Cheesy BBQ Chicken Casserole
A hearty oven-baked dish combining penne pasta, shredded chicken, and barbecue sauce with a generous topping of cheese and bacon bits.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz Penne pasta Dry
- 3 cups Shredded chicken Fully cooked
- 1 cup Barbecue sauce
- 1 medium Red onion Diced
- 1.5 cups Cheddar cheese Shredded or thinly sliced
- 0.5 cup Bacon bits Fully cooked
- Salt To taste after adding sauces and cheese
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the shredded chicken with barbecue sauce and diced red onions until well-coated.
- Mix the BBQ chicken mixture with the cooked penne pasta, ensuring everything is evenly combined.
- Transfer the mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Top generously with shredded cheddar cheese and sprinkle bacon bits over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Continue baking as necessary until the center is hot and the edges are bubbling. If the topping browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Keep the pasta slightly firm before baking and reserve some cheese for the topping. The sauce should coat the pasta generously, as noodles absorb more moisture in the oven. Pair the bake with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables. Refrigerate leftovers promptly and reheat until hot throughout. For easier assembly, prepare components ahead of time and refrigerate.