BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole is an easy pasta bake loaded with tender chicken, cheese, corn, tomatoes, red onion, and tossed in a creamy ranch and tangy BBQ sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort food casserole that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
If my family had to choose one casserole to make over and over again, it would be this chicken casserole. It’s one of those dinners I don’t mind making because it comes together quickly and uses simple ingredients.
One of my favorite shortcuts is preparing the chicken and pasta the night before. Then all I have to do the next day is toss everything together in a casserole dish and bake. The flavors blend together perfectly, and the cheesy ranch and BBQ combination makes it completely kid-approved. After all, ranch and BBQ are two flavors that just belong together.
If you’re looking for more easy chicken casserole recipes, also try my No Peek Chicken and Swiss Cheese Chicken.
Why You’ll Love This BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole
This is one of those recipes that I like to make several times a month. It can easily be customized to what your family likes with different cheeses and vegetables such as broccoli.
- Ready in 45 minutes from start to finish
- Made with simple pantry and refrigerator staples
- Great way to use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken
- Makes enough for leftovers the next day
- Perfect for meal prep and make-ahead dinners
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use thin-sliced chicken breasts or slice larger breasts in half lengthwise for quicker cooking. Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken works great too.
- Rotini Pasta: Rotini holds onto the sauce well, but penne, bowtie or shells can also be used.
- Whole Kernel Corn: Drain before adding. Frozen corn can also be substituted.
- Roma Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes or diced tomatoes can also work.
- Red Onion: Adds a mild bite and flavor. Substitute yellow onion or sweet onion if preferred.
- Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese: Gives the casserole a creamy texture. Colby Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend can also be used.
- Salt & Pepper: Season to taste.
- Ranch Dressing: Use your favorite bottled ranch dressing.
- Barbeque Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce, whether sweet, smoky or spicy.
How to Make BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 ℉. Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking stray and set aside.
Step 2: Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Remove from heat and chop into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Transfers to a large mixing bowl.
Step 4: Add the cooked chicken, corn, tomatoes, red onion, and 1 ½ cups of shredded cheese.
Step 5: Pour in the ranch dressing and BBQ sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over top.
Step 7: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve warm and enjoy.
Recipe Variations
- Add cooked bacon for even more smoky flavor.
- Stir in black beans for extra protein and texture.
- Add diced green jalapeños for a little kick.
- Add broccoli, spinach, or zucchini for extra vegetables.
Recipe Tips
- Slightly undercook the pasta since it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before servings so it sets up nicely.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting results.
- If mixture seems dry before baking, add a little extra ranch dressing.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwaves or warm the entire casserole at 350 ℉ until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
This casserole pairs with a simple green salad, garlic bread, roasted vegetables or coleslaw.
I do not recommend freezing this casserole as it does not freeze well.
Recipe
BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breast thin sliced
- 1 lb. rotini pasta
- 1 15 oz. can of whole kernel corn drained
- 3 roma tomatoes chopped
- ½ cup red onion diced
- 2 cups shredded Monterey jack cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 ℉. Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking stray and set aside.
- Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Remove from heat and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Transfers to a large mixing bowl.
- Add the cooked chicken, corn, tomatoes, red onion, and 1 ½ cups of shredded cheese.
- Pour in the ranch dressing and BBQ sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over top.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
Recipe Tips
- Slightly undercook the pasta since it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before servings so it sets up nicely.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting results.
- If mixture seems dry before baking, add a little extra ranch dressing.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwaves or warm the entire casserole at 350 ℉ until heated through.
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclosure
Nutritional facts are estimates and are provided as a courtesy to the reader. Please utilize your own brand nutritional values to double check against our estimates. Nutritional values are calculated via a third party. Changing ingredients, amounts or cooking technique will alter the estimated nutritional calculations.
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