Sizzling BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Whipping up a delectable BBQ ranch chicken casserole promises to become your next weeknight dinner sensation.

Comfort food meets zesty flavors in this crowd-pleasing dish.

Layers of tender chicken, creamy ranch, and smoky barbecue sauce create a mouthwatering experience.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this casserole comes together with minimal prep.

Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot more exciting with this simple yet delicious recipe.

Dig in and savor every single bite of this irresistible comfort classic.

BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole Bursting With Flavor

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: A hearty dish that brings together favorite flavors like barbecue, ranch, and cheese, making it an instant hit with both kids and adults.
• Quick Assembly Magic: Combines pre-cooked ingredients like chicken and pasta, allowing you to create a delicious meal in minutes without complicated cooking steps.
• Flavor Explosion Technique: Blends tangy barbecue sauce, creamy ranch dressing, and crispy bacon for a mouthwatering combination that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner.
• Flexible Family Meal: Easily customizable with optional ingredients, perfect for using leftover chicken and adapting to different taste preferences while keeping preparation simple and stress-free.

Ingredients To Gather For BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole

• Chicken: Shredded and cooked as the main protein for the casserole.
• Bacon: Adds a smoky and crispy texture to the dish.

• Pasta: Penne or rotini serves as the hearty base for the casserole.

• Barbecue Sauce, Ranch Dressing: Provide a tangy and creamy flavor profile to the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts and creates a rich, cheesy topping.

• Red Onion, Green Onions: Offer a sharp and fresh flavor contrast.
• Frozen Corn: Adds sweetness and additional texture.

• Salt, Pepper: Helps to balance and enhance the overall taste of the casserole.

Stepwise Guide To BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F and grab a 9×13 inch baking dish to prepare for the delicious casserole.

Step 2: Combine Base Ingredients

• Shredded chicken
• Cooked pasta
• Barbecue sauce
• Ranch dressing

Mix all ingredients until well coated and evenly distributed.

Step 3: Add Flavorful Mix-Ins

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Frozen corn
• Crumbled bacon
• Diced red onion

Stir gently to ensure even distribution of ingredients.

Step 4: Season and Transfer

Sprinkle salt and pepper over the mixture to enhance the flavors.

Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

The casserole should be bubbling and the top should turn golden brown.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.

Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh, crisp finish. Serve hot and enjoy the mouthwatering BBQ ranch chicken casserole.

Helpful Tips For BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole Success

• Opt for rotini pasta to help sauce cling better and create more texture in the casserole. Drain cooked pasta thoroughly to prevent watery consistency and ensure maximum flavor absorption. Shred chicken while it's still warm for easier pulling and more uniform pieces that blend seamlessly with other ingredients. Select a tangy barbecue sauce with balanced sweetness to complement the creamy ranch dressing and enhance overall taste profile. Sprinkle extra bacon bits on top right before serving for added crunch and smoky flavor that elevates the entire dish's appeal.

Flavorful Alternatives For BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole

• Vegetarian Ranch Casserole: Replace chicken with firm tofu or jackfruit, swap bacon for plant-based bacon bits, use vegetable broth for extra flavor.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free pasta, ensure barbecue sauce is gluten-free, verify ranch dressing ingredients for celiac-safe options.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chilies, substitute cheddar with pepper jack cheese, sprinkle chili powder and cumin for a zesty kick.
• Low-Carb Version: Replace pasta with cauliflower rice, reduce corn quantity, increase protein content with additional chicken or turkey.

Presentation Ideas For BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole

• Backyard Picnic Feast: Serve this casserole outdoors on checkered blankets with extra barbecue sauce and ranch for dipping, creating a casual summer meal that feels like a relaxed neighborhood gathering.
• Loaded Comfort Bowl: Top individual servings with additional crispy bacon bits, fresh green onions, and a drizzle of ranch dressing to add extra crunch and flavor layers that make each bite exciting.
• Sides that Shine: Pair the casserole with creamy coleslaw, warm cornbread, or a fresh green salad to balance the rich, tangy flavors and create a complete meal that satisfies every taste bud.
• Meal Prep Magic: Divide the casserole into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches during the week, ensuring a delicious and convenient meal that saves time and delivers maximum flavor.

Storing BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole The Right Way

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, ensuring the casserole cools completely before storing.
• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for maximum 3 months, wrapping tightly to prevent freezer burn.
• Thaw frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, for 15-20 minutes until heated through, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can swap penne or rotini with other short pasta like shells or farfalle that hold sauce well.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The combination of barbecue sauce, ranch, and cheese makes it a crowd-pleaser for children and adults.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely. You can assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Substitute ranch with Greek yogurt, use whole wheat pasta, and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.

Delicious BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty BBQ ranch chicken casserole delivers comfort and zesty flavor in one satisfying dish. Ranch seasoning and tangy barbecue sauce combine with tender chicken for a meal that will delight everyone at the dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 3 cups shredded chicken
• 1/2 cup crumbled bacon

Starches and Vegetables:

• 3 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini)
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1/2 cup diced red onion

Sauces and Cheese:

• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cooked pasta, barbecue sauce, and ranch dressing, stirring until all ingredients are thoroughly coated and well-distributed.
3. Fold in frozen corn, crumbled bacon, and diced red onion, ensuring an even mixture throughout the casserole base.
4. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top of the mixture, creating a complete cheese layer.
5. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
6. Transfer the prepared casserole mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out in an uniform layer.
7. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and starts to turn golden brown around the edges.
8. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to allow the ingredients to set.
9. Garnish with chopped green onions across the top for a fresh, zesty finish.
10. Serve hot, directly from the baking dish, ensuring each portion has a mix of all the delicious ingredients.

Notes

• Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy protein boost, saving time and adding extra flavor to the casserole.
• Swap regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free options to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.
• Toast bacon bits before adding to the dish to enhance their crispiness and intensify the smoky flavor profile.
• Customize the heat level by selecting a barbecue sauce that matches your spice preference, from mild to extra-spicy varieties.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg