Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe

Savory Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort food reaches new heights with this irresistible cheesy chicken bacon ranch casserole that promises to satisfy every craving.

Layers of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and melted cheese create a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Ranch seasoning weaves its magical flavor through each delectable bite, making this dish impossible to resist.

The combination of creamy textures and savory ingredients guarantees a crowd-pleasing meal that will disappear from the table in minutes.

Simple ingredients transform into an extraordinary dinner that speaks directly to your hunger.

Every forkful delivers a perfect balance of rich, hearty flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to be the kitchen hero with this ultimate comfort food sensation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 655 kcal

Servings: 7

All You Need For Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe

For Base Ingredients:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that adds hearty texture and rich flavor, choose fresh boneless cuts for easiest preparation.
  • Bacon: Smoky, crispy element that brings depth and saltiness, opt for thick-cut varieties for maximum crunch.
  • Cream Cheese: Creamy binding agent that creates luxurious, smooth consistency, select full-fat version for best results.
For Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Ranch Seasoning Mix: Zesty blend that infuses the entire dish with tangy, herbal notes, look for low-sodium options if watching salt intake.
  • Garlic Powder: Aromatic spice that adds subtle warmth and complexity, choose pure ground garlic for most authentic flavor.
  • Black Pepper: Sharp, bright seasoning that boosts overall taste profile, freshly ground provides more intense flavor.
For Moisture and Texture Boosters:
  • Sour Cream: Silky ingredient that adds richness and helps prevent dryness, full-fat version provides best consistency.
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melty topping that creates golden, crispy surface, sharp variety delivers more intense cheese flavor.
  • Green Onions: Fresh garnish that brings color and light onion bite, choose bright green stalks with crisp appearance.

Kitchen Tools For Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe

  • 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect for layering all your delicious ingredients.
  • Large mixing bowl: Helps combine chicken, bacon, and creamy ranch mixture smoothly.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient amounts for the best flavor.
  • Cutting board: For chopping chicken and preparing other ingredients.
  • Sharp knife: Needed to slice chicken and dice any additional ingredients.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for mixing and spreading ingredients evenly.

Steps To Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe

  • Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 190C (375F) and give your baking dish a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent any sticky situations.

  • Create the Creamy Base

Whisk together the cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and sour cream in a large mixing bowl until smooth and well-blended, creating a dreamy sauce that’ll make your taste buds dance.

  • Combine the Stars

Toss in the shredded chicken, crispy bacon bits, and shredded cheese into the creamy mixture, stirring gently to ensure every morsel gets coated in deliciousness.

  • Spread the Love

Pour the entire mixture into your prepped baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula to guarantee maximum flavor in every bite.

  • Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the heated oven and let it bake for about 20-25 minutes, watching for that golden-brown top and bubbling edges that scream “I’m ready to be devoured!”

  • Cool and Serve

Pull the casserole out and let it rest for a few minutes – this helps it set and makes serving easier. Scoop out generous portions and enjoy the ultimate comfort food that combines all your favorite flavors in one incredible dish.

Tasty Tips For Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe

  • Creamy Texture Secret: Add an extra splash of ranch dressing for a smoother, more luxurious sauce that coats every bite perfectly.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator, then bake when ready to serve for maximum convenience.
  • Low-Carb Option: Swap pasta for cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to create a keto-friendly version that's just as delicious and satisfying.
  • Protein Power Boost: Experiment with different protein options like turkey bacon or shredded rotisserie chicken to keep the dish exciting and match your dietary preferences.
  • Veggie Enhancement: Toss in extra vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers to increase nutritional value and add vibrant colors and textures to the casserole.

Simple Ways To Serve Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe

  • Ranch Comfort Platter: Serve this hearty casserole alongside a crisp green salad with fresh cucumber slices and cherry tomatoes for a balanced meal that adds freshness to the rich dish.
  • Cheesy Sidekick Suggestion: Pair with warm garlic bread or soft dinner rolls to soak up the delicious sauce and complete the comfort food experience.
  • Game Night Feast: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual weekend dinners, this casserole travels well and satisfies crowds with its crowd-pleasing combination of chicken, bacon, and creamy ranch flavors.
  • Nutritious Boost Tip: Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and added nutrition, which brightens the dish and provides a light, herbal contrast to the rich ingredients.

How To Save Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe For Later

  • Refrigerator Ready: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. The casserole maintains its delicious flavor and texture when kept cold and sealed tightly.
  • Freezing Friendly: Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It will stay tasty for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Smart Reheating Technique: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 175C (350F) for 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
  • Prep-Ahead Magic: Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake directly from the cold state. Add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if starting from chilled.
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Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe


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4.5 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Hearty chicken bacon ranch casserole blends creamy textures with savory flavors for a comforting meal. Rich layers of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and zesty ranch create a satisfying dish you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
  • 3 cups cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
  • 1 cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
  • 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried parsley (optional for garnish)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Meat Preparation: Slice chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces and crisp bacon in a skillet until golden brown, then chop into small, crunchy fragments.
  3. Mixture Creation: In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and sour cream, blending until thoroughly incorporated. Fold in shredded cheddar cheese and diced green onions to create a rich, flavorful mixture.
  4. Baking Process: Spread the creamy chicken mixture evenly across the prepared baking dish, ensuring a smooth layer. Top with an additional sprinkle of shredded cheese for a golden, melted finish.
  5. Oven Finishing: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese melts completely and the edges turn bubbly and slightly crisp. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the dish to set.
  6. Serving: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or additional green onions for a vibrant and appetizing presentation before serving.

Notes

  • Slice Chicken Carefully: Cut chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
  • Crisp Bacon Perfectly: Cook bacon until golden and crispy to maximize flavor and texture, draining excess fat for a crunchier result.
  • Balance Seasoning Wisely: Adjust ranch seasoning and salt to taste, as pre-packaged seasonings can vary in intensity and sodium levels.
  • Prevent Casserole Dryness: Cover with foil during initial baking if mixture seems too dry, and avoid overcooking to maintain moisture and creamy consistency.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 655
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 1110 mg
  • Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 16 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 42 g
  • Cholesterol: 130 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

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