Best BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe

Hey there, fellow food lovers! Are you ready for a dish that’s about to become your new go-to for quick family dinners? Look no further! Today, I’m thrilled to share my Best BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe, a masterpiece that combines the creamiest ranch, tangy BBQ sauce, and tender chicken into one delightful casserole. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. Plus, it’s one of those easy pasta recipes that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s a quick and easy casserole that’s ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
• Packed with flavor from the combination of ranch dressing and BBQ sauce.
• Uses simple, accessible ingredients that you might already have on hand.
• Great for using up leftover chicken—rotisserie chicken works perfectly!
• It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole:

• 12 ounces bowtie pasta
• 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• ½ cup chopped bacon or bacon bits (no imitation, please!)
• 2½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 15 ounces canned corn, drained
• 10 ounces Rotel (don’t drain)
• 7 ounces diced green chiles (don’t drain)
• 1 cup ranch dressing
• ¾ cup BBQ sauce
• 1 tablespoon minced onions

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s walk through how to make this easy casserole step by step:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. It’s one of those 30-minute meals that comes together quickly!
2. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
3. Add in the cooked chicken, chopped bacon, cheese, corn, Rotel, diced green chiles, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, and minced onions. Toss everything together until well combined.
4. Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and top with a little extra cheese if you’re feeling extra fancy!
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until everything is hot, bubbly, and the cheese is melted to perfection.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are a few tips to make this recipe even better:

• Use leftover chicken to make this recipe even quicker. Rotisserie chicken is a great option!
• Don’t skimp on the bacon—real bacon bits make a big difference in flavor.
• If you like a little extra crunch, sprinkle some crushed crackers or crispy onions on top before baking.
• Customize it to your taste! Add some diced jalapeños for extra heat or a sprinkle of cilantro for freshness.

How to Serve

This casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but here are a few ideas for rounding out the meal:

• A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.
• Garlic bread for a comforting touch.
• A side of roasted vegetables if you want to add some extra color to the plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

One of the best things about casseroles is how well they hold up for leftovers. Here’s how to store it:

• Make ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
• Refrigerate: Leftovers will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot and bubbly.
• Freeze: While I recommend baking it fresh, you can freeze the assembled casserole for up to 3 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

And there you have it, my friends—the ultimate BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen! It’s one of those easy casserole recipes that checks all the boxes: quick, delicious, and perfect for weeknight dinners. Don’t forget to check out some of my other favorite recipes like Best Garlic Mushroom Pasta in 30 Minutes, Creamy Mushroom Chicken, and Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers for more quick family dinners and easy pasta recipes. Happy cooking! 🍳