BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole

It Ain’t Fancy — But It Sure Is Good

This casserole was born out of one of those clean-out-the-fridge nights — you know the ones. I had leftover rotisserie chicken, a bag of pasta that wasn’t enough for a full recipe, and just a handful of cheese odds and ends. Tossed in some ranch and BBQ sauce on a whim and, honey… we hit gold.

The flavor? Think cheesy chicken bacon ranch meets a summer BBQ — but without having to fire up the grill or wash a mountain of dishes.

Why This Recipe Deserves a Permanent Spot in Your Dinner Rotation

• Ready in about 30 minutes — even faster if your pasta’s already cooked

• No-fuss ingredients — mostly pantry and fridge staples

• Sweet, tangy, cheesy, creamy — it hits all the cravings

• Kid-friendly and picky-eater approved

• Perfect for potlucks, meal trains, or game day gatherings

Here’s What You’ll Need

• 12 oz bowtie pasta – Cooked just to al dente (nobody likes soggy noodles)

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded – Rotisserie, leftovers, whatever you’ve got

• ½ cup bacon bits – Or real bacon, chopped fine

• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Adds that nice stretch factor

• 15 oz canned corn, drained – Sweet crunch that plays so well with BBQ

• 10 oz Rotel – Diced tomatoes with green chilies, juice and all

• 7 oz diced green chiles – Optional, but adds depth

• 1 cup ranch dressing – Use your favorite bottled brand or homemade

• ¾ cup BBQ sauce – I like something smoky-sweet, but you do you

• 1 Tbsp minced onion – Dried works great here

• 1 tsp garlic powder – Because garlic belongs in everything

Let’s Make a Mess (Then Clean It Up With a Fork)

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Turn your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13″ baking dish — I use spray, but butter works too if you’re feeling old-school.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

Bring a big ol’ pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta just until it’s al dente — firm to the bite. Drain well and toss it in a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Throw Everything in the Bowl

To that bowl of warm pasta, add your shredded chicken, bacon bits, both cheeses, corn, Rotel, diced green chiles, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, minced onions, and garlic powder.

Yes, it’s a lot. Yes, it will look messy. Yes, it will be absolutely worth it.

Use a big spoon or your God-given hands and toss it all together until everything’s coated and cheesy and beautiful.

Step 4: Bake It to Perfection

Dump the mixture into your prepared baking dish. If you’ve got extra cheese, sprinkle it over the top (why not?).

Bake for 15–20 minutes, just until it’s heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. You don’t need to bake it for ages — everything’s already cooked, we’re just marrying the flavors and melting that goodness together.

Want to Make It Your Own?

This recipe’s real forgiving, so don’t be shy:

• Swap pasta – Penne, rotini, elbow, or whatever’s in the pantry

• Use black beans instead of corn for a Tex-Mex twist

• Add green onions, jalapeños, or cilantro for more color and flavor

• Sub in Monterey Jack or pepper jack if you want more heat

• Make it vegetarian with plant-based chicken or just more veggies

• Add a crunchy topping – crushed tortilla chips, fried onions, or even seasoned breadcrumbs

Leftovers & Storage

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days

• Reheat: Microwave or oven at 325°F until warmed through

• Freezer-friendly: Yep! Let it cool, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

The Last Word, Y’all

This BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole is everything we love about comfort food — cheesy, gooey, a little messy, and totally satisfying. It’s not fancy. It’s not fussy. But it’s real food, the kind that brings people to the table and keeps them there for seconds.

So if you’re staring down a pack of leftover chicken and wondering what to make tonight… here’s your answer. You’re welcome.

Try it out, and holler back at me in the comments — tell me if your family devoured it or if you added your own twist. Recipes like this are meant to be shared, passed down, and eaten with joy.

BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Course Casserole, Main

Cuisine American, Southern-Inspired

Ingredients

  

• 12 ounces bowtie pasta
• 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded rotisserie, leftovers, or cooked & shredded)
• 1/2 cup bacon bits
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 15 ounces canned corn
• 10 ounces Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
• 7 ounces diced green chiles
• 1 cup ranch dressing
• 3/4 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 tablespoon minced onions
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Set aside.
• Cook the bowtie pasta to al dente according to package directions. Drain and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
• To the pasta, add cooked chicken, bacon bits, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, corn, Rotel, green chiles, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, minced onions, and garlic powder. Toss until well combined.
• Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish and top with additional cheese if desired.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

This casserole is great for using up leftover rotisserie chicken. You can swap out cheddar for pepper jack if you want a spicier kick. Top with fresh parsley for a pop of color before serving.

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