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When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with the heartwarming embrace of Cheesy BBQ Chicken Baked Ziti. This dish artfully blends the smoky, tangy flavors of BBQ chicken with the creamy, indulgent nature of melted cheeses, creating a culinary experience that is as satisfying as it is delicious. With a perfect balance of textures and flavors, this baked ziti is not just a meal; it's a celebration on a plate.

Cheesy BBQ Chicken Baked Ziti

Indulge in the comforting goodness of Cheesy BBQ Chicken Baked Ziti, the perfect dish for family dinners or gatherings with friends. This recipe combines smoky BBQ chicken with a rich blend of gooey cheeses, creating a deliciously satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare. Layered with ziti pasta and enhanced with spices, this dish promises to be a crowd-pleaser. Serve it with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete experience that everyone will love.
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Ingredients
  

12 oz ziti pasta

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie or grilled works great)

1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)

1 cup ricotta cheese

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready when you assemble your dish.

    Cook the Ziti: In a large pot, fill with water, add a generous amount of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to the package directions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.

      Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly, ensuring that each piece of chicken is well-coated with the flavorful sauce.

        Mix the Cheeses: In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with half of the mozzarella cheese, half of the cheddar cheese, and the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well until all the cheese is evenly blended.

          Combine Ingredients: Grab a large baking dish (about 9x13 inches). Begin by layering half of the cooked ziti at the bottom. Top it with half of the BBQ chicken mixture, followed by half of the cheese mixture. Repeat these layers with the remaining ziti, chicken, and cheese mixture to create a deliciously stacked casserole.

            Top with Cheese: To complete your dish, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese generously over the top layer of the final assembly.

              Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning, and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes. Look for the cheese to be bubbling and lightly golden brown when done.

                Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes to allow the layers to set. Before serving, garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

                  Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

                    - Presentation Tips: Scoop generous portions and serve in individual bowls, with extra BBQ sauce on the side for drizzling if desired. Enjoy this comforting dish with a simple green salad for a complete meal!