This BBQ Chicken Casserole is smoky, cozy, and utterly delicious! It's also super easy to whip up using leftover cooked chicken - just perfect for a busy weeknight.

BBQ chicken casserole in a black skillet

If you've been looking for a casserole recipe that bursts with flavor with every bite while also being easy to make, this BBQ chicken casserole is it!

This dish is like a cheesy, saucy, flavor-packed hug in a bowl, and trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds.

And the good news is that it practically cooks itself! Just a little chopping, a quick sauté, and it's all baked together in one dish. Minimal mess, major deliciousness - can't beat that, right?

Got more cooked chicken to use up? My easy chicken hashbrown casserole turns it into a complete dinner with zero fuss.

Why you'll love this BBQ chicken casserole

It's a super easy, throw-together weeknight meal that the whole family will enjoy.
The BBQ flavors with the cheesy topping make it seriously satisfying comfort food.
It's a great way to use up any leftover chicken you might have in the fridge.

A close-up photo of a pasta casserole with chicken and BBQ sauce

Ingredients you'll need

Onion + garlic - I like to dice them finely for even distribution. Feel free to add as much garlic as you like.

BBQ sauce - Use your favorite store-bought brand or make it at home if you like.

If you want something a bit different, try it with my delicious pineapple BBQ sauce.

Smoked paprika - For that rich, smoky flavor that makes this casserole amazing!

Crushed tomatoes - I like the texture of crushed tomatoes in this casserole, but you can use diced tomatoes if that's what you have.

Cooked chicken - Both rotisserie chicken and leftover grilled chicken are perfect for this recipe. Alternatively, you can make it with leftover turkey.

Pasta - I usually go for penne or rotini, but any short pasta shape will work well.

Mozzarella cheese - Grated mozzarella is great in this casserole, but you can use cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack or any combination you may have on hand.

Pro tip

For a nice crunch, top the casserole with crushed tortilla chips, breadcrumbs, or crumbled crackers just before baking!

How to make chicken BBQ casserole

This is a quick overview with step-by-step photos. See the recipe card below for full ingredients and instructions.

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a casserole dish (or use oven-proof skillet). Boil the pasta as directed, then drain.

Heat the olive oil, cook the onion until softened, then add bacon until slightly crispy. Stir in garlic and continue to cook until fragrant.

Steps for making BBQ chicken casserole - Frying the onion and bacon

Add the BBQ sauce and paprika and bring to a simmer. Then add the tomatoes, broth, chicken, and seasonings. Stir in the cooked pasta.

Adding the cooked chicken to the BBQ tomato sauce

Finishing the dish with pasta and mozzarella

Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish (if needed). Top it with mozzarella and bake until bubbly and golden.

Chicken casserole close-up with a spoon in it

Substitutions and variations

Stir in some sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or corn for extra flavor and nutrition.
Make it with another protein - instead of chicken, try using ground beef, turkey, sausage, or even pulled pork.
Kick up the heat with jalapeños, a dash of cayenne pepper, or your favorite hot sauce.

Helpful tips

Top the baked casserole with chopped fresh cilantro, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream.
This casserole is fantastic for meal prep and freezes well. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish and bake from frozen (adding extra cooking time) for an easy dinner on busy nights.
You can adjust the heat level with a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or your favorite hot sauce.

What to serve with BBQ chicken casserole?

Garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment for this casserole.
For a lighter option, go for a simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing.
You can also serve the BBQ chicken casserole with some roasted vegetables on the side. Broccoli and asparagus are great ideas.

Leftovers and storage

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake the whole casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Assemble the casserole but don't bake it. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed or bake straight from frozen, increasing cooking times accordingly.