Description
A flavorful and hearty BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole combining tender shredded chicken, smoky bacon, creamy ranch, tangy BBQ sauce, and a cheesy pasta base for a deliciously comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces bowtie pasta
Protein & Meat
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast (rotisserie, leftovers, or cooked & shredded)
- ½ cup chopped cooked bacon (real bacon pieces, not imitation)
Dairy & Cheese
- 2½ cups shredded cheddar cheese blend
- 1 cup ranch dressing
Vegetables & Canned Goods
- 15 ounces canned corn, drained
- 10 ounces Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies), do not drain
- 7 ounces diced green chilies, do not drain
- 1 tablespoon minced onions
Sauces & Condiments
- ¾ cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole.
- Cook the pasta: Boil the bowtie pasta until it is al dente, then drain it thoroughly and place it into a large mixing bowl.
- Combine the ingredients: Add the cooked shredded chicken, chopped bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, drained corn, undrained Rotel, diced green chilies, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, and minced onions to the bowl with pasta. Toss everything together until well mixed.
- Prepare the casserole dish: Transfer the combined mixture into a casserole dish. Optionally, sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top for an extra cheesy crust.
- Bake the casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted.
Notes
- You can use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience and added flavor.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or a hot BBQ sauce.
- If you prefer, substitute bowtie pasta with penne or rotini.
- Ensure not to use imitation bacon bits as it changes the flavor profile.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
