BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole

If you’ve ever looked in your fridge, saw some leftover chicken, and thought, “What now?”—girl, I’ve been there. That’s why BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole is your new best friend. It’s hearty, tangy, cheesy, and—best of all—crazy simple to throw together. We’re talking a 30-minute miracle that your whole crew will love (yes, even your picky eater who “doesn’t like things touching”).

Whether it’s a weeknight whirlwind or you’re hosting game day with friends, this is one of those dishes that says, “I cooked, but I didn’t stress.”

Why You’ll Love This BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole

Let me paint the picture: tender chicken, smoky bacon, creamy ranch, bold BBQ sauce, and gooey cheese—all wrapped up with pasta in one bubbly, baked bite. Oh, and did I mention there’s no fancy prep?

Here’s why it’s magic:

• ✅ Family-approved flavor (ranch + BBQ = match made in flavor heaven)
• ✅ Great for leftovers—chicken, bacon, even random veggies you want to sneak in
• ✅ Make-ahead friendly (your future self says thank you)
• ✅ One dish, all the things—hello, fewer dishes!

Ingredients That Make the Magic Happen

You probably already have most of these in your pantry or fridge—no wild goose chases to specialty stores required.

• 12 oz bowtie pasta (or whatever pasta your pantry offers)
• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie is your weeknight MVP)
• ½ cup chopped bacon (REAL bacon or real bacon pieces, not the fake crunchy stuff)
• 2½ cups shredded cheddar blend (go bold, go cheesy)
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 can (10 oz) Rotel, not drained
• 1 can (7 oz) diced green chiles, not drained
• 1 cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade if you’re feelin’ fancy)
• ¾ cup BBQ sauce (sweet, smoky—your call)
• 1 tbsp minced onions (or onion powder if you’re in a pinch)

How to Make BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole

Let’s break it down into easy, breezy steps. Put on your favorite playlist and let’s cook!

1. Preheat that oven to 350°F and grease your casserole dish.
2. Cook pasta to al dente (you want it to hold up in the oven, not turn to mush).
3. Toss everything together in a big bowl: cooked pasta, shredded chicken, bacon, cheese, corn, Rotel, green chiles, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, and minced onions. Mix until it looks like a big cheesy hug.
4. Spread the mixture into your casserole dish. Sprinkle extra cheese on top (because… why not?).
5. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until everything is hot and melty. Your kitchen will smell like a BBQ joint married a cozy diner. In the best way.

Aneta’s Tips for Next-Level Casserole Vibes

• Don’t overcook the pasta—seriously, keep it slightly firm so it doesn’t go soggy in the oven.
• Use smoked cheddar or pepper jack for a spicy twist.
• Make it a meal prep hero: Portion into containers and reheat throughout the week.
• Toss in black beans or bell peppers if you want to stretch the dish even further (great for hungry teens or surprise guests).
• Freeze before baking if you’re prepping ahead. It’ll last 2-3 months and be ready when you are.

Real Talk: Why This Recipe Means Something

The first time I made this BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole, it was a “use what you’ve got” night. My youngest had soccer, I had zero energy, and there were leftover chicken breasts begging to be used. I whipped it up, crossed my fingers… and everyone had seconds. Even my husband—who never eats casseroles. Now it’s on our regular rotation.

It’s comfort food that shows up when you need it most.

FAQs About BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole

Conclusion

BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole is the kind of recipe that rescues your Tuesday and makes your taste buds do a happy dance. It’s cozy, bold, and so easy, it practically makes itself.

So go ahead—gather your ingredients, turn on your favorite tunes, and let your oven work its magic. 💫 Dinner’s about to get delicious.

Need more chicken magic in your life? Stay tuned—I’ve got casseroles, one-pan wonders, and slow cooker gems coming your way. Let’s keep dinner simple and scrumptious. 🧡

Craving More Chicken Comfort? Try These Fan Favorites Too!

If this BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole had you scraping the pan for seconds (no judgment, I do it too), you’re in for a treat. Chicken Magic Recipes is packed with other comforting, easy-to-make dinners that bring bold flavor and minimal stress. Keep the cozy vibes going by checking out these delicious options below—all perfect companions for your weeknight menu rotation:

1. For another smoky-sweet dinner with cheesy comfort, don’t miss the BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese—it’s like your favorite backyard cookout in casserole form.
2. Craving Tex-Mex flavors? This cheesy, hearty Chicken Taco Casserole is another one-dish wonder your family will request on repeat.
3. Want a twist on a similar flavor profile with a little heat? The Street Corn Chicken Casserole brings sweet corn, creamy sauce, and a punch of spice that will wake up your dinner table.
4. And if you’re looking for something creamy, indulgent, and beyond satisfying, the Creamy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole delivers big-time comfort with a rich, buttery topping.

There’s a casserole (or five) for every craving—so dig in and let your oven do the heavy lifting! 🍗💛

BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Aneta
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor! Made with tender chicken, smoky bacon, bowtie pasta, and a tangy BBQ ranch blend, it’s the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 ounces bowtie pasta

• 3 cups chicken breast, cooked and shredded (rotisserie or leftovers work great)

• ½ cup bacon, chopped (use real bacon or cooked bacon pieces)

• 2½ cups shredded cheddar cheese blend

• 15 ounces canned corn, drained

• 10 ounces Rotel (do not drain)

• 7 ounces diced green chiles (do not drain)

• 1 cup ranch dressing

• ¾ cup BBQ sauce

• 1 tablespoon minced onions

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a casserole dish.

2. Cook pasta to al dente according to package instructions, drain, and place in a large bowl.

3. Add shredded chicken, chopped bacon, cheese, corn, Rotel, green chiles, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, and minced onions to the pasta. Toss everything together until well combined.

4. Pour mixture into the prepared casserole dish and top with extra cheese if desired.

5. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly and cheese is melted to golden perfection.

6. Garnish with parsley or green onions if you’d like, and serve warm.

Notes

• Feel free to use any short pasta you have on hand—penne or rotini work well too.

• Add black beans, bell peppers, or jalapeños for a spicier, heartier twist.

• This casserole can be prepped a day ahead and stored in the fridge until ready to bake.

• Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat beautifully.

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 580 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 890 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg