This flavorful BBQ Chicken Casserole with Bacon and Pasta is a surefire crowd-pleaser. It's loaded with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and al dente pasta, all coated in a tangy, smoky barbecue sauce. Topped with gooey, melty cheese, this casserole is sure to satisfy any craving.
Whether you're looking for a quick and easy dinner idea or a crowd-pleasing meal for a family gathering, this casserole is sure to hit the spot. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility; you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences, adding your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own. So why not give this delicious BBQ chicken casserole a try and discover a new family favorite that everyone will love!
If there are any meals you would like to see, please leave a comment or if you try this recipe, leave a comment below!
Try some of our other favorite casseroles, such as BBQ Chicken Bubble Up, One Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni, Easy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole, or Bubble Up Lasagna.
Jump to:
Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Bacon Casserole
- chicken, shredded
- barbecue sauce
- sour cream
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- black pepper
- salt
- bacon, cooked and chopped
- pasta (rotini or farfalle)
- crushed tomatoes
- red onion, diced
- Colby or Mexican cheese, shredded
- green onion, sliced
FAQs
BBQ Chicken Pasta Bacon Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish combining pasta, shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and barbecue sauce. It's topped with cheese and baked until bubbly and golden, making it a comforting and crowd-pleasing meal.
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking.
Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked casserole. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed, adding an additional 10-15 minutes to the baking time if needed.
This casserole pairs well with a fresh green salad, coleslaw, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.
Top Tips
- Use pre-cooked chicken: Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken can be used in this recipe to save time.
- Cook the pasta al dente: Be sure to cook the pasta just until it's al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. Overcooking the pasta will result in a mushy casserole.
- Choose the right BBQ sauce: Choose a barbecue sauce that you love and that complements the other flavors in the casserole. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, opt for a honey barbecue sauce. If you like it spicy, choose a sauce with a little heat.
- Add your favorite veggies: Consider adding your favorite veggies to the casserole, such as bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms. Just be sure to chop them into small pieces so they cook evenly.
- If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
How to make BBQ Chicken Casserole
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine BBQ sauce, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in chicken and red onion.
- Mix in ½ pound of bacon, crushed tomatoes, and 1 cup of shredded cheese.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it's al dente. Drain and mix with the sauce.
- Pour into prepared baking pan. Top with remaining cheese and bacon, then sprinkle green onions on top.
- Spread a little barbecue sauce on top, if desired. Bake 20-25 minutes in preheated oven or until cheese is melted and sauce is bubbly. Rest about 5 minutes. Serve hot and enjoy!
BBQ Chicken Casserole with Bacon and Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups chicken, shredded
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 16 ounces bacon, cooked and chopped
- 16 ounces pasta (rotini or farfalle)
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup red onion, diced
- 3 cups Colby or Mexican cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoon green onion, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine BBQ sauce, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in chicken and red onion.
- Mix in ½ pound of bacon, crushed tomatoes, and 1 cup of shredded cheese.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it's al dente. Drain and mix with the sauce.
- Pour into prepared baking pan. Top with remaining cheese and bacon, then sprinkle green onions on top.
- Spread a little barbecue sauce on top, if desired. Bake 20-25 minutes in preheated oven or until cheese is melted and sauce is bubbly. Rest about 5 minutes. Serve hot and enjoy!
Leave a Reply