BBQ Chicken Casserole

Name: BBQ Chicken Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 12 oz rotini pasta; 14.5 oz diced tomatoes with green chiles ((can use a 10 oz can of Rotel)); ½ cup sour cream; 1 ¼ cups BBQ sauce (divided); 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 tablespoon Ranch seasoning mix; 2 cooked chicken breasts (shredded); 1 cup frozen corn; 1 cup cooked chopped bacon (divided); 2 cups shredded cheese (divided)

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Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a hearty and flavorful BBQ chicken casserole that will have you drooling from the first bite. Tender shredded chicken and pasta slathered in a rich and smoky BBQ cream sauce and topped with crispy bacon and melted cheese.

So fire up the oven for this irresistible BBQ chicken casserole recipe that will become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s the perfect combination of comfort food and summertime BBQ, all in one delicious and satisfying casserole.
Bakes in just 30 minutes!
Have extra rotisserie chicken? Makeover your leftovers in a whole new way.
Easy one-bowl prep for less muss and fuss.

Key Ingredients

ingredients for BBQ chicken casserole recipe

Cooked shredded chicken – Two chicken breasts yield the ideal amount, or use a leftover rotisserie chicken.
Rotini – We love this with rotini pasta, but ridged penne makes a great substitute.
Diced tomatoes with green chiles – Rotel or any store-brand equivalent.
Sour cream – For tang and creaminess.
BBQ sauce – I recommend a rich, smoky style. We like a lot of heat, so my go-to barbecue sauce is Famous Dave’s Devil’s Spit. It’s really spicy!
Ranch dressing mix – Brings an extra boost of flavor. I like HVR dry seasoning.
Onion powder – (not onion salt!)
Corn – I prefer frozen, not canned.
Bacon – cooked and crumbled
Shredded cheddar cheese – We like a triple-cheese blend.

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Cook the rotini pasta al dente; rinse and set aside.

Step 2: In a large bowl, mix together diced tomatoes, 1 cup of the BBQ sauce, onion powder and Ranch seasoning.

Step 3: Add cooked chicken, cooked pasta, corn, half of the bacon and half of the cheese. Mix well.

chicken, pasta and sauce ingredients in bowl

Step 4: Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Remove BBQ chicken ranch casserole from oven. Sprinkle remaining cheese and bacon evenly over the top; return to oven uncovered and bake for about 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.

sprinkle bacon and cheese on pasta mixture

baked casserole with bacon and cheese on top

Step 6: Drizzle the remaining barbecue sauce over the top of the baked casserole.

Recipe Notes and Tips

For a splash of color, add thinly sliced green onions or chives on top before serving.
Make Ahead: Follow the recipe until ready for the oven. Cover tightly and refrigerate a day ahead.
Store after baking: cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze in individual portions in airtight containers for up to a month.
Reheat: Cover and reheat in a 350-degree oven for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Individual portions can be reheated in the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dark meat instead of chicken breasts?

Feel free to use any shredded chicken you have on hand!

Can you use liquid Ranch dressing instead of dry Ranch seasoning?

I don’t recommend this. The dry mix brings a concentrated seasoning flavor, whereas bottled dressing has a more diluted flavor. The liquid will also alter the sauce’s consistency.

Can this be made keto?

Sure! You can use a sugar-free BBQ sauce and omit the pasta.