Okay, listen, you know those nights when you’re staring into the fridge, wondering how you’re going to conjure up something that’s both satisfying AND doesn’t require an hour of chopping? This BBQ Chicken Casserole is your answer. It’s kind of like a deconstructed BBQ chicken pizza, but way easier and, dare I say, even more comforting. My grandma used to make a simpler version of this, and the smell alone would have us kids racing to the table. I’ve tweaked it over the years, adding a few secret ingredients that make it absolutely irresistible. If you love BBQ chicken, you’re going to be obsessed with this casserole!
What is BBQ Chicken Casserole?
Think of it as the ultimate comfort food mashup. It’s essentially layers of Shredded Chicken, a tangy BBQ sauce, creamy cheeses, and a crispy topping, all baked to bubbly perfection. The magic happens when those flavors meld together in the oven – the sweetness of the BBQ sauce, the savory chicken, and the gooey cheese…it’s a symphony of deliciousness. It’s not fancy, it’s not complicated, but it IS incredibly satisfying. I honestly think it’s the perfect dish for a weeknight dinner or even a potluck because it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Why do I love this recipe?
There are so many reasons why this BBQ Chicken Casserole has become a staple in my kitchen. First and foremost, the flavor is just out of this world. That combination of smoky BBQ sauce and creamy cheese is heaven! But beyond the taste, it’s also incredibly easy to make. Seriously, you can have this in the oven in about 15 minutes, which is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. It’s also a budget-friendly meal, especially if you use leftover cooked chicken. What I love most about this is its versatility. You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your own preferences – add different veggies, use a different type of cheese, or even swap out the chicken for another protein. It’s also great for using up any odds and ends you have in the fridge. This is even better than a BBQ Chicken Pizza and uses far less ingredients while making it feel less like work.
How do you make BBQ chicken casserole?
Quick Overview
Making this BBQ Chicken Casserole is seriously a breeze. Basically, you’re just layering ingredients in a baking dish and popping it in the oven. It’s all about pre-cooking the chicken (if you aren’t using leftovers), mixing together the sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings, and then letting the oven do its magic. The secret ingredient? A little bit of ranch dressing mixed in with the cheese – trust me on this one; it adds a creamy tang that takes it to the next level. I promise, it’s simpler than it sounds!
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
* 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
* 1 (16 ounce) bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce (I’m partial to Sweet Baby Ray’s, but use whatever you love)
* 1 cup ranch dressing
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar gives it a nice kick)
* 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (for extra meltiness!)
* 1/2 cup chopped red onion (adds a nice bit of zing)
* 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper (for a touch of freshness)
* 1 (10 ounce) can of diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained (like Rotel; this is optional, but I love the little bit of heat)
* 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of Chicken Soup
For the Topping: How do you
* 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (gives it that perfect buttery crunch) * 4 tablespoons melted butter
How do I follow the
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
What should I do first, preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I usually use a little bit of cooking spray, but you can also use butter or oil. This step is important to prevent the casserole from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a large bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, and cream of Chicken Soup. Whisk it all together until it’s smooth. What is the flavor base of a casserole?
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Add the Shredded Chicken to the bowl with the sauce mixture and stir until the chicken is evenly coated. How do I make sure every piece of chicken is slathered in BBQ sauce?
Step 4: Layer It Up
How do you spread the chicken mixture into a baking dish? Half of the cheddar cheese and half of Monterey Jack cheese over the chicken. Then, sprinkle the chopped red onion, green bell pepper, and diced tomatoes and Green Chilies (if using) on top. How do I use) over cheese?
Step 5: Add the Rest of the Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top of the vegetables. You want a nice, even layer of cheese to get that perfect melty, bubbly topping.
Step 6: Make the Topping
In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Set aside. Mix it together until the crackers are evenly coated with butter. Place on a baking sheet and spread evenly. What gives a casserole that crunch?
Step 7: Sprinkle the Topping
Sprinkle the Ritz Cracker mixture evenly over the top of the cheese. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the casserole for maximum crunch factor.
Step 8: Bake
If the cheese is melted and bubbly, bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. Is the topping golden brown? Keep an eye on it towards the end to make sure the topping doesn’t burn. Ovens can vary, so use your judgment!
Step 9: Cool & Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set up a bit, so it’s not too runny. Serve hot and enjoy!
What is the best way to serve it?
What are some good side dishes to serve with this BBQ Chicken Casserole?What is a simple weeknight dinner?What are some good side dishes to serve with coleslaw or green salad? The coolness of the coleslaw balances out the richness.For a Potluck:Bring along some corn on the cob or baked beans. What are some good side dishes to serve with a casserole?For a Cozy Night In: Serve it with some mac and cheese or mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort food feast. My family likes to add a little jalapeno to the mac and cheese for a spicy kick. I personally love it with cornbread. The slight sweetness of the cornbread is the perfect match for the BBQ. Whatever you pick, make sure it’s something that lets the casserole shine. Sometimes simple is best!
How do I make a perfect chicken casserole?
I’ve made this BBQ Chicken Casserole countless times, and I have learned a few tricks along the way. Okay, so I’ve been making this for ages.Chicken Prep:What are some of the best recipes for rotisserie chicken? Is it already cooked and seasoned? If you have leftover chicken from another meal, that works too! Just make sure it’s shredded into bite-sized pieces. I always check for small bones.What is the best BBQ sauce to useWhat kind of BBQ sauce should I use for my casserole? I usually go for a classic sweet and smoky sauce, but you can experiment with different flavors to make it your own. What is your favorite song? What is a good BBQ sauce? I usually go with a sweet one because my children aren’t big on spice.Cheese Please:What is the best cheese to eat? I like to use cheddar and Monterey Jack for the best flavor and meltiness. How do you add pepper jack to a salad? I usually use a mixture I buy from the grocery store to keep things simple.What are some of theWhat other veggies can I add to this recipe? What are some good additions to a salad? Corn, black beans, or diced jalapenos? Just make sure to chop them into small pieces so they cook evenly.Ritz Cracker Magic: What isWhat makes this casserole special is the Ritz cracker topping. Is it worth it to skip this step? If you don’t have Ritz crackers, you can use potato chips or cornflakes.Baking Time:How long does it take for a casserole to bake? You want the cheese melted and bubbly, and the topping to be golden brown. If the topping starts to get too dark, you can cover the casserole with foil for the last few minutes. How long does it take to bake
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house! How do I store and reheat them?Room Temperature: I wouldn’t leave this casserole out at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacteria can grow quickly, so it’s best to refrigerate it as soon as possible.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s completely cooled before you put it in the fridge.
Freezer Instructions: You can also freeze this casserole for longer storage. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or store it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Let it thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat the casserole, you can either microwave it or bake it in the oven. Microwaving is quicker, but the oven will give you a better result. To reheat in the oven, bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. If the topping starts to get too dark, cover it with foil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Chicken Casserole is seriously one of those recipes that you’ll make again and again. It’s easy, it’s delicious, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding a family or bringing a dish to a potluck, this casserole is sure to be a hit. And the best part is, you can easily customize it to suit your own tastes. If you enjoyed this, you might also like my Buffalo Chicken Dip or my Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Casserole – they’re both equally easy and delicious! Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Be sure to leave a comment and let me know what variations you tried!
BBQ Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded chicken Use rotisserie chicken for best results
- 1.5 cups barbecue sauce Choose your favorite brand
- 1 cup cheddar cheese Shredded
- 2 cups cooked pasta Elbow macaroni or penne works well
- 0.5 cup green onions Chopped
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken and barbecue sauce.
- Mix in cooked pasta and half of the shredded cheese.
- Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Top with remaining cheese and green onions.
- Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
