BBQ Chicken Ranch Casserole

$- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup BBQ sauce - 1 cup ranch dressing - 3 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini works well) - 1 cup corn (frozen or fresh) - 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) This BBQ Chicken Ranch Casserole has simple and tasty ingredients. The cooked chicken gives it a hearty base. I love using shredded chicken because it mixes well with the sauces. The BBQ sauce adds a sweet and smoky flavor. The ranch dressing brings creaminess to the dish. I prefer penne or rotini pasta for this recipe. These shapes hold the sauce nicely. Corn adds a pop of color and sweetness. Black beans give extra protein and fiber. They also add a nice texture. For seasoning, I use garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. They elevate the flavors without being overpowering. Don’t forget salt and pepper! They help bring out the taste of all ingredients. Finally, the shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully on top. It creates a golden crust that makes the casserole irresistible. I love to garnish with fresh cilantro for a bright finish. This dish is easy to make and perfect for any meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key for good cooking. A hot oven helps the casserole cook evenly. If your oven has hot spots, you can rotate the dish halfway through. This way, every part cooks just right. In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce and ranch dressing. Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined. This mix gives the casserole its great flavor. You want each bite to taste amazing. Gently fold in the cooked pasta, corn, and black beans. Make sure everything is coated in the sauce. This is how you get the best taste in every scoop. If you rush this step, some bites might taste plain. Now, transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly across the dish. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. This adds a nice cheesy layer. Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes. You want the cheese to melt and bubble. When it is golden and bubbly, it's ready to eat! To ensure a creamy texture, mix the sauces well. Use BBQ sauce and ranch dressing. This will coat the chicken and pasta nicely. You want every bite to be rich and tasty. If it seems dry, add a splash more ranch. For a golden cheese top, use freshly shredded cheddar cheese. Packaged cheese can clump and melt unevenly. Spread it evenly across the top. Bake until it bubbles and turns golden brown. This adds flavor and a nice look. Serve your casserole with a side salad. Fresh greens balance the rich flavors. You can also add garlic bread for some crunch. It makes a great pair with the casserole. Use a large spoon for serving. This helps scoop out the cheesy layers. A spatula can also work well. It allows you to serve neat squares. Make this casserole ahead for busy weeks. Prepare it a day before and keep it in the fridge. It tastes great after resting overnight. Just bake it when you are ready. You can also freeze portions. Cut them into squares and wrap well. Use freezer bags or airtight containers. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the oven. This keeps it fresh and tasty. Pro Tips Use Rotisserie Chicken: For faster prep, use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking it yourself. Customize Your BBQ Sauce: Experiment with different BBQ sauce flavors to give your casserole a unique twist. Mix Up the Cheese: Try using a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for extra flavor and creaminess. Add Vegetables: Incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrients and flavor. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in this dish. Instead of chicken, try shredded beef, pork, or even turkey. Each option brings a unique taste. If you want a lighter choice, use diced tofu. For sauces, BBQ sauce is a must, but you can mix it up. Try honey mustard or spicy buffalo sauce for a different flavor. Ranch dressing also has alternatives. You can use a creamy garlic sauce or a yogurt-based dressing. Want a vegetarian or vegan version? Use chickpeas or lentils instead of chicken. For a creamy sauce, blend silken tofu with herbs. This keeps the texture while adding great flavor. If you're looking for gluten-free options, choose gluten-free pasta. There are many brands available that work well in this casserole. Just make sure to check the label to ensure it suits your needs. Add vegetables to boost nutrition and flavor. Bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini are great choices. Chop them finely and mix them in with the pasta. For extra kick, try spices like cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. You can also add fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a burst of freshness. These small tweaks can make your casserole even more delightful. How long does the casserole last in the fridge? The BBQ Chicken Ranch Casserole stays good for about 3-4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. What are some storing tips for freshness? Let the casserole cool first. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. This helps keep moisture in and flavors intact. What are the best practices for freezing? You can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. Cut it into smaller portions before freezing. This makes it easier to thaw and reheat later. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty foil to prevent freezer burn. What are some thawing and reheating tips? To thaw, place the casserole in the fridge overnight. For quick thawing, use the microwave. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. What are some ideas for repurposing leftovers? You can turn leftover casserole into a wrap. Use tortillas and add fresh veggies. Another idea is to mix it into a salad for a tasty lunch. What are some tips for storing individual portions? Use small containers for single servings. Label them with the date. This helps you keep track of freshness and makes meal prep easy. Yes, you can use leftover chicken. It's a great way to save food. Just shred the chicken into small pieces. Make sure it is not too dry. Mix it well with the BBQ sauce and ranch dressing. This adds flavor and keeps it moist. If you have roasted, grilled, or baked chicken, those work well too. Absolutely! You can change it to fit your taste. Try adding different veggies like bell peppers or spinach. You can also swap the protein. Ground turkey or beef can work well. For a different flavor, use a spicy BBQ sauce or ranch dressing. This way, it fits your style and what you love to eat. If you like heat, there are easy ways to add spice. Add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. You can mix in some hot sauce with the BBQ sauce. Another option is to use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. This will give your casserole a nice kick. This casserole pairs well with many sides. A fresh green salad adds crunch and balance. Roasted vegetables can also be a great choice. For something hearty, serve it with garlic bread or cornbread. These options will make your meal even more enjoyable. This BBQ Chicken Ranch Casserole recipe is simple and rewarding. You learned how to mix delicious ingredients like chicken, pasta, and spices. We explored baking tips, meal prep ideas, and how to store leftovers. Remember, you can customize this dish to fit your taste. Try different proteins or add extra veggies. This recipe is a great way to enjoy a tasty meal and use what you have on hand. I hope you enjoy making this dish as much as I do. Happy cooking!$

BBQ Chicken Ranch Casserole

A delicious and hearty casserole featuring shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, and pasta, topped with melted cheddar cheese.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup BBQ sauce
1 cup ranch dressing
3 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini)
1 cup corn (frozen or fresh)
1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
to taste salt and pepper
to garnish fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
Gently fold in the cooked pasta, corn, and black beans until all ingredients are evenly coated with the sauce.
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.

Notes

Serve the casserole in portions with a sprinkle of extra cilantro on top for a vibrant look. Accompany with a side salad for a refreshing contrast. Enjoy!

Keyword BBQ, casserole, chicken, pasta, ranch