Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is a creamy, savory dish that’s packed with flavor from tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a tangy ranch dressing sauce. It’s an easy, comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Here’s a simple recipe for you to try:
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (about 2 large chicken breasts)
- 8 oz bacon, cooked and crumbled (about 6 slices)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the casserole dish)
- 1 cup cooked pasta (optional, for a heartier version; use any short pasta like rotini, penne, or shells)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray.
2. Cook the Bacon:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy, about 7-8 minutes. Remove from the pan, let it drain on paper towels, and crumble it into small pieces. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until well combined.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
- Add the cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl with the ranch sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
- If you’re adding pasta, fold the cooked pasta into the mixture.
- Transfer the chicken, bacon, and ranch mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
5. Bake the Casserole:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.
6. Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired, and serve hot.
Tips:
- Low-carb option: Skip the pasta for a low-carb version, and serve the casserole with a side of roasted vegetables or a salad.
- Extra cheese: For an extra cheesy casserole, sprinkle some additional cheddar or mozzarella on top before baking.
- Make it spicy: Add some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the casserole for a little kick.
- Make ahead: This casserole can be assembled the night before and baked when you’re ready to eat. Just cover it with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate until ready to bake.
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and absolutely delicious. It’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a dish to bring to a potluck! Enjoy!
