown and crisp up beautifully.
- Cheese Layer: Don’t forget to sprinkle a little extra cheese on top of the chips to melt over them and create a gooey, golden layer of cheese that enhances the crunch.
Baking the Casserole:
- Covering and Uncovering: During the first part of the baking time (about 20 minutes), you can cover the casserole with aluminum foil. This helps keep the casserole moist and ensures it bakes evenly. For the last 10-15 minutes, uncover it to allow the cheese to brown and the topping to crisp up.
- Checking for Doneness: The casserole is done when it’s bubbling around the edges, the cheese is melted and golden, and the topping is crisp. If you’re unsure, use a thermometer; the internal temperature should be about 165°F (74°C).
Preventing a Soggy Casserole:
- Drain Excess Moisture: If you’re using vegetables like frozen corn, peas, or other moisture-heavy ingredients, be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before adding them to the casserole. Too much moisture can cause the casserole to be soggy.
- Using Cooked Chicken: Ensure the chicken is already cooked and shredded. Using raw chicken can release excess liquid during baking, making the casserole too wet.

Creative Variations and Flavor Combinations

There are plenty of ways to customize this casserole further to suit your taste preferences. Here are some creative variations that can turn your Cheesy BBQ Bacon Chicken Casserole into something even more exciting:

1. Southwest BBQ Bacon Chicken Casserole:

If you want to add a Southwestern flair to this casserole, here’s what you can do:

Swap the BBQ sauce for Chipotle BBQ sauce or Cilantro Lime BBQ sauce to give the casserole a smoky, spicy kick.
Add a can of black beans or pinto beans for extra protein and fiber.
Toss in diced bell peppers (preferably red, yellow, or green) and a handful of chopped cilantro.
Top with avocado slices after baking, and a dollop of sour cream or guacamole for added richness.

2. Buffalo Chicken Bacon Casserole:

If you prefer spicy flavors, why not make this a Buffalo Chicken Bacon Casserole?

Replace the BBQ sauce with Buffalo wing sauce (or a mixture of hot sauce and melted butter for a homemade version).
Add crumbled blue cheese or cream cheese to the mixture for that classic Buffalo flavor.
Serve with a side of celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing to complete the Buffalo-inspired meal.

3. Chicken Alfredo Bacon Casserole:

For a creamy, indulgent twist, turn this into a Chicken Alfredo Bacon Casserole:

Use Alfredo sauce (either store-bought or homemade) in place of BBQ sauce for a rich, creamy base.
Add spinach or artichoke hearts to give it a burst of flavor and freshness.
Consider using a mix of mozzarella cheese and Parmesan for a richer, more complex cheese flavor that pairs well with Alfredo.

4. Italian Chicken Bacon Casserole:

For an Italian-inspired variation, you can easily swap out the BBQ flavor for something more savory and herby:

Use a combination of tomato sauce, pesto, or Marinara sauce in place of BBQ sauce.
Add Italian seasoning, garlic, and dried oregano for that signature Italian flavor.
Include mozzarella, Parmesan, and even ricotta cheese for a rich, cheesy layer that melds beautifully with the chicken and bacon.

5. Keto-Friendly Casserole:

If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, you can easily tweak this casserole:

Omit the pasta and swap it with cauliflower rice or even zucchini noodles (zoodles).
Use a low-carb BBQ sauce or make your own with a combination of tomato paste, vinegar, and spices.
Choose a higher-fat cheese like cream cheese or cheddar for added richness and a more keto-friendly dish.

Nutritional Modifications for Dietary Needs

If you or your guests have specific dietary restrictions or preferences, here are some easy modifications to make this casserole more accessible:

For a Dairy-Free Version:

Cheese Substitute: Use dairy-free cheese like vegan cheddar or mozzarella. There are several plant-based cheese brands available that melt well and taste great.
Sour Cream Substitute: Swap out the sour cream for dairy-free sour cream or use coconut cream for a similar texture.
Ranch Dressing Substitute: You can use a dairy-free ranch dressing or make your own using a base of almond milk and a few spices.

For a Gluten-Free Version:

Breadcrumb Substitute: If you prefer to use breadcrumbs, ensure you choose gluten-free breadcrumbs or use crushed gluten-free crackers as a topping.
Pasta Substitute: For a gluten-free pasta version, simply use gluten-free penne or elbow macaroni. Alternatively, zucchini noodles (zoodles) or spaghetti squash can work as a pasta substitute in a low-carb, gluten-free version.
BBQ Sauce: Be sure to check the ingredients of the BBQ sauce, as some may contain gluten. You can find many gluten-free BBQ sauces or make your own at home.

For a Vegetarian Version:

Chicken Substitute: For a vegetarian alternative, replace the chicken with tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas. These plant-based options will take on the flavors of the casserole while providing a satisfying texture.
Bacon Substitute: Use smoked tempeh or vegetarian bacon in place of the bacon for that smoky, crispy element.
Corn or Additional Vegetables: Add more vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or eggplant to bulk up the casserole and add more flavor and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy BBQ Bacon Chicken Casserole is a perfect balance of savory, creamy, smoky, and cheesy flavors. It’s easy to customize based on your tastes and dietary needs, making it a versatile and family-friendly dish. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or a weekend gathering, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit. The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and BBQ goodness will leave everyone asking for seconds!

The Cheesy BBQ Bacon Chicken Casserole is an easy, customizable, and comforting meal that can be adapted to suit any occasion or dietary preference. It’s rich, cheesy, smoky, and savory—what more could you want? Whether you choose to make it with pasta, cauliflower rice, or zoodles, or add in extra vegetables and cheese, this casserole will surely become a staple in your recipe collection.

It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, potlucks, or even a cozy night in. With endless possibilities for variations and adjustments, you can enjoy this dish over and over again without ever getting bored. Enjoy!

Yield: 6