Zesty BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe for Hearty Dinners

Comfort food takes on a delightful twist with this bbq ranch chicken casserole that promises to become a weeknight dinner sensation.

Layers of tender chicken mingle with creamy ranch and smoky barbecue flavors, creating a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Every bite delivers a perfect blend of tangy and rich ingredients that dance across your palate.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly to craft this crowd-pleasing dish that fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas.

Busy home cooks will appreciate how quickly this casserole comes together with minimal prep work.

Cheese melts into golden perfection, binding all the savory elements into one hearty meal.

Serve this crowd-pleasing casserole and watch as everyone asks for seconds.

Ranch and BBQ, Together in a Chicken Casserole

• Whip Up Comfort Meal: Combines beloved BBQ and ranch flavors in a single hearty casserole that brings everyone together around the dinner table.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Requires minimal prep work and uses convenient ingredients like pre-cooked chicken and ready-made sauces for a stress-free dinner solution.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows swapping proteins, adding extra veggies, or adjusting spice levels to match family preferences and pantry ingredients.
• Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Cheesy, saucy texture and familiar flavors make this dish appealing to both children and adults, ensuring clean plates and happy faces.

Ingredients for BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole

• Chicken: Shredded protein that provides a hearty base for the casserole.

• Pasta: Serves as the main carbohydrate and bulk of the casserole.
• Corn: Adds sweetness and texture to the dish.

• BBQ Sauce: Provides a tangy and sweet flavor profile to the casserole.
• Ranch Dressing: Adds creamy richness and herbal notes to the dish.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Enhance the overall savory flavor of the casserole.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that balance and intensify the other flavors.

• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheeses that create a gooey and indulgent topping.
• Green Onions, Bacon Bits: Optional garnishes that add fresh and crispy elements to the final dish.

Cooking BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil your pasta following the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente.

Drain and set aside, ready for action.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Explosion

• BBQ sauce
• Ranch dressing
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir these ingredients until they’re best friends.

Step 4: Mix the Casserole Magic

• Cooked pasta
• Shredded chicken
• Corn
• Half of the cheddar cheese
• Half of the mozzarella cheese

Blend everything until it’s beautifully coated and mixed.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top for that irresistible golden crown.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

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

Watch for the cheese to turn molten and bubbly with those perfect golden edges.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

• Sprinkle chopped green onions
• Scatter crispy bacon bits

Serve immediately while it’s hot and calling everyone to the table.

Tips for Creamy, Cheesy Casserole

• Add a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika to the BBQ ranch mixture for an extra flavor kick.
• Replace chicken with pulled pork or turkey for a delicious alternative that keeps the dish exciting.
• Toss in diced bell peppers or zucchini to increase nutritional value and add more texture to the casserole.
• Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking for convenient meal planning.
• Use gluten-free pasta and verify that your BBQ sauce and ranch dressing are gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Recipe Variations for BBQ Ranch Chicken

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with black beans or tofu, using vegetable broth for added flavor and maintaining protein content.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate intake while keeping the casserole's rich taste.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free pasta or spiralized vegetables, ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive individuals.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and swap ranch for chipotle sauce to create a zesty, bold flavor profile.

Ways to Serve BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole

• Comfort Food Companion: Pair this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, cheesy flavors and add a fresh crunch.
• Picnic Perfect Plate: Serve alongside coleslaw or roasted vegetables to create a complete meal that brings comfort and nutrition together deliciously.
• Weekend Crowd Pleaser: Top with extra crispy bacon bits and a drizzle of ranch dressing for a crowd-pleasing presentation that elevates the entire dish.
• Movie Night Sidekick: Enjoy with a cold beer or refreshing iced tea to complement the bold BBQ and ranch flavors of this satisfying casserole.

Storage for BBQ Ranch Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer casserole to freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Stays good for up to 2 months in the freezer.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, checking internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval. Add splash of milk or broth to maintain moisture and prevent cheese from becoming rubbery.

FAQs

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

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

• Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The combination of BBQ sauce, ranch, and cheese makes this casserole appealing to children. The mild flavors and familiar ingredients are perfect for picky eaters.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

Bbq Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 26 reviews

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

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Description

Comfort meets zest in this bbq ranch chicken casserole, a hearty dish blending smoky barbecue flavors with creamy ranch essence. Crispy edges, tender chicken, and melted cheese create a irresistible meal that will satisfy hungry diners craving a quick and delicious dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
• 1/4 cup cooked, crumbled bacon

Starches:

• 3 cups cooked pasta (rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Flavor and Topping Ingredients:

• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup corn kernels
• 1/2 cup black beans
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions or cilantro
• Salt and pepper to taste

Additional:

• Cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
2. Cook pasta until al dente, following package instructions, then thoroughly drain and set aside.
3. Combine BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl, whisking until fully integrated.
4. Fold in the cooked pasta, tender shredded chicken, sweet corn kernels, and half of the cheese blend, ensuring all components are evenly distributed.
5. Transfer the mixed ingredients into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer across the surface.
6. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, creating a complete coverage that will melt and brown during baking.
7. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 22-25 minutes, watching for golden, bubbling cheese and heated through center.
8. After removing from oven, let the casserole rest for 3-5 minutes to set and stabilize.
9. Optional: Garnish with crispy bacon bits and freshly chopped green onions for added texture and flavor before serving.

Notes

• Opt for rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to save time and add extra flavor complexity to the casserole.
• Swap regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free alternatives for dietary restrictions without compromising taste.
• Choose low-sodium BBQ sauce and ranch dressing to control salt intake and create a healthier version of the dish.
• Customize the recipe by adding diced bell peppers or jalapeños for extra crunch and a spicy kick that elevates the overall flavor profile.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 390 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 710 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg