Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole: A Deliciously Easy Recipe to Try Today

Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is a dish that brings comfort and joy to the dinner table. As soon as you take a bite, the creamy texture combined with the savory flavors of chicken, crispy bacon, and zesty ranch dressing creates a symphony of taste that is hard to resist. This casserole has become a beloved staple in many households, not just for its deliciousness but also for its convenience. With busy schedules, who wouldn’t appreciate a one-dish meal that can be prepared in no time?

The origins of this dish can be traced back to the classic American comfort food tradition, where casseroles were designed to be hearty, filling, and easy to make. Over the years, the combination of cheesy goodness, tender chicken, and the irresistible crunch of bacon has made Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole a favorite for family gatherings and weeknight dinners alike. People love this dish not only for its incredible taste but also for the way it brings everyone together around the table, making it a perfect choice for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 6 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. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the bacon slices. Cook them until they are crispy, about 6-8 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, cook your chicken. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or boil chicken breasts in salted water until fully cooked, about 15-20 minutes. Once cooked, shred or dice the chicken 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 package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. 4. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside. You can toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking if you like.

Mixing the Casserole Ingredients

5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, cooked pasta, and frozen peas (if using). 6. In a separate bowl, mix together the ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the chicken, bacon, and pasta. 7. Add in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, reserving a little bit of each for topping later. Stir everything together until well combined. The ranch dressing should coat all the ingredients nicely.

Assembling the Casserole

8. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 9. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil. Pour the chicken, bacon, and pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. 10. If you reserved some cheese, sprinkle it over the top of the casserole. If you like a crunchy topping, you can also sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese.

Baking the Casserole

11. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown. 12. Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. This will help it set a little and make serving easier.

Garnishing and Serving

13. Before serving, sprinkle the chopped green onions over the top for a fresh touch and a pop of color. 14. Serve the casserole warm. It pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal.

Storing Leftovers

15. If you have any leftovers, let the casserole cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. 16. To reheat, simply place individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is a comforting dish that brings together the flavors of chicken, bacon, and ranch in a creamy, cheesy delight. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep for the week ahead. Enjoy every cheesy, bacon-filled bite!

Conclusion:

In summary, this Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to impress their family or friends with a delicious and comforting meal. The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch flavors meld together beautifully, creating a dish that is not only satisfying but also incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household. For serving suggestions, consider pairing this casserole with a fresh garden salad or some steamed 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. The possibilities are endless! I encourage you to give this Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole a try and share your experience with me! I would love to hear how it turned out for you and any creative twists you added to make it your own. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds! Happy cooking! Print