There’s something so comforting about a warm casserole coming out of the oven, don’t you think? This chicken bacon ranch casserole recipe is everything you could want in a family dinner—hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor! The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and zesty ranch seasoning creates a dish that’s not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want to feed the family something that feels special without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, the first time I made this, my kids devoured it in minutes, and I’ve been making it regularly ever since. So, if you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to whip up and full of mouthwatering goodness, this casserole is your answer!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this chicken bacon ranch casserole recipe a hit! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or any leftover chicken you have on hand.
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled: Cook your bacon until it’s nice and crispy for that perfect crunch.
- 1 packet ranch seasoning: This adds that signature flavor; don’t skimp on it!
- 2 cups cooked pasta: I love using penne or rotini, as they hold the sauce beautifully.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Go for sharp cheddar for an extra kick of flavor!
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup: This is the creamy base that ties everything together.
- 1/2 cup milk: It helps to loosen the mixture, making it creamy and dreamy.
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped: These add a fresh, zesty touch that balances the richness of the dish.
Having everything prepped and ready to go makes the cooking process so much smoother, so chop, shred, and crumble away!
How to Prepare the Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe
Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this delicious chicken bacon ranch casserole! Trust me, it’s easier than you think, and I’ll walk you through each step. Just follow along, and you’ll have a mouthwatering dish in no time!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first—let’s preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and the cheese gets all melty and bubbly. You don’t want to skip this step, or you might end up with a dish that’s not quite as fabulous!
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, ranch seasoning, cooked pasta, shredded cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, milk, and chopped green onions. I like to add the ranch seasoning first so that it evenly coats the chicken and bacon. Mix everything together gently but thoroughly. You want to make sure all those ingredients are well combined but don’t overmix—just enough to get that creamy goodness spread throughout!
Step 3: Transfer and Bake
Once your mixture is ready, grab a greased casserole dish. I like to use cooking spray or a bit of butter to help with sticking. Spoon the mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. Now, pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is bubbly and golden brown and the casserole is heated through. If you want to double-check, just insert a knife in the center—it should come out hot! Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, so you don’t burn your tongue on that deliciousness!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! Each serving of this chicken bacon ranch casserole recipe is estimated to have about 450 calories, making it a hearty option for dinner. You’ll also be getting around 25 grams of fat, including 10 grams of saturated fat. On the protein front, it packs a solid 30 grams, which is great for keeping you satisfied. With about 30 grams of carbs and just 2 grams of sugar, it fits nicely into a balanced meal. Keep in mind, these values can vary based on your specific ingredients, but they’re a good guideline to work with!
Tips for Success
To make sure your chicken bacon ranch casserole turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my go-to tips! First, don’t rush the preheating step—an evenly heated oven is key to a bubbly, golden top. If you’re using leftover chicken, shred it into bite-sized pieces for a better texture throughout the dish. And here’s a little secret: let your cooked bacon cool slightly before crumbling it; this helps maintain that crispy goodness! Also, feel free to adjust the ranch seasoning to your taste; you can even add a pinch of garlic powder for an extra flavor boost. Lastly, if you want to make this dish even more colorful and nutritious, toss in some steamed broccoli or bell peppers before baking. Trust me, it’ll be a hit!
Variations on the Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe
One of the best things about this chicken bacon ranch casserole recipe is how flexible it is! There are so many ways to switch things up and make it your own. For starters, why not add some colorful veggies? I love tossing in steamed broccoli or sweet bell peppers for an extra crunch and a pop of color. You could also try adding some frozen peas or corn if you have them on hand—they blend in beautifully!
If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle in some diced jalapeños for a spicy kick or swap out the cheddar cheese for pepper jack to amp up the flavor! You could also experiment with different pasta shapes; fusilli or farfalle work wonderfully too. And for a twist on the ranch flavor, think about mixing in some buffalo sauce for a zesty, tangy version. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative and make this casserole your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers are one of the best parts of making this chicken bacon ranch casserole recipe! To store, simply let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. If you’re planning to keep it longer, you can also freeze individual portions. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then pop them in a freezer-safe container, and they should last for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, reheating is a breeze! For the best results, bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Just remember, if you’re reheating in the microwave, cover it with a microwave-safe lid to keep it moist. Enjoy those cozy flavors all over again!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use raw chicken in this recipe? While I recommend using cooked chicken for this chicken bacon ranch casserole recipe to save time, you can use raw chicken. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before adding it to the casserole.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup? If you don’t have cream of chicken soup on hand, you can use a homemade version by mixing equal parts of sour cream and chicken broth or even a can of cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor profile.
Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare everything in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to eat. It’s a great option for meal prepping!
How do I know when the casserole is done? Your casserole is ready when the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the center is heated through. You can also use a knife to check; it should come out hot!
Can I add more cheese? Yes! If you’re a cheese lover like me, feel free to add extra cheese on top before baking for an even cheesier experience!
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Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe: 7 Steps to Comfort
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A delicious and hearty chicken bacon ranch casserole perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine chicken, bacon, ranch seasoning, pasta, cheese, soup, milk, and green onions.
- Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until heated through and cheese is bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to add vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers.
- You can use leftover chicken for quicker prep.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: chicken bacon ranch casserole recipe
