Delicious Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe

Looking for an easy and comforting dish that the whole family will love? This Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. Combining juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich ranch sauce, it’s baked to perfection in one casserole dish. Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weeknight dinner or for a weekend gathering, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

Recipe Preparation Equipment

• 1 large casserole dish (9×13 inches)
• 1 large skillet
• 1 mixing bowl
• 1 spoon or spatula for mixing
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (or rotisserie chicken)
• 6 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup ranch dressing
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking chicken)
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions (optional)
• 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini works best)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

How to Make Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole?

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your casserole dish with a bit of cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2:
Cook the chicken. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Once done, shred the chicken using a fork.

Step 3:
Prepare the bacon. Cook the bacon strips in a separate pan until crispy. Once done, crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside.

Step 4:
Mix the casserole ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, ranch dressing, sour cream, 1/2 of each shredded cheese (cheddar and mozzarella), and cooked pasta. Stir until everything is well-coated and evenly mixed.

Step 5:
Assemble and bake. Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Top with the remaining cheese, ensuring it’s spread evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the bacon and use plant-based protein or extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few chopped jalapeños for an extra kick.
• Pasta Swap: You can replace the pasta with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack, gouda, or a combination for a unique flavor.

Cooking Note

This casserole can be made ahead of time! You can prepare it in the morning, cover it, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and cook as usual. This can save you time on busy days.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up any extra sauce.
• Pair it with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
• For extra flavor, drizzle a bit of extra ranch dressing on top before serving.

Helpful Tips

• Cooking the chicken: For more flavor, consider seasoning the chicken with your favorite spices or even marinating it in ranch dressing for a few hours before cooking.
• Make it creamy: If you want the casserole to be extra creamy, add some cream cheese or heavy cream to the mixture.
• Add vegetables: You can add cooked vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or even sun-dried tomatoes for added texture and flavor.

Tips for the Best Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

• Don’t overcook the chicken as it can become dry. Shredding the chicken right after it’s cooked will help it stay juicy.
• Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting texture. Pre-shredded cheese tends to have additives that can prevent it from melting smoothly.
• If you’re making the casserole ahead of time, let it cool completely before covering and refrigerating it. When baking, increase the time slightly if it’s coming from the fridge.

Similar recipes you may also like :

• Juicy & Flavorful Chicken Thigh Recipe
• Hunan Chicken Recipe 
• Pineapple Chicken and Rice Recipe
• Creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes! You can use frozen chicken. Just ensure it’s fully thawed and cooked thoroughly before shredding.

Can I freeze Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole?

Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then cover and store it in the freezer. When ready to eat, bake it straight from the freezer (you may need to add some extra baking time).

Can I use a different dressing than ranch?

Yes! You can substitute ranch with blue cheese dressing, Caesar dressing, or even a homemade creamy dressing.

Conclusion

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is an easy and hearty meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or just satisfying your hunger on a cozy night in. With the combination of chicken, bacon, ranch dressing, and cheese, every bite is full of flavor and comfort. Plus, with the option to make variations, you can personalize this dish to suit your tastes. Enjoy it with your favorite sides, and you’ll have a meal everyone will be asking for again and again!

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