Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
This Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch flavors baked together with pasta and melted cheese. It's the ultimate comfort food that comes together quickly with simple ingredients and delivers that irresistible bacon ranch combination everyone loves.
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet for cooking bacon
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Colander for draining pasta
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked chicken about 950ml, cubed
- 12 oz pasta 340g, penne or rotini work great
- 12 strips bacon cooked and crumbled
- 8 oz cream cheese 225g, softened
- 1 cup ranch dressing 240ml
- 1 cup sour cream 240ml
- 1/2 cup milk 120ml
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 475ml, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 240ml
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish
- green onions sliced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Cook pasta in boiling salted water until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside without rinsing.
- Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain, then crumble and reserve some for topping.
- In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and 1 cup cheddar cheese. Mix until smooth.
- Add cooked pasta, cubed chicken, and most of the bacon to the sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Pour mixture into prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Top with remaining cheddar, mozzarella, and reserved bacon pieces.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly with lightly golden edges. Broil for 2-3 minutes if desired for extra browning.
- Let casserole rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and time savings.
- Cook pasta 1-2 minutes less than package directions since it continues cooking in the oven.
- Make ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and add 10-15 minutes to baking time.
- Freezing: Freeze before or after baking for up to 3 months. Add cheese topping after thawing if frozen unbaked.
- Variations: Add steamed broccoli, spinach, or peas for extra nutrition without changing the flavor profile.
- For a spicier version, mix in 1/2 cup buffalo sauce with the cream cheese mixture.
- Turkey bacon can be substituted for regular bacon with similar results.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or in a 350°F oven for 20 minutes covered.
- If the mixture seems dry before baking, add an extra splash of milk to maintain creaminess.
Nutrition
Serving: 1servingCalories: 585kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 32gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 16gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 135mgSodium: 980mgPotassium: 425mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 18IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 35mgIron: 10mg
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