Quick BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe That’s Family Approved

Tucking into a hearty BBQ ranch chicken casserole brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Creamy textures blend with smoky flavors that dance across your palate.

Layers of tender chicken mingle with zesty ranch seasoning for a mouthwatering experience.

Weeknight meals demand something simple yet satisfying, and this dish delivers perfectly.

ranch dressing adds a tangy twist that makes every bite memorable.

Home cooks appreciate recipes that come together quickly without sacrificing taste.

You’ll love how easily this casserole combines classic ingredients into something truly special.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing meal that promises smiles around the table.

Try These Variations For BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole

• Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Replace chicken with roasted chickpeas or plant-based protein crumbles, using vegetable broth and extra vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for added nutrition.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Bowl: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta, use gluten-free BBQ sauce, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly meal.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and swap ranch with chipotle ranch for a zesty southwestern flavor profile with extra heat.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute pasta with cauliflower rice or riced cauliflower, reducing carbohydrates while maintaining the rich, creamy texture of the original casserole.

Serving Suggestions To Complement BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole

• Party Platter Perfection: Slice the casserole into generous squares and arrange on a rustic wooden board with extra BBQ sauce drizzled on top for a crowd-pleasing presentation.
• Fresh Freshness Boost: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with ranch dressing to balance the rich, cheesy flavors and add a light, refreshing element to the meal.
• Southwestern Side Kick: Top individual servings with diced avocado, extra chopped cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream to enhance the BBQ ranch flavor profile and add creamy texture.
• Comfort Meal Companion: Pair with warm cornbread or garlic toast to soak up the delicious sauce and create a complete, satisfying dinner experience.

How To Keep BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Seal completely, removing excess air. Maintains quality for up to 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with aluminum foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F. Remove foil during last 5 minutes for crispy cheese top.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute the pasta with other shapes like penne, rotini, or bow-tie pasta. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente before mixing with other ingredients.

• Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure your BBQ sauce and ranch dressing are gluten-free. Always check the labels to confirm.

What Sets BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole Apart

Whip Up a Crowd-Pleaser: This BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole is a family favorite that brings everyone together around the dinner table.

Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like corn or bacon to match your family’s taste preferences or use up what’s in your refrigerator.

One-Dish Wonder: Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor – this casserole combines protein, pasta, and cheese in a single baking dish that goes straight from oven to table.

Comfort Food Reinvented: Classic BBQ and ranch flavors transform ordinary chicken and pasta into an exciting meal that feels both familiar and fresh.

Gather These Ingredients For BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole

• Shredded Chicken: Tender protein that provides the primary substance of the casserole.

• BBQ Sauce, Ranch Dressing: Tangy and creamy sauces that add rich, bold flavor to the chicken mixture.

• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheeses that create a gooey, delicious topping and help bind the casserole ingredients.

• Red Onion: Adds a sharp, slightly sweet crunch to the dish.
• Corn: Sweet kernel vegetable that provides additional texture and flavor.

• Pasta: Serves as the foundation of the casserole, providing substance and helping to hold the ingredients together.

• Bacon: Crispy, salty ingredient that adds a crunchy texture and smoky flavor.
• Fresh Cilantro: Bright herb that provides a fresh, herbal garnish.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the casserole.

Follow These Steps For BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F (190C).

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a generous spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Pasta Prep

Boil the pasta following the package guidelines.

Once cooked, drain completely and set aside.

The pasta will be the delicious foundation of your casserole.

Step 3: Mix the Flavor Explosion

• Shredded chicken
• Tangy BBQ sauce
• Creamy ranch dressing
• Diced red onion
• Sweet corn kernels
• Half of the cheddar cheese
• Half of the mozzarella cheese

Stir everything together until well blended.

Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to wake up those flavors.

Step 4: Combine and Transfer

Fold the cooked pasta into the chicken mixture.

Make sure every noodle gets coated with the saucy goodness.

Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 5: Cheese and Bacon Topping

Scatter the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top.

Crumble crispy bacon across the surface for an extra punch of flavor.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden blanket.

Step 7: Final Touch

Pull the casserole out of the oven.

Sprinkle some fresh chopped cilantro on top for a bright, herbal finish.

Serve piping hot and watch everyone dive in!

Secrets To Mastering BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole

• Use whole wheat, gluten-free, or low-carb pasta alternatives to suit different dietary needs without compromising flavor.
• Adjust BBQ sauce intensity by choosing mild, medium, or hot versions to match personal heat preferences.
• Assemble the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
• Add extra protein by incorporating black beans, diced ham, or additional shredded chicken to make the dish more filling.
• Experiment with different herbs like parsley or green onions instead of cilantro to create subtle flavor variations.

Bbq Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

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

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Description

Comfort meets flavor in this bbq ranch chicken casserole recipe, blending creamy textures with tangy ranch and smoky barbecue notes. Ranch and cheese lovers will appreciate its hearty, satisfying profile that delivers maximum taste with minimal preparation effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups (710 ml) chicken breast, shredded or cubed
• 8 ounces (227 grams) pasta (penne or rotini)
• 1 cup (240 ml) BBQ sauce
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) ranch dressing

Cheese and Protein:

• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

Additional Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (75 grams) red onion, diced
• 1/2 cup (75 grams) frozen corn (optional)
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) chopped fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light grease coating.
2. Cook pasta until al dente, drain thoroughly, and set aside for later incorporation.
3. Combine shredded chicken with tangy BBQ sauce, creamy ranch dressing, diced red onion, and sweet corn in a spacious mixing bowl.
4. Fold in half of the cheese varieties, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
5. Introduce cooked pasta to the mixture, gently stirring to coat every pasta piece with the flavorful sauce.
6. Season the blend with salt and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
7. Carefully transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a uniform layer.
8. Sprinkle remaining cheese across the top, creating a generous coverage.
9. Crumble bacon over the cheese layer for an added crispy texture and smoky flavor.
10. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly surface.
11. Remove from oven and garnish with fresh, chopped cilantro for a bright, herbal finish.
12. Serve immediately while hot and cheese is still gooey.

Notes

• Customize the BBQ sauce to control spice levels, using mild or hot varieties depending on personal preference.
• Swap chicken for rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken to save time and add extra flavor depth.
• Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free pasta and checking that BBQ sauce is certified gluten-free.
• Balance the richness by adding fresh chopped vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and crunch.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 390 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg