BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole
Bowtie pasta, shredded chicken, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, creamy ranch dressing, and smoky BBQ sauce come together in this comforting casserole.
You know those nights when you’re just too tired to cook, but the thought of takeout (again) makes you cringe? That’s how this BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole came to life. It was one of those “use whatever’s in the fridge and hope for the best” moments. Little did I know, it would become a family favorite.
Picture this: it was a Wednesday, my kids were starving, and my fridge was a random collection of leftovers and half-used bottles. I grabbed some rotisserie chicken, a bottle of BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, and, of course, cheese (because, obviously). Tossed it all together with pasta and threw it in the oven. Ten minutes later, the kitchen smelled so good, even my husband wandered in asking, “What’s cooking?”
Fast forward, and now this casserole is on regular rotation at our house. It’s not fancy, but it’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Plus, it’s easy enough to make while juggling a hundred other things—total win, right?
Why You’ll Love This BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe?
This isn’t just another casserole. It’s comfort food with a twist, and here’s why:
- Quick to Make: On the table in under 30 minutes. You can’t beat that on a busy night.
- Big Flavors: The smoky BBQ sauce, creamy ranch, and gooey cheese are a match made in heaven.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or a potluck, everyone will go back for seconds.
- Customizable: You can tweak it based on what’s in your pantry, and it’ll still be delicious.
Ingredient Notes:
Let’s break down why these ingredients work so well together:
- Bowtie Pasta: It’s sturdy and holds onto the sauce beautifully. But hey, penne or rotini would work too if that’s what you’ve got.
- Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken saves the day here, but any cooked chicken will do. Got leftovers? Perfect.
- Bacon: Real bacon bits or freshly cooked bacon are non-negotiable. That smoky crunch is everything.
- Cheddar Cheese: A sharp cheddar blend is my go-to, but feel free to get creative with pepper jack or gouda.
- Corn: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances out the smoky and tangy flavors.
- Rotel and Green Chiles: A little heat and tang to wake up your taste buds.
- Ranch Dressing: Creamy and tangy—don’t skimp here. It’s what makes the dish sing.
- BBQ Sauce: Go for a smoky or sweet variety, depending on your mood. It’s all good.
How To Make BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole?
Making this casserole is as easy as it gets. Here’s how:
1. Preheat and Boil
Preheat your oven to 350°F. While it’s warming up, boil your bowtie pasta until it’s al dente. Drain and toss it into a big mixing bowl.
2. Mix It All Together
Here’s the fun part: toss in the shredded chicken, crispy bacon, shredded cheese, corn, Rotel, green chiles, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, and minced onions. Stir until everything’s coated in that glorious sauce.
3. Transfer to a Dish
Scoop the mixture into a casserole dish. If you’re like me and believe there’s no such thing as too much cheese, sprinkle a little extra on top.
4. Bake
Pop it into the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbling around the edges and the cheese is perfectly melted.
5. Serve and Savor
Let it cool for a few minutes (if you can wait that long), then dive in. Each bite is creamy, cheesy, smoky perfection.
Storage Options:
The beauty of this casserole? It tastes just as good the next day.
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot.
- Freezer: Freeze it for up to 3 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake at 350°F until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Totally! Assemble everything and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
Whatever you love! Sweet, smoky, spicy—it’s all about your personal taste.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely. Penne, rotini, or even elbow macaroni would work just as well.
So there you have it—BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole that’s cheesy, comforting, and ridiculously easy to make. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any time you need a quick and satisfying meal. Give it a try, and let me know—what’s your favorite casserole combo? I’d love to hear your twist on this recipe!
BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
- 12 ounces bowtie pasta
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (such as rotisserie or leftover chicken)
- ½ cup cooked chopped bacon (real bacon pieces preferred)
- 2 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 15 ounces canned corn drained
- 10 ounces Rotel undrained
- 7 ounces diced green chiles undrained
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- ¾ cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon minced onions
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure it is ready for baking once the casserole is assembled.
Prepare the Pasta
- Cook the bowtie pasta in a large pot of boiling, salted water until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain thoroughly and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
Combine the Ingredients
- To the bowl with the pasta, add the shredded chicken, chopped bacon, shredded cheese, corn, Rotel, green chiles, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, and minced onions. Mix until all ingredients are evenly combined.
Assemble the Casserole
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a large casserole dish, spreading it evenly. For an extra cheesy finish, sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top, if desired.
Bake
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the dish is heated through.
Serve
- Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful dish while warm.
