There’s something about a bubbling hot casserole dish that just screams comfort, especially when it’s laced with the bold, smoky sweetness of barbecue sauce. This BBQ Chicken Casserole is one of those meals that instantly brings people to the table—and keeps them coming back for seconds. It’s the kind of dish that reminds you of summer cookouts, tailgates, and cozy weekends spent with family, even if you’re pulling it out of the oven in the middle of winter.

This recipe came to life on a chilly Friday evening when I wanted all the flavors of a backyard barbecue without firing up the grill. I had some leftover shredded chicken in the fridge and a craving for something hearty but easy. After a quick rummage through the pantry—pasta, cheese, barbecue sauce—I threw everything into a casserole dish and hoped for the best. The result? A smoky, cheesy, stick-to-your-ribs dinner that my family now begs for on repeat.

What makes this BBQ Chicken Casserole so special is how it strikes that perfect balance: the smokiness of the BBQ sauce, the creamy richness from the cheese, and the comforting bite of tender pasta. It’s warm, filling, and a little nostalgic—kind of like your favorite potluck dish, but even better.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Super simple: You only need one pot and one casserole dish. Easy cleanup!
• Family-friendly: It’s cheesy, hearty, and full of bold BBQ flavor kids and adults will both love.
• Perfect for leftovers: Have some cooked chicken hanging around? This is the best way to use it up.
• Customizable: Want to add some veggies? Toss ’em in. More cheese? Always.
• Make-ahead magic: Prep it earlier in the day, then just bake it when you’re ready to eat.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

• 12 oz uncooked rotini pasta
• 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• 1 cup shredded turkey ham
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

HOW TO MAKE BBQ CHICKEN CASSEROLE:

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of butter or nonstick spray.
2. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini and cook until just al dente (you don’t want it too soft since it’ll cook more in the oven). Drain and set aside.
3. Mix up the magic: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, and softened cream cheese. Stir everything until the cream cheese melts into the mix and forms a creamy, smoky sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
4. Toss it all together: Add the cooked pasta to the bowl with the chicken mixture. Throw in the green onions, turkey ham, and shredded mozzarella. Stir until everything is evenly combined.
5. Layer and top: Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the top with shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Bake to perfection: Pop it in the oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown.
7. Let it rest: Give it 5–10 minutes to cool slightly before serving. That makes it easier to scoop and lets all those cheesy layers settle a bit.

HELPFUL TIPS:

• Use what you’ve got: Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver here. No need to cook chicken from scratch if you don’t have to.
• Make it extra smoky: A smoky BBQ sauce will deepen the flavor even more. Try mixing two types of BBQ sauce for a fun twist!
• Add some veggies: Stir in some corn, bell peppers, or even sautéed mushrooms to bulk it up and sneak in some greens.
• Spice it up: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or a pinch of chili flakes if you like a little heat.

DETAILS:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Comfort food, High-protein

NOTES:

• You can swap rotini with penne or shells—any short pasta works beautifully.
• This dish reheats like a dream, so don’t worry about leftovers.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

(Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 560
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 8g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, add an extra 5–10 minutes to the cook time.

Can I freeze BBQ Chicken Casserole?
Yes! Once baked, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze. It’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until hot and bubbly.

What can I serve with this?
It’s a full meal on its own, but a side salad, cornbread, or roasted veggies pair nicely if you’re feeding a crowd.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Microwave individual portions or warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Related Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:

• French Chicken Casserole à la Normande: A Cozy Culinary Escape
• Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole
• Rotisserie Chicken Casserole
• Creamy Crack Chicken Casserole

CONCLUSION

There’s something so satisfying about scooping into a cheesy, golden casserole dish at the end of a long day. This BBQ Chicken Casserole wraps you in warmth and flavor with every bite—and it’s just so easy to make. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or sharing a casual Sunday dinner with friends, this recipe is the kind of simple, hearty dish that brings people together. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular in your dinner rotation. Happy cooking!

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