Go Back
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand) - 1 cup ranch dressing The main ingredients create a great base for this dish. The cooked chicken gives protein and flavor. I love using my favorite BBQ sauce for that sweet and tangy kick. The ranch dressing adds a creamy touch that pairs perfectly with BBQ. You can use rotisserie chicken for ease or cook your own if you prefer. - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 cup corn (canned or frozen) - 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice The black beans add a nice texture and protein boost. Corn brings sweetness and color. Quinoa or rice makes the casserole heartier. You can switch out the quinoa for rice or vice versa based on what you have. Both options work well in this dish. - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup diced bell peppers (red, green, or yellow) - ½ teaspoon garlic powder - ½ teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste Cheese is a must for this casserole. Shredded cheddar melts beautifully and adds richness. Diced bell peppers add crunch and color. I use garlic and onion powder to boost flavor without extra fuss. A pinch of salt and pepper finishes the mix, making it just right for your taste. If you want extra crunch, add crushed tortilla chips on top before baking. 1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step helps cook the casserole evenly. 2. Gather all your ingredients. You need: - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup BBQ sauce - 1 cup ranch dressing - 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 cup corn - 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup diced bell peppers - ½ teaspoon garlic powder - ½ teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup crushed tortilla chips (optional) - Fresh cilantro for garnish 3. In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, and ranch dressing. 4. Add the black beans, corn, quinoa or rice, and diced bell peppers. 5. Sprinkle in the garlic powder and onion powder. Mix well until all ingredients are coated. 6. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. This step adds that perfect flavor. 7. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish. Spread it evenly. 8. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. If you like crunch, add crushed tortilla chips now. 9. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. 10. Remove the foil and bake for an extra 10-15 minutes. Look for the cheese to be bubbly and golden. 11. Once done, let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color. To make great BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole, start with well-cooked chicken. I suggest using shredded chicken for a good texture. You can use rotisserie chicken or cook some fresh chicken breasts. Just bake, boil, or grill them. Seasoning is key to a tasty dish. Always taste your mix before baking. Adjust with salt and pepper as needed. A little extra garlic or onion powder can really boost the flavor. Ovens can be tricky. Not all bake the same. Keep an eye on your casserole as it cooks. If it's browning too fast, cover it with foil. This will help it cook evenly. For cheese, you want that perfect melt. Add the cheese during the last 10 to 15 minutes of baking. This way, it becomes bubbly and golden, not hard and dry. When serving, think about sides. A fresh green salad pairs nicely. You might also try tortilla chips for a crunchy side. For garnishes, chopped cilantro adds great color and taste. You can also add sliced jalapeños for a kick. Enjoy your flavorful casserole! {{image_2}} You can easily change some ingredients in this dish. For proteins, consider using turkey or beef instead of chicken. Both work well and add their own flavor. You can also swap the black beans for pinto beans or chickpeas. If you prefer grains, try using brown rice or farro instead of quinoa. These swaps keep the dish fresh and fun. Want to spice things up? Add sliced jalapeños to the mix. They give a nice kick to the dish. You can also experiment with different cheeses. Try gouda or pepper jack for a unique twist. Mixing in some cream cheese can also make the casserole creamier and richer. These flavors add depth and excitement to each bite. If you're looking for gluten-free options, use gluten-free BBQ sauce and corn. This way, everyone can enjoy it. For vegetarian options, skip the chicken and add extra beans or tofu. You can also pack in more veggies like zucchini or spinach. These changes keep the dish tasty and cater to different diets. To keep your BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole fresh, follow these steps: - Cool it first: Let the casserole cool for about 5 to 10 minutes after baking. - Use airtight containers: Transfer leftovers to containers with tight lids. This keeps air out. - Label and date: Write the date on the container. This helps you track how long it’s been stored. - Refrigerate: Place the containers in the fridge. Enjoy leftovers within 3 to 4 days. When you are ready to eat the leftovers, here are some tips: - Microwave method: Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for 1 to 2 minutes. Check if it’s warm throughout. - Oven method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil and heat for about 15 to 20 minutes. This keeps it from getting soggy. - Avoiding sogginess: If you use the microwave, do not cover it tightly. This will help keep the texture nice. Freezing is a great option if you want to save some for later: - Cool completely: Make sure the casserole is cool before freezing. - Use freezer-safe containers: You can also use heavy-duty freezer bags. Squeeze out excess air before sealing. - Label and date: Mark the bags or containers with the date. This will help you remember when you made it. - Thawing tips: When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. This helps it heat evenly. - Reheating after freezing: Use the oven method for the best texture. Heat at 350°F (175°C) until warm, about 25 to 30 minutes. You can use any creamy dressing. Try blue cheese or Italian dressing. You can also mix mayo with a bit of seasoning. This will give your casserole a new twist. Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just mix all the ingredients and store them in the fridge. When you're ready, bake it straight from the fridge. This saves time on busy nights. This casserole will stay good for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Just make sure to cover it well. If you want it to last longer, you can freeze it. Of course! You can use turkey, beef, or even shredded pork. Each protein will add its own flavor to the dish. Just make sure to cook the meat before adding it to the casserole. Yes! You can add diced jalapeños or spicy BBQ sauce. You can also sprinkle in some cayenne pepper. Adjust the spice to your taste for a kick. The BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole combines cooked chicken, BBQ sauce, and ranch dressing for a tasty meal. By adding black beans, corn, and quinoa or rice, you make it hearty. Toppings like cheese and fresh peppers enhance the dish. Remember, you can swap ingredients or adjust spices to fit your taste. Proper storage and reheating tips keep leftovers fresh and tasty. This casserole is versatile and easy, making it a great choice for busy nights. Enjoy making your own version, and savor every bite!

BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole

Savor the delicious flavors of this BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole that will delight your family and friends! With tender chicken, zesty BBQ sauce, creamy ranch, and a blend of hearty ingredients like black beans, corn, and quinoa, this dish is a perfect comfort food. It's easy to make and ready in under an hour. Click to discover this mouthwatering recipe and make your next dinner a hit!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)

1 cup ranch dressing

1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup corn (canned or frozen)

1 cup cooked quinoa or rice

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup diced bell peppers (red, green, or yellow)

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup crushed tortilla chips (optional for topping)

Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, black beans, corn, quinoa or rice, diced bell peppers, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

      Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.

        Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole, followed by a layer of crushed tortilla chips if desired for added crunch.

          Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

            Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

              Once done, take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6