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bbq ranch chicken casserole recipe
Ben Carraoli

BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe

When I first made this BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole, I didn’t expect it to become an instant favorite at my dinner table. The flavors are bold, comforting, and perfectly balanced—thanks to the mix of smoky barbecue and zesty ranch. I used ingredients I already had on hand, making this a quick fix for busy nights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts – cook and shred; or grab rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce – use smoky or spicy BBQ sauce for a deeper flavor punch.
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix about 1 oz – brings creamy tang and herb flavor.
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese – sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds a bold cheesy bite.
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese – gives that perfect cheesy stretch.
  • 4 slices cooked bacon crumbled – adds salty crunch and smoky notes.
  • 3 cups cooked pasta – penne rotini, or fusilli hold the sauce well.
  • ½ cup sour cream – makes the casserole creamy and smooth.
  • ½ cup milk – loosens up the sauce without thinning the flavor.
  • 1 cup corn kernels – sweet and juicy; fresh or canned both work.
  • ¼ cup green onions chopped – brightens the dish with freshness.
  • Salt and pepper – add to taste.

Method
 

  1. Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your casserole dish so the cheese doesn’t stick during baking.
  2. If you’re cooking fresh chicken breasts, boil or bake them until they’re done. Shred the meat using two forks. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken works just as well and adds extra flavor.
  3. In a large bowl, stir together the barbecue sauce, ranch seasoning, milk, and sour cream. Make sure the mix is smooth and creamy. This combo creates the base flavor that makes this dish irresistible.
  4. Add the shredded chicken, cooked pasta, corn, and half the cheddar and mozzarella to the sauce bowl. Stir everything until well coated. It should look creamy and colorful!
  5. Pour the mixture into your greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top. Then, crumble the cooked bacon over the cheese layer.
  6. Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. When the top is golden and bubbly, it’s ready! Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving so the cheese sets nicely.