BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe

If you’re craving something that’s equal parts comforting, flavorful, and downright addictive, you’ve got to try this BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day—cheesy, saucy, and packed with tender chicken and crispy bacon magic. I promise, once you make it, your whole family will be asking for seconds (and you’ll totally agree!). So stick around, because I’m sharing all my tips to make sure your casserole turns out perfect every single time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the right mix of ingredients is what makes this BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe so fantastic. I love how the bowtie pasta holds sauces well, and the blend of cheddar cheese adds richness without overpowering the other flavors. When shopping, make sure to grab real bacon pieces—the flavor difference is night and day!

• Bowtie pasta: Its shape catches every bit of sauce, making every bite flavorful.
• Cooked shredded chicken breast: Rotisserie or leftovers work great—so convenient!
• Chopped bacon: Use real cooked bacon pieces for that smoky crunch; skip imitation bits to keep flavor authentic.
• Cheddar cheese (shredded blend works well): Melts beautifully and brings creamy, sharp notes.
• Canned corn: Adds a sweet, crisp pop balancing the savory ingredients.
• Rotel (with juices): The tomatoes and green chilies contribute a lovely zesty kick.
• Diced green chiles: Bring mild heat and a bit of tang.
• Ranch dressing: The secret creamy herbiness that ties everything together.
• BBQ sauce: A sweet and smoky star player—you can use your favorite brand.
• Minced onions: Just enough to add subtle sharpness without overpowering.

Variations

I’m a big advocate for making recipes your own, and this BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe is no exception. Feel free to tweak it based on your pantry or any dietary needs—it’ll still turn out amazing.

• Swap the pasta: I once swapped bowtie for penne when I ran out, and it worked just as well—any sturdy pasta with nooks will do.
• Make it spicy: Add a little cayenne powder or some chopped jalapeños for an extra kick that my spice-loving family adores.
• Use different cheese: Mixing in Monterey Jack or even a bit of smoked gouda can really deepen the flavor profile.
• Go vegetarian: Skip the chicken and bacon, add extra corn, beans, or diced bell peppers for a hearty meatless version.

How to Make BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Just Right

First things first, get your oven preheating to 350°F so it’s ready when you are. Next, cook your bowtie pasta to al dente—meaning it should still have a little bite without being mushy. This is super important because it’ll keep its texture once baked in the casserole. Drain the pasta well and pop it into a large mixing bowl. Don’t rinse it or you’ll lose some of that starch that helps the sauce cling.

Step 2: Mix All the Good Stuff

Now, toss in your shredded chicken, chopped crispy bacon, and shredded cheese. The cheese acts like a glue that binds everything deliciously. Add the drained corn, Rotel (don’t drain those flavorful juices), diced green chiles, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, and the minced onions. Mix it all thoroughly so the flavors meld together beautifully. You’ll notice how creamy and colorful the mixture gets—something you’ll really love seeing.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Transfer your flavorful mixture into a casserole dish. If you’re feeling extra cheesy, sprinkle some additional shredded cheese on top—it creates a golden melty crust that’s simply irresistible. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until the casserole is hot throughout and the cheese is melted and bubbly on top. Keep an eye near the end so it doesn’t over-brown. When it smells this good, you’ll know it’s ready!

How to Serve BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping mine with a sprinkle of chopped green onions or fresh cilantro for a fresh, vibrant pop of color and flavor. Sometimes I add a dollop of sour cream if I want it extra creamy, and a few crushed tortilla chips on top add a fun crunch that my family enjoys.

Side Dishes

This casserole is pretty hearty on its own, but I often serve it alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. Roasted veggies or simple steamed broccoli are great too if you want to sneak more greens onto the table.

Creative Ways to Present

For more festive occasions, I’ve layered this casserole in clear glass dishes so the colorful ingredients are visible—which always impresses guests. You can also serve individual portions in ramekins topped with a sprinkle of extra cheese and broiled for a golden crust. Perfect for sharing and looking super polished!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once you’ve enjoyed your meal, cover any leftovers tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. I’ve found this casserole stays tasty and moist for up to 3 days—great for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.

Freezing

Freezing works surprisingly well for this dish! Just transfer a cooled-down portion into a freezer-safe container. When I freeze it, I leave off the extra cheese topping and add it fresh before baking after thawing. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeks.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes to bring back that melted cheese goodness and ensure it’s heated through—microwaves work too, but the oven keeps the texture perfect. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first for best results.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe is one of my all-time go-tos when I want a fuss-free dinner that feels special. It’s full of comforting, bold flavors, and I love how you can customize it so easily. If you’ve been on the hunt for a dish that’s simple, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly satisfying, I wholeheartedly recommend you make this for your next meal. Once you try it, I’m betting it’ll earn a permanent spot on your recipe rotation, just like it did with mine!

BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 537 reviews

• Author: Hannah
• Prep Time: 12 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

A flavorful and comforting BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole combining tender shredded chicken, smoky bacon, creamy ranch, tangy BBQ sauce, and melted cheddar cheese over tender bowtie pasta. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a hearty family meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 12 ounces bowtie pasta

Protein and Bacon

• 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast (rotisserie, leftovers, or cooked & shredded)
• ½ cup chopped cooked bacon (real bacon pieces, not imitation)

Cheese

• 2½ cups shredded cheddar cheese blend (more for topping, optional)

Vegetables and Canned Goods

• 15 ounces canned corn, drained
• 10 ounces Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies), do not drain
• 7 ounces diced green chiles, do not drain

Condiments and Seasonings

• 1 cup ranch dressing
• ¾ cup BBQ sauce
• 1 tbsp minced onions

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain well and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
3. Combine Ingredients: In the mixing bowl with the pasta, add the shredded chicken breast, chopped cooked bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, drained corn, undrained Rotel, undrained diced green chiles, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, and minced onions. Toss everything together gently to combine thoroughly.
4. Transfer to Casserole Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish. If you like, sprinkle extra shredded cheddar cheese on top to create a cheesy crust.
5. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm as a hearty main dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

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Notes

• You can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience and added flavor.
• Ensure bacon is properly cooked and chopped for the best texture and taste.
• Adding extra cheese on top before baking will create a deliciously melty, golden crust.
• Drain the corn but not the Rotel and diced green chilies to maintain the casserole’s moisture and flavor balance.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of BBQ sauce or ranch dressing to suit your taste preferences.
• For a spicier kick, add additional diced jalapeños or hot sauce.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/8th of casserole)
• Calories: 390 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg