BBQ Chicken Casserole Recipe

This smoky cheesy BBQ Chicken Casserole is made with shredded chicken, tangy barbecue sauce, and tender pasta, ready in 40 minutes. Pulling the hot baking dish from the oven reveals bubbling edges and melted golden cheese that stretches with every scoop. I always make this when I need to use up leftover cooked chicken.

Why This Classic Works

I used to struggle with dry chicken bake recipes until I realized the sauce-to-pasta ratio is critical. Tossing the warm pasta directly in the BBQ sauce prevents it from absorbing all the moisture during baking.

Adding crisp bacon and sweet corn balances the heavy smoky notes of the sauce perfectly. I learned the hard way that covering it with foil for the first half of baking keeps everything tender.

Jump to Recipe

BBQ Chicken Casserole Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked pasta (rotini or penne)
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 1 cup sweet corn kernels
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

How To Make BBQ Chicken Casserole

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375F (190C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Mix the Base: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked pasta, BBQ sauce, and ranch dressing until evenly coated.
3. Add Mix-ins: Stir in the sweet corn, diced red onion, and half of the crumbled bacon.
4. Transfer and Top: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
5. Bake the Casserole: Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling at the edges.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, top with the remaining bacon, and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Use warm pasta: Warm pasta absorbs the ranch and BBQ sauce flavors better than cold pasta.
• Grate your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly.
• Choose a thick BBQ sauce: A watery sauce will make the bottom of the baking dish pool with liquid.

What To Serve With BBQ Chicken Casserole

A crisp green salad with a sharp vinaigrette cuts through the rich, cheesy flavors. Garlic bread or buttery cornbread works well to scoop up any leftover BBQ sauce on the plate.

How To Store

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze this unbaked for up to 3 months, just thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking.

FAQs

Can I use raw chicken?

No, you need fully cooked chicken for this recipe. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly, and keep it in the fridge up to a day before baking.

Why is my casserole dry?

This usually happens if the pasta was overcooked before baking or if you did not use enough BBQ sauce.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Total Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 890mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 35g
• Protein: 28g

Try More Recipes:

• French Onion Chicken Noodle Casserole
• Chicken Egg Noodle Casserole: Easy Weeknight Recipe
• Chicken Mushroom Casserole Recipe