Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is a delightful dish that brings together the comforting flavors of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and zesty ranch dressing in one hearty meal. This casserole has become a beloved staple in many households, not just for its incredible taste but also for its convenience. With busy schedules and the need for quick, satisfying dinners, Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole offers a perfect solution. The creamy texture combined with the savory crunch of bacon creates a symphony of flavors that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Originating from the classic ranch dressing that has been a favorite in American cuisine for decades, this casserole embodies the spirit of home-cooked comfort food. People love this dish not only for its rich taste but also for its versatility; it can be easily customized with your favorite vegetables or pasta. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a potluck gathering, Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is sure to impress and satisfy. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe that is as easy to make as it is enjoyable to eat!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini work well)
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing the baking dish
Preparing the Ingredients
1. **Cook the Chicken**: If you haven’t already cooked your chicken, you can either boil, bake, or sauté it until fully cooked. I usually prefer to bake it at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, seasoned with salt and pepper. Once cooked, let it cool slightly before shredding or dicing it into bite-sized pieces. 2. **Cook the Bacon**: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces. 3. **Prepare the Pasta**: While the chicken and bacon are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. 4. **Gather the Remaining Ingredients**: Measure out your ranch dressing, cheeses, and any additional ingredients like frozen peas. Having everything ready will make the assembly process much smoother.Mixing the Casserole
5. **Preheat the Oven**: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly. 6. **Combine the Ingredients**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, cooked pasta, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, and frozen peas (if using). Mix everything together until well combined. I like to use a spatula to ensure that the ranch dressing coats all the ingredients evenly. 7. **Add the Cheeses**: Fold in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese into the mixture. Reserve a small handful of each cheese for topping later. This will give your casserole a delicious cheesy crust. 8. **Season to Taste**: At this point, taste the mixture and add salt and pepper as needed. Remember that the bacon and ranch dressing are already salty, so be cautious with the salt.Assembling the Casserole
9. **Prepare the Baking Dish**: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil. This will help prevent the casserole from sticking to the dish. 10. **Transfer the Mixture**: Pour the chicken, bacon, and pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, ensuring that it’s well-distributed. 11. **Top with Cheese**: Sprinkle the reserved cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole. This will create a delicious, gooey cheese layer once baked. 12. **Add Green Onions**: If you like a bit of freshness, sprinkle some chopped green onions on top of the cheese. This adds a nice pop of color and flavor.Baking the Casserole
13. **Bake**: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are slightly golden. The aroma will fill your kitchen, and you’ll be tempted to sneak a taste! 14. **Check for Doneness**: After 25 minutes, check the casserole. If the cheese is not yet bubbly and golden, give it an additional 5 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning. 15. **Let it Rest**: Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. This resting time allows the casserole to set, making it easier to serve.Serving the Casserole
16. **Slice and Serve**: Using a spatula, cut into the casserole and serve generous portions onto plates. I love to garnish each serving with a sprinkle of extra green onions for added flavor and color. 17. **Pairing Suggestions**: This casserole pairs wonderfully with aConclusion:
In summary, this Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to impress family and friends with a delicious, hearty meal that’s incredibly easy to prepare. The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, it’s a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste—consider adding vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for an extra nutritional boost, or swap out the chicken for turkey or even a meat-free alternative for a vegetarian twist. When serving, I recommend pairing this casserole with a fresh side salad or some garlic bread to round out the meal. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even meal prep for the week ahead. Trust me, once you try this Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole, it will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation. I encourage you to give this recipe a go and share your experience! Whether you stick to the classic version or make your own variations, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Don’t forget to snap a picture and tag me on social media—let’s spread the love for this delicious Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole together! PrintChicken Bacon Ranch Casserole: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner
- Total Time: Draft
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Description
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini work well)
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Preparing the Chicken and Bacon
1. Start by cooking the bacon. I like to use a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the bacon until it’s crispy, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
2. If you haven’t already cooked your chicken, you can do so now. You can either boil, bake, or sauté the chicken until it’s fully cooked. If you’re using leftover chicken, that’s perfect! Just shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces.
Cooking the Pasta
3. While the bacon and chicken are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
4. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside. I like to toss it with a little olive oil to prevent it from sticking together while I prepare the rest of the casserole.
Mixing the Ingredients
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until everything is well coated with the ranch dressing.
6. Next, add the cooked pasta to the mixture. If you’re using frozen peas, now is the time to add them as well. Gently fold everything together until the pasta is evenly distributed throughout the chicken and bacon mixture.
7. Now, it’s time to add the cheeses! I like to reserve a little bit of each cheese for topping later, but feel free to mix it all in if you prefer. Add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella to the bowl and mix until everything is well combined.
Assembling the Casserole
8. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it with cooking spray or a little olive oil.
9. Pour the chicken, bacon, and pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula to ensure it cooks evenly.
10. If you reserved some cheese, sprinkle it on top of the casserole now. If you’re using breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping, sprinkle them evenly over the cheese layer.
Cooking the Casserole
11. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You want the cheese to be melted and bubbly, and the top to be slightly golden brown.
12. Once the casserole is done baking, carefully remove it from the oven. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help it set a little and make it easier to serve.
Garnishing and Serving
13. Before serving, sprinkle the chopped green onions on top for a fresh touch. This adds a nice pop of color and flavor to the dish.
14. To serve, scoop out portions with a large spoon and place them on plates. I love to pair this casserole with a simple side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal.
15. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole! It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s a great dish for leftovers, as it reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven.
Storage Tips
16. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should last for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
17. You can also freeze this casserole if you want to make it ahead of time. Just assemble it in the baking dish, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze. When you’re ready to bake
Ingredients
Conclusion:
In summary, this Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to whip up a delicious, comforting meal that the whole family will love. The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing creates a flavor explosion that is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends.
For serving suggestions, I recommend pairing this casserole with a fresh green salad or some roasted vegetables to balance out the richness of the dish. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with variations by adding your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli or bell peppers, or even swapping out the chicken for shredded rotisserie chicken to save time.
I truly encourage you to give this Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed! Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience. Share your thoughts, any tweaks you made, or even a photo of your creation. Let’s spread the love for this delicious recipe together!
Instructions
Delicious Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch for a comforting meal everyone will love!
Notes
Bacon Ranch Chicken Mac & Cheese
- Prep Time: chicken-bacon-ranch-casserole
- Cook Time: Lily