Name: Easy BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!); 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen/thawed, or canned/drained); 1/2 red bell pepper, diced; 1/2 green bell pepper, diced; 1/2 red onion, diced; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional); 1/2 cup ranch dressing; 1/2 cup BBQ sauce; 1/4 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor); Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 cup crushed corn chips (like Fritos); 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese for topping

Jump to Recipe

Why This is My Go-To Easy Dinner Recipe
The Secret to a Perfectly Flavorful Casserole
Crowd-Pleasing Meals Made Simple
The Best Shortcuts for Stress-Free Weeknight Dinners
Tips for Serving and Storing This Family Favorite
Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Dinner Recipes
The Recipe: Easy BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole
Notes & Tips for Success

Key Takeaways

This BBQ Ranch Chicken Casserole is a quintessential easy dinner recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. It combines creamy, tangy, and smoky elements into a hearty, one-dish meal that is sure to become a family favorite. The recipe is highly adaptable, forgiving, and perfect for using leftovers or pre-cooked chicken. From prep to the table in about 50 minutes, it’s the ideal solution for busy nights when you need a satisfying easy dinner that everyone will love.

Why This is My Go-To Easy Dinner Recipe

Hi there, it’s Betty from Betty Cooks! We all know those nights—the clock is ticking, everyone’s hungry, and the thought of a complicated meal is just too much. That’s exactly why I created this casserole. It’s my ultimate solution for a stress-free, delicious easy dinner recipe. It hits all the right notes: it’s creamy, cheesy, packed with protein, and has that irresistible smoky-sweet BBQ flavor. The best part? It’s incredibly forgiving. I’ve tested it with different cheeses, leftover veggies, and even leftover turkey after the holidays, and it always turns out wonderfully. It’s the kind of dependable, no-fuss easy dinner that deserves a permanent spot in your rotation.

The Secret to a Perfectly Flavorful Casserole

The magic of this dish lies in the sauce. By blending creamy ranch dressing with tangy BBQ sauce and a touch of sour cream, you create a complex, velvety base that coats every bite. This combination is far greater than the sum of its parts, offering a depth of flavor that keeps people coming back for seconds. It perfectly balances the savory chicken and sweet corn, making every forkful a delightful experience. This sauce technique is a fantastic trick for creating quick and easy dinners with a gourmet feel.

Crowd-Pleasing Meals Made Simple

Whether you’re feeding your family on a Tuesday night or hosting a casual gathering with friends, this casserole is a guaranteed hit. It’s hearty and satisfying without being heavy, and its familiar, comforting flavors appeal to both kids and adults. I love serving it with a simple green salad and some warm, crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce. It transforms simple ingredients into a complete meal that feels special, proving that dinner recipes for family can be both easy and impressive.

The Best Shortcuts for Stress-Free Weeknight Dinners

Embrace the Rotisserie Chicken

My number one tip for making this (and so many other easy casserole recipes) even simpler is to use a store-bought rotisserie chicken. It’s pre-cooked, seasoned, and ready to shred—saving you at least 30 minutes of active cooking time. It’s the ultimate shortcut for busy home cooks.

Make-Ahead Magic

This casserole is a dream for meal prep. You can assemble the entire dish (minus the crunchy topping) up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready, pop it in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time. Coming home to a dinner that’s ready to bake is a game-changer for busy schedules.

Tips for Serving and Storing This Family Favorite

Let the casserole rest for about 5-10 minutes after pulling it from the oven. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it much easier to slice and serve neatly. Any leftovers store beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheat wonderfully in the microwave or oven. The flavors often taste even better the next day! For a fun twist, try using the leftovers as a filling for warm tortillas for a next-day lunch.

Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Dinner Recipes

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! As mentioned, assembly ahead of time is highly recommended for the easiest quick and easy dinner recipes. It’s perfect for meal prep Sunday or for getting a head start on a busy weekday.

What can I use instead of corn chips for the topping?

The topping is optional but adds a great crunch. If you don’t have corn chips, try crushed crackers (like Ritz), panko breadcrumbs tossed with a little melted butter, or even French fried onions for a different flavor profile.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, it freezes very well. Assemble the casserole (without the topping) in a freezer-safe dish, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding the topping just before it goes in the oven.