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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm as a hearty main dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
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.
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
