Bbq Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe

Looking for a delicious, hearty, and easy-to-make dinner that the whole family will love? This BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole is the perfect solution! Packed with tender chicken, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, bacon, and cheesy goodness, this casserole is an explosion of flavors. It’s a one-pan dish that's comforting, filling, and ideal for busy weeknights or potlucks. Read on for the full recipe, step-by-step instructions, and tips to make this irresistible casserole a new favorite at your dinner table.

What is BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole?

BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and smoky casserole made with cooked chicken, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, bacon, and topped with melted cheese. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for feeding a family. This casserole combines the tangy flavor of BBQ sauce with the creamy richness of ranch dressing, all baked together with pasta, potatoes, or rice. The result is a dish that’s sweet, savory, and full of texture. It’s also versatile and can easily be adapted to your taste.

Ingredients List for BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this flavorful BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole:

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 3 cups cooked pasta, penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni (or swap with cooked rice or cubed potatoes)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
• 1 cup ranch dressing
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend like Monterey Jack and cheddar)
• ½ cup crumbled bacon (about 6 slices)
• 1 small red onion, diced (optional, for added flavor)
• 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained (optional)
• ½ cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing onions, optional)

Substitutions and Variations

This BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole is incredibly versatile, and you can make adjustments based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Here are some ideas:

• Protein: Swap out the chicken for turkey or shredded pork, or use ground beef for a different flavor. You can also make a vegetarian version by using black beans and roasted veggies.
• Pasta Alternatives: If you prefer a lower-carb option, substitute the pasta with cooked cauliflower florets or spiralized zucchini.
• Ranch Dressing: You can use a store-bought ranch dressing or make your own. If you’re watching your calories, use a light or Greek yogurt-based ranch dressing.
• BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce, whether it’s smoky, sweet, or spicy. You can even make your own homemade BBQ sauce for a personalized flavor.
• Add Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli for extra nutrition and texture.
• Cheese: For a different flavor profile, swap out cheddar for pepper jack, mozzarella, or Gouda.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s get started with the step-by-step process to make BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients

• Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• Cook the chicken: If you're not using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken, cook the chicken breasts in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes per side). Once cooked, shred or cube the chicken.
• Cook the bacon: Fry the bacon in a skillet until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion (Optional)

• Sauté the onion: If using red onion, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized. Set aside.

Step 4: Combine the Casserole Ingredients

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked pasta, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, and ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese. If you’re using corn or sautéed onions, stir those in as well. Mix until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting based on how salty your BBQ sauce and ranch dressing are.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

• Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish in an even layer.
• Top with remaining shredded cheese and sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the top.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

• Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a crispy top, you can broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes, keeping an eye on it to prevent burning.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

• Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes.
• Garnish with chopped green onions and additional bacon if desired, then serve hot.

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

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 350°F and grease your baking dish.
2. Cook the Pasta and Chicken: Prepare the pasta and cook or shred the chicken.
3. Mix Ingredients: Combine chicken, pasta, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, cheese, and optional add-ins like onions or corn.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Spread the mixture in a baking dish, top with cheese and bacon.
5. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
6. Serve: Garnish with green onions and serve hot.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While this casserole is simple, here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Overcooking the Pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta to al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven. Overcooked pasta can become mushy.
• Too Much Liquid: Avoid adding too much BBQ sauce or ranch dressing, as it can make the casserole too wet. Stick to the measurements in the recipe for the best texture.
• Dry Chicken: If using leftover or pre-cooked chicken, make sure it’s still moist. Dry chicken can make the casserole less enjoyable, so consider using rotisserie chicken or freshly cooked chicken for the best results.

Serving and Presentation Tips

BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole is a hearty dish that can be served on its own, but here are some great serving suggestions and presentation ideas to elevate it:

• Side Ideas: Serve this casserole with a light side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish. A coleslaw with a tangy vinaigrette would complement the smoky BBQ flavors nicely.
• Toppings: Top the casserole with crispy fried onions, crumbled tortilla chips, or even a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce and ranch dressing for added texture and flavor.
• Family-Style: Serve this casserole family-style in the baking dish, allowing everyone to scoop out their own portions at the table.

How to Serve BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole

• Family-Style: Serve directly from the baking dish at the table, and let everyone help themselves.
• Individual Portions: Spoon individual servings onto plates and garnish with extra bacon, green onions, and a drizzle of ranch dressing or BBQ sauce.
• With a Salad: Serve alongside a fresh green salad or coleslaw for a complete meal.

Presentation Ideas for BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole

• Garnish the top of the casserole with finely chopped green onions and parsley for a burst of color.
• Serve the casserole with a side of extra BBQ sauce and ranch dressing drizzled in a zigzag pattern over the top.
• Use a colorful baking dish to brighten up the presentation and make the meal feel even more inviting.

BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, bring the casserole to room temperature and then bake as directed.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well! After assembling (but before baking), wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed.
• Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual portions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use different types of meat for this casserole?
Yes! This recipe is very flexible. You can substitute the chicken with shredded pork, turkey, or ground beef. For a vegetarian option, use black beans or chickpeas.

2. Can I make this casserole without ranch dressing?
If you're not a fan of ranch, you can replace it with sour cream, Greek yogurt, or even cream cheese for a creamy texture. For a different flavor profile, you could also use a creamy chipotle sauce or a mix of mayo and lime juice.

3. Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?
Yes! Frozen corn or mixed vegetables work well in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the casserole to avoid excess water.

4. Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for using up leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand.

Conclusion

This BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food dish, combining all the best flavors into one simple, hearty meal. With its creamy ranch dressing, smoky BBQ sauce, and melty cheese, it's a dish that will quickly become a favorite for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Whether you’re making it ahead for a busy weeknight or bringing it to a potluck, this casserole is guaranteed to please. Give it a try and enjoy the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in every bite!

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