Bbq Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe

If you're looking for a hearty, flavor-packed dish that combines the tangy sweetness of BBQ sauce with the creaminess of ranch dressing, look no further than this BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole! This easy-to-make casserole is loaded with tender chicken, gooey cheese, pasta, and crispy bacon, all baked to perfection in a delicious BBQ ranch sauce. It's the perfect crowd-pleasing meal for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or potlucks. With just one dish and minimal prep time, you’ll have a dinner that’s both comforting and full of bold, delicious flavors.

Keep reading to learn how to make this ultimate BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole, complete with step-by-step instructions, tips, and serving suggestions!

this Recipe

What is BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole?

BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole is a comforting casserole that combines shredded chicken, cooked pasta, crispy bacon, ranch dressing, and BBQ sauce, all topped with melted cheese. The dish is baked until golden and bubbly, creating a rich, tangy, and creamy casserole that’s packed with flavor. The BBQ sauce provides a tangy sweetness, while the ranch dressing adds creaminess and herby goodness, making every bite incredibly satisfying. It’s a complete meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients List for BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole:

• 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 3 cups cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite brand)
• 1 cup ranch dressing
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
• ½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon (optional, but highly recommended)
• 1 cup frozen corn (thawed)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra smoky flavor)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

Substitutions and Variations

Here are a few ways to customize this BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole:

• Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or even leftover roasted chicken. If you prefer, swap chicken for cooked turkey or even ground beef for a different flavor.
• Pasta: Any type of pasta will work, but short, sturdy pasta like penne or rotini is ideal because it holds up well to the sauce. You can also use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.
• Cheese: Cheddar is a classic choice, but you can also use Monterey Jack, Colby-Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for more flavor.
• Ranch Dressing: You can use store-bought ranch dressing or make your own homemade ranch dressing.
• BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce—sweet, smoky, or spicy—depending on your taste preferences.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add extra veggies, like diced bell peppers, black beans, or even sautéed onions for added texture and flavor.

These variations allow you to tailor the recipe to your preferences while keeping the core elements intact.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole that’s packed with creamy, cheesy, and smoky flavors:

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a little butter to prevent sticking.

2. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

3. Prepare the Chicken

If you’re not using rotisserie chicken, cook and shred your chicken. Season it lightly with salt and pepper. If you want extra flavor, toss the shredded chicken with a little bit of BBQ sauce before adding it to the casserole.

4. Make the BBQ Ranch Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to combine.

5. Assemble the Casserole

In the greased baking dish, add the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, thawed corn, and half of the crumbled bacon (if using). Pour the BBQ ranch sauce over the mixture and gently toss everything to ensure it’s evenly coated.

6. Top with Cheese and Bacon

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. If you’re using bacon, sprinkle the remaining crumbled bacon over the cheese.

7. Bake

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you want a golden brown, crispy top, you can switch on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking—just keep a close eye on it!

8. Garnish and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy!

How to Cook BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick recap of the steps to cook BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions and set aside.
3. Prepare Chicken: Shred cooked chicken, and toss with BBQ sauce if desired.
4. Make Sauce: Mix together BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Assemble: Combine pasta, chicken, corn, and bacon in the baking dish. Pour the sauce over and mix to coat.
6. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle cheddar cheese and remaining bacon over the top.
7. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley or green onions, and serve.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole:

1. Overcooking the Pasta: Make sure to cook your pasta just until al dente. It will continue cooking in the oven, so you don’t want it to be too soft.
2. Not Mixing Thoroughly: Be sure to evenly toss the pasta, chicken, and sauce so every bite has that delicious BBQ ranch flavor.
3. Skipping the Bacon: Bacon adds a lot of flavor and texture, so if you’re a bacon fan, don’t skip this ingredient. If you want a healthier option, turkey bacon works too.
4. Not Letting It Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving to help it set and make it easier to serve.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Here are a few tips on how to serve and present BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole for a delicious meal that looks as good as it tastes:

How to Serve BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole

• With a Side Salad: Balance out the richness of the casserole with a light, fresh green salad. A simple vinaigrette or ranch dressing works perfectly.
• Over Rice or Quinoa: Serve the casserole over a bed of rice or quinoa for an even heartier meal.
• With Garlic Bread: Serve with garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up the extra BBQ ranch sauce.

Presentation Ideas for BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley, cilantro, or green onions over the top for a burst of color and freshness.
• Individual Servings: For a more elegant presentation, portion the casserole into individual ramekins or small dishes before baking. Each person will get their own mini casserole.
• Serve Family Style: Place the casserole in the center of the table and let everyone help themselves. It’s perfect for casual dinners and gatherings.

BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe Tips

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a time-saving shortcut, use store-bought rotisserie chicken. It’s already seasoned and perfectly tender, making it a great option for casseroles.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes of bake time if you’re starting with a cold casserole.
• Double the Recipe: This recipe is easy to double if you’re serving a crowd or want to freeze half for later.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. When ready to bake, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Q: Can I freeze BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole?
A: Yes, this casserole freezes well. Assemble the dish, but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.

Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free pasta and make sure your BBQ sauce and ranch dressing are gluten-free as well.

Q: What other veggies can I add?
A: You can add vegetables like bell peppers, black beans, diced tomatoes, or even peas to bulk up the casserole and add more color and nutrition.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Conclusion

This BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole is a rich, creamy, and comforting dish that’s loaded with flavor and incredibly easy to make. With tender chicken, pasta, smoky BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, and plenty of cheese, this casserole is a surefire hit with the whole family. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, something to bring to a potluck, or just a delicious comfort meal, this casserole is sure to satisfy. Give it a try and enjoy the unbeatable combination of BBQ and ranch in every bite!

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