Name: bbq ranch chicken casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked (shredded chicken); 8 oz rotini or penne pasta (cooked and drained); 1 cup BBQ sauce; ½ cup ranch dressing; 1 cup frozen corn (thawed); ½ cup chopped red bell pepper; ½ cup chopped green onions; 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided); Salt and pepper (to taste); Optional: crumbled bacon or jalapeños for topping

BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole is a hearty, flavor-packed dinner that combines smoky barbecue sauce, creamy ranch, tender chicken, and melty cheese into one cozy, bubbly bake. With layers of pasta, veggies, and sauce, it’s a meal the whole family will be asking for again and again. It’s simple to throw together and delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

What Makes This Dish Special?

This casserole takes everything you love about BBQ chicken and wraps it in creamy, cheesy comfort. The tangy ranch balances the sweet-smoky BBQ sauce perfectly, while the shredded chicken, corn, and pasta create a hearty, satisfying texture. Topped with cheese and baked until golden, it’s the kind of dish that brings people back for seconds—perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or meal prepping.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
8 oz rotini or penne pasta (cooked and drained)
1 cup BBQ sauce
½ cup ranch dressing
1 cup frozen corn (thawed)
½ cup chopped red bell pepper
½ cup chopped green onions
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: crumbled bacon or jalapeños for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

2. Mix the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked pasta, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, corn, bell pepper, green onions, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Stir until well coated and seasoned to taste with salt and pepper.

3. Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly. Top with the remaining ½ cup of cheese.

4. Bake

Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle with crumbled bacon, jalapeños, or extra green onions if desired. Serve warm.

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or swap in spicy ranch.
Veggie Boost: Stir in black beans, diced tomatoes, or spinach for more texture and nutrition.
Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower rice instead of pasta.
Southwest Twist: Add taco seasoning and top with crushed tortilla chips before baking.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large mixing bowl
9×13 casserole dish
Spoon or spatula
Baking sheet (optional, to catch drips)

Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Serving)

Calories: 420
Protein: 26g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 9g

Storage Tips

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Microwave individual portions or reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm.
Freezing: Freeze unbaked or baked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking or reheating.

My Cooking Experience

BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole is one of those throw-together meals that never fails. I’ve made it on busy weeknights when time is tight, and it always delivers big flavor. The combo of creamy ranch and sweet BBQ hits the spot, and you can easily switch it up depending on what you have in the fridge. It’s cozy, satisfying, and just plain delicious.

Conclusion

When you’re looking for a dinner that checks all the boxes—quick, comforting, flavorful, and family-approved—this BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole is it. It’s rich, cheesy, and packed with bold flavor in every bite. Whether you’re meal prepping or feeding a crowd, this casserole is sure to be a hit.

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