Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This BBQ Ranch Chicken Bake is a flavor-packed casserole that combines all the best elements of a backyard barbecue. It’s a perfect balance of creamy ranch, smoky BBQ sauce, and crispy textures from both cheese and potato chips. It’s incredibly easy to prepare with minimal effort, making it an ideal dish for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s highly customizable and always a hit with kids and adults alike. Whether you enjoy it as a hearty dinner or a comforting leftover meal, it’s sure to be a recipe you’ll return to time and time again.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
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½ cup barbecue sauce
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1 packet ranch seasoning mix
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1 cup sour cream
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1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
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4 slices cooked beef, crumbled
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1½ cups crushed BBQ-flavored potato chips
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Optional: chopped green onions for garnish
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken, barbecue sauce, ranch seasoning mix, and sour cream. Stir until the chicken is well coated with the sauce mixture.
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Spread the chicken mixture evenly into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
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Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the chicken mixture.
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Crumble the cooked beef slices and sprinkle them evenly on top of the cheese layer.
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Evenly distribute the crushed BBQ-flavored potato chips over the top of the casserole.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the potato chips are golden and crispy.
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Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.
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Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
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Yield: 4 to 6 servings
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Total Time: 35 minutes (including prep and cook time)
Variations
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Add Vegetables: Include vegetables like corn, bell peppers, or even spinach to boost the nutrition of this dish.
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Spicy Twist: Add a bit of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
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Cheese Options: While sharp cheddar is great, you can also experiment with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack cheese for different flavor profiles.
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Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free sour cream substitute and dairy-free cheese to make this casserole suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftover BBQ Ranch Chicken Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: To reheat, place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breast instead of rotisserie chicken?
Yes, you can use cooked chicken breast in place of rotisserie chicken. Just be sure to shred the chicken for the best texture.
2. Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?
Absolutely! You can add jalapeños, hot sauce, or a spicy ranch seasoning mix to give the casserole a spicy kick.
3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
4. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
5. How do I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply omit the beef slices and substitute the chicken with a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh, or use extra vegetables.
6. Can I use a different type of chips instead of BBQ chips?
Yes! If you prefer, you can use regular potato chips, tortilla chips, or even pretzels for a different crunch.
7. Can I make this dish in a smaller baking dish?
Yes, you can adjust the recipe to fit a smaller baking dish. Just reduce the ingredients proportionally and keep an eye on the baking time, as it might cook a bit faster.
8. How do I make sure the chips stay crispy?
For the crispiest chips, sprinkle them on top of the casserole just before baking and avoid stirring them into the mixture. This keeps them crunchy.
9. What should I serve this dish with?
You can pair this casserole with a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted potatoes for a well-rounded meal.
10. Can I use a different cheese in this recipe?
Yes, you can use a variety of cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for different textures and flavors.
Conclusion
The BBQ Ranch Chicken Bake is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, smoky, and crunchy flavors all packed into one dish. It’s simple to make, and sure to please a crowd, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and casual gatherings. With endless variations and easy leftovers, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your meal rotation.
BBQ Ranch Chicken Bake
This BBQ Ranch Chicken Bake is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender rotisserie chicken, creamy ranch sauce, and a crunchy BBQ chip topping for a smoky, tangy, and savory meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
½ cup barbecue sauce
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
1 cup sour cream
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
4 slices cooked beef, crumbled
1½ cups crushed BBQ-flavored potato chips
Optional: chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken, barbecue sauce, ranch seasoning mix, and sour cream. Stir until the chicken is well coated with the sauce mixture.
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the chicken mixture.
- Crumble the cooked beef slices and sprinkle them evenly on top of the cheese layer.
- Evenly distribute the crushed BBQ-flavored potato chips over the top of the casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the potato chips are golden and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can add vegetables like corn, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Add jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Try different cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for variation.
- To make it dairy-free, substitute dairy-free sour cream and cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
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