BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe

Looking for a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that’s bursting with flavor? This BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole is the perfect comfort food for weeknight dinners or gatherings with family and friends. It combines tender chicken, creamy ranch dressing, tangy BBQ sauce, bacon, cheese, and pasta, all baked together in one cheesy, bubbly casserole. It’s a delicious fusion of BBQ and ranch flavors, with the added bonus of being a one-dish meal, making clean-up a breeze.

Let’s get into the recipe, substitutions, and tips to help you make this irresistible casserole that everyone will love!

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What is BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole?

BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole is a baked dish that combines shredded or cubed chicken with pasta (or even potatoes), cheese, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, and crispy bacon, all topped with more cheese and baked to perfection. The flavors of tangy BBQ sauce and creamy ranch dressing complement each other beautifully, while the bacon and melted cheese add richness and indulgence. It’s a simple casserole that’s easy to make but tastes like a decadent, comforting meal. This dish is perfect for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or even meal prepping for the week ahead.

Ingredients List for BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole

Before you start, gather the following ingredients. This recipe makes enough for 4-6 servings, but can easily be doubled for larger groups or leftovers.

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded (or cubed)
• 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow pasta works great)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite variety)
• 1 cup ranch dressing
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend of your choice)
• ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled (about 6-8 slices)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup green onions or cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Substitutions and Variations

Here are a few ideas to switch up the recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs:

• Chicken Thighs: Instead of chicken breasts, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier, richer flavor.
• Pasta Alternatives: If you prefer, swap the pasta for cooked potatoes or even rice to change up the texture of the casserole.
• Ranch Dressing: If you don’t have ranch, you can use a creamy Caesar dressing or make your own ranch using a seasoning mix and sour cream or yogurt.
• BBQ Sauce: Feel free to experiment with different types of BBQ sauce, like honey BBQ, spicy BBQ, or smoky BBQ to change the flavor profile.
• Add Veggies: Sneak in some vegetables like broccoli, corn, or bell peppers for added nutrition.
• Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, use a vegan ranch dressing, dairy-free cheese, and omit the bacon or use a plant-based alternative.

These variations make this recipe customizable and flexible based on your dietary preferences or what you have on hand.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole.

How to Cook BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or casserole dish.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Make sure not to overcook the pasta since it will continue to cook in the oven.

Step 3: Cook and Shred the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken. You can use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or cook the chicken breasts by boiling them for 15-20 minutes or until fully cooked. Shred the chicken using two forks or cut it into bite-sized cubes, depending on your preference.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika (if using). Stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Add the cooked pasta and shredded chicken to the BBQ-ranch sauce and stir until the pasta and chicken are fully coated. Fold in 1 cup of shredded cheese and the crumbled bacon, reserving a little bit of both for the top of the casserole.

Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the chicken-pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese and bacon on top for a delicious, cheesy finish.

Step 7: Bake

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Once the casserole is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro for a fresh pop of flavor and color.

Serve warm, and enjoy!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to watch out for when making BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole:

• Overcooking the Pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta to al dente to avoid it becoming mushy during baking. The pasta will continue cooking in the oven.
• Not Using Enough Sauce: Don’t skimp on the BBQ-ranch sauce! The pasta and chicken will soak up some of the sauce while baking, so you want to ensure there’s enough to keep the casserole creamy and flavorful.
• Burning the Cheese: Keep an eye on the casserole during the last few minutes of baking. If the cheese on top starts to brown too much, you can loosely cover the dish with foil.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Once your BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole is baked to cheesy perfection, it’s time to think about presentation and serving. Here are some ideas:

How to Serve BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole

This dish is rich and hearty on its own, but here are a few sides that pair well with it:

• Green Salad: A fresh side salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the casserole.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts make a great, healthy side.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of garlic bread or rolls to mop up all the cheesy, saucy goodness.
• Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw works wonderfully to complement the BBQ flavors in the casserole.

Presentation Ideas for BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole

Make your casserole look as appetizing as it tastes with these presentation ideas:

• Garnish with Green Onions or Cilantro: A sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs adds a nice pop of color and freshness to the dish.
• Serve in Individual Bowls: For a fun, party-friendly presentation, serve the casserole in individual bowls or ramekins.
• Drizzle with Extra BBQ Sauce or Ranch: For an extra flavorful kick, drizzle more BBQ sauce or ranch dressing on top before serving.

BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe Tips

For the best results, keep these helpful tips in mind:

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: If you’re short on time, grab a rotisserie chicken from the store. It’s already cooked and will save you time shredding or cubing the chicken.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare this casserole ahead of time by assembling it, covering it tightly, and storing it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, take it out of the fridge and bake as directed.
• Adjust the Heat: If you like your dishes spicy, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the BBQ-ranch sauce for an extra kick.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! While short pasta shapes like penne or rotini work best for casseroles, feel free to use whatever you have on hand. Shells, farfalle, or rigatoni would all work well.

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, follow the same baking instructions.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.

Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes, you can freeze this casserole. Assemble the dish but don’t bake it, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

Conclusion

BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, pasta, tangy BBQ sauce, creamy ranch, cheese, and bacon for a dish that’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table. It’s quick and easy to throw together, making it perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd at gatherings. Whether you’re making it ahead of time or serving it fresh from the oven, this casserole is loaded with flavor and guaranteed to satisfy. Give it a try and watch your family and friends devour every bite!

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