Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner

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 a

Conclusion:

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! Print