This sumptuous casserole features tender shredded chicken combined with al dente pasta and a delightful blend of BBQ and ranch dressing accented with garlic and onion powder. Perfectly complemented by melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, this dish is an irresistibly perfect, hearty recipe for a truly comforting family dinner experience.

Jump to Recipe

I just made this BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole and it turned out to be a really hearty dinner. I started by shredding 2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts which gives the dish a high protein boost.

I then tossed the cooked chicken with 8 oz of dry pasta, making sure every bite carried a bit of that chewy texture. I mixed in 1 cup of tangy BBQ sauce and 1 cup of creamy ranch dressing which works pretty great with both cheddar and mozzarella – I used 2 cups and 1 cup respectively.

The combination helps with the nutritional value too, balancing protein, carbs, and fats. I season it with salt, pepper, and a bit of garlic and onion powder to enhance the flavour.

This dish gives me that leftover BBQ chicken feel while keeping it simple, similar to my favorite Chicken Breast Casserole Recipes. It’s not just easy, its a total time saver.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because it brings together my two favorite flavors – tangy BBQ and creamy ranch – for an unforgettable taste combo. I like how its super simple to make, with easy ingredients that everyone in my family can enjoy. Plus, I really dig the cheesy, bubbly topping that just makes every bite even better.

This BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole is like the ultimate quick dinner loaded with chicken, cheese and pasta. I mix up shredded chicken with BBQ sauce, ranch dressing and spices then toss it with pasta before baking it until the cheese gets all melty and bubbling. Its a super tasty comfort food dinner thats perfect when youre too busy to cook something fancy.

Ingredients

Print Recipe (No Advertisments)

Chicken: Packed with protein, its lean and juicy even when shredded for that hearty bite.
Pasta: Provides quality carbs as a comforting base, keeping you full and satisfied.
BBQ Sauce: Adds a tangy and sweet kick that really brings out the flavor, its awesome.
Ranch Dressing: Creamy and bold, it elevates the dish with a zesty twist.
Cheddar Cheese: Rich in flavor and protein, it makes each bite extra indulgent.
Mozzarella Cheese: Mild and melty, creating a gooey texture that everyone loves.
Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings boosting taste without stealing focus.
Garlic & Onion Powder: Give a pop of flavor and aroma but dont overdo it.

Ingredient Quantities

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts – cooked and shredded

8 oz dry pasta (like elbow macaroni or penne)

1 cup BBQ sauce

1 cup ranch dressing

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tsp garlic powder (optional)

1 tsp onion powder (optional)

How to Make this

Print Recipe (No Advertisments)

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

2. Boil the pasta in salted water according to the package directions until al dente, then drain.

3. In a large bowl, mix the cooked shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

4. Stir in the drained pasta until everything is evenly coated.

5. Add in about one cup of the cheddar and half a cup of the mozzarella; mix well and save the rest for topping.

6. Pour the mixture into your prepared casserole dish, smoothing out the top.

7. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the top.

8. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

9. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving so that it sets slightly.

10. Enjoy your BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole while it’s hot and delicious!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven (for preheating and baking)
2. Large pot (for boiling the pasta)
3. Colander (for draining the pasta)
4. Large mixing bowl (to combine the chicken, pasta, and sauces)
5. Casserole dish (greased to bake the casserole)
6. Measuring cups and spoons (to measure BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, cheeses, and spices)
7. Stirring utensil (to mix all the ingredients evenly)

FAQ

What kind of pasta works best in this recipe? – Elbow macaroni or penne are great choices because they hold the sauce and flavors really well.

Can I use leftover chicken instead of cooking fresh? – Yup, using leftover chicken that you already have around is totally fine, just make sure its shredded up real good.

Is it okay to use store-bought BBQ sauce and ranch dressing? – Sure thing, the store-bought versions work well, but you can always add a little extra garlic or onion powder if you think it needs a kick.

How long do I need to bake the casserole? – Bake it at 350°F for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Can I prep this dish ahead of time? – Yeah, you can put together the casserole ahead and keep it in the fridge overnight. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes in cold.

BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Chicken: You can swap chicken for turkey breast if that’s what you have around
Pasta: Instead of elbow macaroni, try using fusilli or penne for a slightly different bite
BBQ Sauce: If you’re out, mix tomato paste with a bit honey, vinegar, and spices to mimic the tanginess
Ranch Dressing: You can do a buttermilk dressing instead if you dont have ranch on hand
Cheddar Cheese: Monterey Jack works well as a substitute if you cant get cheddar

Pro Tips

1. Try precooking your pasta just right and drain it well; if it’s too soft it might turn mushy in the bake and that really ruins the texture.
2. Mix your seasonings into the chicken evenly so each bite gets a good bit of flavor; sometimes I end up missing a spot if I rush it.
3. When adding the cheeses, mix some right in and save a bunch for the top so you get that nice melty, bubbly cheese crust that really makes it special.
4. After you take it out of the oven, let it sit for a few minutes – it really helps the casserole set a bit and makes it easier to serve without falling apart.