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
- Preparation: Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Meat Preparation: Slice chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces and crisp bacon in a skillet until golden brown, then chop into small, crunchy fragments.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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