BBQ Chicken Pizza Casserole

Craving the smoky-sweet flavors of BBQ chicken pizza, but looking for something heartier, cozier, and family-style? This BBQ Chicken Pizza Casserole brings all your favorite pizza toppings together in one comforting, cheesy bake — no dough rolling required. With tender shredded chicken, melty cheese, tangy BBQ sauce, and a pasta base, it’s a weeknight-friendly dish that hits the sweet spot between pizza night and pasta night.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal-prepping for the week, or looking for a freezer-friendly dish for busy days, this recipe delivers. Best of all? It’s alcohol-free, contains no pork or bacon, and is easily adaptable for a range of dietary needs.

Why You’ll Love This BBQ Chicken Pizza Casserole

• Comforting and hearty: Like pizza and pasta had a delicious baby.

• Family-friendly: Both kids and adults love the bold, familiar flavors.

• No special skills required: Just boil, mix, layer, and bake.

• Great for meal prep: Can be made ahead, frozen, or reheated.

• Customizable: Add your favorite pizza toppings or swap ingredients.

• Budget-friendly: Easy to make with affordable pantry and fridge staples.

Ingredients

For the Casserole Base

• 12 oz (about 4 cups) cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or shells work well)

• 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover chicken is great)

• 1½ cups BBQ sauce (use your favorite brand, sugar-free or spicy if preferred)

• 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce (balances out the BBQ tang with tomato richness)

• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced

• ½ cup chopped bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings

• Sliced black olives

• Jalapeño rounds (fresh or pickled)

• Sliced green onions or chives

• Extra shredded cheese for topping

• Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish

How to Make BBQ Chicken Pizza Casserole

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced red onion and bell peppers. Cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened. Season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Combine the Sauce

In a large bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce and marinara sauce. Stir in the shredded chicken until evenly coated.

Step 4: Mix Everything Together

Add the cooked pasta, sautéed vegetables, and half of the shredded cheeses to the BBQ chicken mixture. Stir well until everything is combined.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the mixture into the dish and spread evenly.

Top with the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Add any optional toppings like olives, jalapeños, or extra onions.

Step 6: Bake

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges.

Step 7: Serve

Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs or green onions. Serve warm with a crisp green salad or garlic bread.

Flavor Variations

Spicy BBQ Chicken Casserole

Use a hot BBQ sauce or add cayenne pepper and sliced jalapeños to the mix.

Vegetarian Version

Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based chicken strips. Use vegetarian BBQ sauce.

Hawaiian-Inspired

Add pineapple chunks and extra mozzarella. Sweet and smoky heaven!

Gluten-Free

Use certified gluten-free pasta and ensure the BBQ and marinara sauces are also gluten-free.

Dairy-Free

Use dairy-free shredded cheese alternatives. This casserole still bakes up melty and delicious.

Tips for Success

• Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness after baking.

• Use leftover chicken to save time — rotisserie or grilled chicken works perfectly.

• Balance BBQ sauce with tomato sauce or marinara to avoid it being overly sweet.

• Customize the toppings like pizza — think bell peppers, onions, olives, or jalapeños.

• Let it rest after baking so it sets and slices cleanly.

Make Ahead & Freezing Instructions

Make Ahead

• Assemble the casserole fully (before baking), cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance.

• When ready to bake, let sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes while the oven preheats.

To Freeze

• Prepare and assemble casserole in a freezer-safe dish.

• Wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months.

• To bake from frozen: remove foil, cover loosely with fresh foil, and bake at 375°F for about 50–60 minutes, removing foil in the last 15 minutes.

Leftovers

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Approx. 1/6 of recipe)

• Calories: 460

• Protein: 28g

• Fat: 16g

• Carbs: 45g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 12g

• Sodium: 680mg

Note: Values may vary depending on sauce and cheese used.

FAQ

Can I use leftover pizza toppings?
Absolutely. If you have leftover grilled veggies, mushrooms, or even cooked turkey — throw them in!

Is BBQ chicken pizza casserole spicy?
Only if you use spicy BBQ sauce or add hot toppings. It’s kid-friendly as written.

Can I make this casserole without cheese?
Yes, though the cheese adds that “pizza” feel. Try dairy-free alternatives or leave it out and add extra veggies for bulk.

What pasta shape is best?
Short-cut pasta like rotini, penne, or rigatoni hold up well and catch the sauce.

Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, though fresh or rotisserie has better texture. If using canned, drain and shred it well before mixing.

Who This Recipe Is For

• Families looking for a comforting, pizza-inspired dinner

• Busy weeknight cooks who want one-dish meals

• Anyone who loves bold BBQ flavors without the grill

• Home cooks wanting a freezer-friendly meal for later

• People avoiding pork, bacon, or alcohol-based recipes

Perfect Side Dishes

• Simple Green Salad – Light and crisp with a lemon vinaigrette

• Roasted Broccoli or Cauliflower – Roasts while your casserole bakes

• Garlic Bread or Cornbread – Adds a cozy, indulgent touch

• Coleslaw – Balances out the richness with freshness and crunch

• Baked Sweet Potato Fries – A BBQ classic pairing

Budget Breakdown (Estimated)