BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe

Cheesy, smoky, and loaded with flavor!

If you're craving a hearty, comforting meal that’s easy to throw together, this BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole is the perfect choice. It’s a family-friendly dish loaded with tender chicken, pasta, sweet BBQ sauce, creamy ranch dressing, and plenty of gooey cheese. Topped with crispy bacon and green onions, this casserole combines smoky, tangy, and savory flavors for an irresistible dinner. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and bakes up in under 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or potlucks. Ready to dig in? Let’s get started with this delicious recipe!

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What is BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole?

BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole is a hearty baked dish that combines cooked chicken, pasta, BBQ sauce, and ranch dressing with melted cheese for a flavorful, comforting meal. The BBQ sauce adds a smoky sweetness, while the ranch brings creaminess and tang. It's all topped off with crispy bacon and green onions for extra crunch and flavor. This casserole is an easy way to transform everyday ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dinner, and it’s perfect for using up leftover chicken or pasta.

Ingredients List for BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this cheesy, flavorful casserole:

For the Casserole:

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed, rotisserie chicken works great)
• 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or any short pasta)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
• ½ cup ranch dressing
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
• ½ cup cooked bacon (crumbled)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra smoky flavor)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Topping:

• ¼ cup green onions (sliced)
• Extra crumbled bacon (for garnish, optional)
• Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Substitutions and Variations

This casserole is flexible and can be easily adapted to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are a few substitutions and variations you can try:

• Swap the pasta: Try it with elbow macaroni, rigatoni, or bowtie pasta. You can also use gluten-free pasta if needed.
• Use different cheese: While cheddar works great, you can also use mozzarella, Pepper Jack, or even smoked gouda for more flavor.
• Make it spicy: Add a few dashes of hot sauce, Sriracha, or cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce for a spicy kick.
• Lower calorie version: Use light ranch dressing and reduced-fat cheese to cut down on calories without sacrificing flavor.
• Vegetarian option: Swap the chicken for roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms, and omit the bacon for a veggie-packed version.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s go through the steps to make this easy and delicious BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole:

1. Cook the Pasta:

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

2. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with non-stick spray or butter.

3. Prepare the Chicken Mixture:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked, shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated.
• Add the cooked pasta to the chicken mixture and stir until well combined.

4. Assemble the Casserole:

• Pour half of the chicken and pasta mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
• Sprinkle ¾ cup of the shredded cheese over the mixture.
• Add the remaining chicken and pasta mixture, then top with the remaining shredded cheese and crumbled bacon.

5. Bake the Casserole:

• Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
• After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.

6. Add Garnishes and Serve:

• Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
• Garnish with sliced green onions, extra crumbled bacon, and chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

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

1. Cook the pasta: Boil your favorite pasta until al dente, then drain.
2. Prepare the chicken mixture: Combine cooked chicken with BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, and spices.
3. Layer the casserole: Layer the pasta-chicken mixture with shredded cheese and bacon in a greased casserole dish.
4. Bake: Bake until the cheese is melted and golden.
5. Garnish and serve: Add fresh green onions and extra bacon for garnish, then serve hot!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven. Overcooking can result in mushy pasta after baking.
• Using too much sauce: While you want the casserole to be saucy, using too much BBQ sauce or ranch can make it overly sweet or tangy. Stick to the measurements or adjust according to your taste.
• Skipping the bacon: The crispy bacon adds a smoky crunch that complements the creamy, cheesy casserole, so don’t skip it! If you prefer, turkey bacon or plant-based bacon can also work.

Serving and Presentation Tips

BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole is a hearty, filling dish that can stand alone or be served with a few simple sides. Here are some ideas:

• Serve with a side salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs nicely with the richness of the casserole.
• Add a veggie side: Roasted broccoli, steamed green beans, or grilled corn on the cob make great veggie sides for this dish.
• Garlic bread or rolls: Serve with warm garlic bread or soft dinner rolls to soak up the delicious cheesy sauce.

How to Serve BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole

Here are some serving suggestions for your BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole:

• Family-style: Serve the casserole straight from the dish for a casual, family-style dinner.
• Individual servings: Spoon the casserole into individual bowls or plates for portioned servings. Garnish with extra green onions and bacon for a nice presentation.

Presentation Ideas for BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole

• Garnish with fresh herbs: Add freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, cheesy casserole.
• Top with extra BBQ sauce: Drizzle a little extra BBQ sauce over the top before serving for added flavor and color.
• Serve in cast iron: Bake and serve the casserole in a cast-iron skillet for a rustic, comforting presentation.

BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make ahead: You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance. Simply cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add an extra 10-15 minutes of baking time if starting from cold.
• Double the recipe: If you’re feeding a crowd or want leftovers, double the recipe and bake in two separate casserole dishes.
• Use leftover chicken: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, just follow the baking instructions, adding an extra 10-15 minutes if the casserole is cold.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or reheat the whole casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Q: Can I freeze BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole?
A: Yes, this casserole freezes well! Assemble the casserole and freeze it before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Q: Can I use a different kind of cheese?
A: Absolutely! You can use mozzarella, Pepper Jack, Monterey Jack, or a combination of cheeses. Smoked gouda also adds a delicious, smoky flavor to the dish.

Conclusion

This BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole is a perfect weeknight dinner that’s comforting, full of flavor, and super easy to make. The combination of BBQ sauce, creamy ranch dressing, tender chicken, and melted cheese creates a dish that will satisfy everyone at the table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, preparing for a potluck, or just craving a cozy meal, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Try it tonight, and enjoy the smoky, tangy, cheesy goodness!

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