This Barbecue Chicken Casserole is a flavorful and hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. It’s made with tender chicken, pasta, tangy BBQ sauce, and gooey melted cheese. This dish is quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and loved by kids and adults alike. If you’re craving barbecue but want something warm and comforting, this casserole is the answer.
| Servings | Total |
| 6 | 45mins |
History of Barbecue Chicken Casserole
Barbecue chicken is a classic American favorite, and casseroles have long been a way to bring convenience to home-cooked meals. Combining the smoky, tangy flavor of barbecue chicken with pasta and cheese was a natural evolution. This dish became a hit in American households for its simplicity, flavor, and ability to feed a crowd.
Why Barbecue Chicken Casserole?
- Bold, Tangy Flavor: The BBQ sauce adds a smoky, tangy kick to each bite.
- Easy to Make: Just mix, layer, and bake!
- Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Reheats well, making it great for meal prep.
What is Barbecue Chicken Casserole Made of?
This casserole typically includes:
- Cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- Cooked pasta (like penne, rotini, or elbow)
- Tangy BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Creamy base made with sour cream or cream cheese
- Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- Optional add-ins like corn, black beans, or onions
What to Have with Barbecue Chicken Casserole
Serve this dish with:
- A fresh green salad with vinaigrette dressing
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
- Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans
Is Barbecue Chicken Casserole Healthy?
This dish is hearty and filling, but you can make it healthier by using whole-grain pasta, sugar-free BBQ sauce, and reduced-fat cheese. Adding vegetables like corn, black beans, or zucchini also boosts its nutritional value.
Kitchen Equipment
- Large baking dish (9×13 recommended)
- Large pot for cooking pasta
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or spatula for mixing
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or cream cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- 1/2 cup corn (optional)
- 1/2 cup black beans (optional)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: 1/4 cup chopped green onions or 1/4 cup crumbled bacon
Directions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine BBQ sauce, sour cream (or cream cheese), milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Mix Casserole: Add shredded chicken, cooked pasta, corn, and black beans (if using) to the sauce. Toss until everything is coated.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top. Add crumbled bacon or green onions, if using.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh green onions or extra cheese, if desired.
Tips
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- To make it spicier, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce mixture.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking.
- Make it a one-dish meal by adding vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers.
Conclusion
This Barbecue Chicken Casserole is packed with bold, tangy flavor and is the perfect comfort food for any night of the week. It’s quick to prepare, easy to customize, and always a hit with the family. Serve it with a fresh salad, garlic bread, or steamed veggies for a complete meal that’s sure to please.
MORE RECIPES
The Best Barbecue Chicken Casserole Recipe
Equipment
- Large baking dish (9×13 recommended)
- Large pot for cooking pasta
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or spatula for mixing
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or cream cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- 1/2 cup corn (optional)
- 1/2 cup black beans (optional)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: 1/4 cup chopped green onions or 1/4 cup crumbled bacon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine BBQ sauce, sour cream (or cream cheese), milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Add shredded chicken, cooked pasta, corn, and black beans (if using) to the sauce. Toss until everything is coated.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top. Add crumbled bacon or green onions, if using.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh green onions or extra cheese, if desired.