BBQ Chicken Casserole

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This BBQ Chicken Casserole is made with shredded chicken, pasta, a creamy BBQ sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. Finished with bacon and green onions, it’s an easy, crowd pleasing dinner that works just as well for leftovers.

Prep Time15

Cook Time45

Total Time1

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 709kcal

Author: Joanna Cismaru

Equipment

9x13-inch Casserole Dish

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

4 cups cooked chicken shredded
12 ounces penne pasta or any other small shaped pasta
2 cups BBQ sauce make your own, or use your favorite store bought BBQ sauce
1 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Layer:

1 cup Monterey Jack cheese shredded
2 cups cheddar cheese shredded

For the Topping:

6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
½ cup green onions chopped
½ cup BBQ sauce for drizzling

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
Cook the penne or pasta of your choice according to package instructions until it's al dente. The pasta is al dente when it's cooked but still firm when bitten. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked pasta, BBQ sauce, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
Transfer the chicken and pasta mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses evenly over the top of the chicken and pasta mixture.
Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
Remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon and chopped onions evenly over the top. Drizzle additional BBQ sauce over the toppings. Add dollops of sour cream if desired.

Notes

Rotisserie chicken works great here and keeps prep time short.
Use a BBQ sauce you enjoy, since it’s the main flavor in the dish.
Cook the pasta just to al dente so it holds up during baking.
If your BBQ sauce is very thick, thin it slightly with water or chicken broth.
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving so it sets up and scoops cleanly.

Nutrition