Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole: A Creamy, Cheesy Crowd-Pleaser
This hearty casserole combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch, and plenty of cheese for the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, this dish is always a crowd favorite.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Large mixing bowl
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Whisk
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced; rotisserie or leftover chicken works well
- 12 oz pasta penne, rotini, or any short pasta
- 8 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup milk
- optional vegetables broccoli, spinach, or peas
- optional seasonings garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika
- optional fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cream cheese, sour cream, ranch dressing, and milk until smooth. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, and the creamy sauce. Add vegetables and seasonings if using. Mix until evenly coated.
- Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden topping, broil for 2–3 minutes.
- Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired.
Notes
Customize with your favorite vegetables or swap the protein for turkey or ham. For a low-carb version, use cauliflower florets instead of pasta. Assemble ahead and refrigerate, then bake before serving. Freezes well before baking.
Nutrition
Calories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 30gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 10mg
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